Genuine check windows xp

It includes the following steps:. The ActiveX control is downloaded on the first validation and when a new version is available, but the validation itself can be performed any time the user connects to a Microsoft Website to update.

The user is given a grace period in which to then pass validation, after which most of the operating system is disabled and Windows reverts to reduced functionality mode.

This behavior however has been removed in Service Pack 1 of Windows Vista in favor of prominent notices on systems believed unlicensed. In early releases the tool could be readily disabled with the IE Add-on Management feature. A Windows Group Policy was added by later updates, causing this option to be unavailable by default, but still accessible if the policy were removed. As of July , the latest update blocks management by other means. The program uses either a stand-alone program to generate a key or an ActiveX control to discover whether the license key is valid; either way an Internet connection is required.

However, newer versions of Windows will still require the user to purchase a new copy. Microsoft also offers discounts to people who want to purchase a legitimate copy of Windows but do not have a valid CD. Microsoft has indicated that they will continue to deliver critical security updates through their Automatic Updates service as well as via the Microsoft Download Center, so that all systems, including those that fail to pass validation, will still continue to receive critical security updates.

The company has made installation of Windows Genuine Advantage a requirement for use of the Windows Update and Microsoft Update websites, in part to be sure that customers who use support resources of the company are aware when their software is unlicensed.

According to Microsoft themselves, it is legal to run Microsoft Windows without Windows Genuine Advantage [ citation needed ]. You can test this theory by making a new working installation disc by slipstreaming XP's SP3 into your SP2 installation files.

I tried several times and even had a second person type in the key. Same result. Yes the disks are fully Microsoft hologrammed. I paid for the email version of Microsoft "technical help" via email. After about a month of trouble shooting and trying different fixes, Microsoft said they were unable to repair. The first disk got lost in the mail and a replacement was sent, then the first showed up- that's how I have two disks. Both keys return the invalid key error.

What does that mean? They should work, since Microsoft sent the disks and asked me to use them for an reinstall. If I read your reply correctly, there is no Microsoft or any other website that can say if the key is valid. What a shame, and what a pain to have to call the licensing center and try to explain.

I will give it a try -- but is there someone at Microsoft I can just email the key and have them check? Activate over the internet. If you have an active internet connection, activating online is the quickest way. You can also activate using a dial-up modem. If you've used this XP key on a different computer in the past, you may have to contact Microsoft by phone to activate Windows XP.

Activate over the phone if you don't have internet. If you don't have an internet connection, you can activate Windows XP by calling the Microsoft activation center. Give the support rep the installation ID that is displayed in the activation wizard, and then enter in the code that the support rep gives to you. After entering the code, Windows XP should activate. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

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