why does my computer complain that my windows isn't genuine when it totally is? can this be a virus or something doing this? when i start the computer there's a thingy that says this windows isn't genuine, click here to blah blah. this is before i even select which user i'm logging in as. then after it says again that windows isn't genuine and there's a funky toolbar icon that looks like a star, sorta. what to do? and can it be that if it's not the work of some virus that i've been sold an illegal copy of windows instead of the real one??? *sigh* help!
Did you get it from a retail store, or some local PC builder? It sounds like you have one of the leaked corporate keys that were floating around about 5 years ago. Dump Windows and go Linux.....no more worries about activation, or genuine crap. Seriously though, I would go back to whoever you bought it from and have a little chat with them. ~Rich
just to add to DoubleDwn, if you go with Linux try Ubuntu. It is very easy to install the OS. And it is free, you sign up and they mail you disc's Its awsome.
Contact microsoft about it, also about your toolbars post in the windows spyware and viruses forum, probally some adware or spyware, doesnt explain why windows claims your running an unregistered OS though...as I said before you have to contact them about that.
To add to iPirate--Fedora Core 5 has a real slick installer too. It partitions and sets up your swap partition automagically. Plus its a real pretty interface compared to FC4. Ubuntu wasnt too bad, I just happen to lean towards FC5. You want to have some fun? Install Slackware as a linux noob. You'll be in the corner of the room sucking your thumb and crying.
There is a program you can download called Microsoft Genuine Advantage diagnostic tool. The file name is called MGADiag.exe. This will help you discover why it's not genuine...and may even fix the problem.