genuine windows error

I keep getting a message that my version of windows is not genuine. i recently had my pc fixed and i think he must have installed a dodgy version. When i try to install my version of windows it says it will not install it because the version on my pc is newer. it also says that i will lose my files if i install it. please help me what do i do

 

Hi Hackley, you won't sort this out in a hurry so don't rush into anything.

You can definitely reinstall Windows from your own Cd, you will just have to delete whatever is on there first. But don't do this yet until you have prepared properly.

Is your CD genuine Microsoft and do you have the CD key, either on the disk, packaging or the side of the pc? If not what sort is it? What version of windows is it?

Do you also have any drivers cds for your pc?

Have you somewhere to put your data and drivers temporarily?

If you can download from MG get autopatcher, it will do all the update for you after you have installed any version of XP.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/AutoPatcher_XP_Full_d4901.html

Your 'repairer' may have done a 'repair install' from a dodgy cd. What you do about this is up to you, but at least get your money back. If the message is genuine Microsoft you will get an error message at boot saying that Windows is not genuine and a countdown. If you click on resolve now Msoft will ask for £95. If you click on resolve later things will work but msoft will not update.
you should also see a star in the bottom right hand tray.


Studio T

 

thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I am a novice at all this but learning quickly. I have a genuine windows xp home edition with product key on cd case. I have no idea about drivers, if i have them, or what safe place i would put them in if i do. Sorry for being so thick!! tell me what to do and i will. I also know i have major malware problems do i sort those out first or this?? thank you again in advance confused

 

Hi Hackley. It is important that you answer the questions.

I'm glad you have a genuine XP CD. It does not matter what version just so long as you are sure it has NOT been installed on another machine somewhere?

Having malware at the moment is not a problem if you can still get to the internet as it will all be wiped away by a 'clean install'.

Your strategy should be to gather resources to prepare for re-installation.

1) Prove that your windows Cd will boot the pc. Put it into the pc and restart. Watch for the notice press any key to boot from cd. Press space. The pc should then say booring from CD and some microsoft message appears.
This is all you need at the moment. If you can't get the pc to boot from CD. repeated tap del/F1 to enter the bios and change the boot order to CD first. Choose save settings and exit.

2) Make sure any data is safe, preferably off the pc. Can you do this or do you need to create another partition to put it on?

3) If you have a folder c:\drivers also copy this.

4) Search your original packaging etc for a CD marked drivers. What is the make and model of the pc? You MUST have drivers before you start.

5) If you can download autopatcher as my previous post. Confirm.

When you have sorted these things post again and we will proceed to wiping the hard drive and rei-installing Windows. That will take you 2/3 hours.

Studio T