Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Could a virus/trojan horse chane my XP product key?

by phil159 Jan 9, 2006 11:58PM PST

I recently purchased a second hand laptop. However, when I try to update Win XP through the MS website I am being told that it is not an official copy of XP? I contacted the seller who has told me that a virus or trojan horse has changed the product key. Can this happen or is he just a liar?

Discussion is locked

5 Posts

- Collapse + Expand Details

- Collapse -

Yes, there is such a pest.

by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Jan 10, 2006 12:00AM PST

Easy to fix. Microsoft has a tool to fix that.

Bob

- Collapse -

(NT) (NT) RP, where can I get the fix, is it downloadable?

by Melati Hitam Jan 12, 2006 1:14AM PST

- Collapse -

Link. Pick your choice.

by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Jan 12, 2006 1:27AM PST

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=Windows+XP+Product+Key+Modifier

- Collapse -

Thanks, but I thought you refering to

by Melati Hitam Jan 12, 2006 1:58AM PST

fixing the trojan/virus and return the original Product key.

The google link you mention, doesn't talk about the trojan/virus, just the utility to change the product key.

Thanks anyway..

- Collapse -

(NT) (NT) Thanks To Phil & Bob!! Good to Know of This!! :-)

by tobeach Jan 11, 2006 3:55PM PST

Back to Spyware, Viruses, & Security forum