"This copy did not pass genuine validation" Please help!!

by jonescountry2007 Aug 18, 2007 3:23AM PDT

A friend bought this computer at a yard sale for me. It did not come with any software, so the OS Windows XP SP1 was already installed on it. When I got on the Internet I went to Microsoft download.com and proceeded to do some of there many free updates. Then I wanted to upgrade to XP SP2or3 and it asked me to validate my OS. So I did and it came back with the message "This copy did not pass genuine validation" I've had one sugestion that was to go to Linux or Ubanta. I thought I had downloaded Ubanta but when it was done nothing happened.So you can see I'm stuck and very frustrated! So if anyone could please help It would be gratefully appreciated.Thank you for your time and help.

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I'm not sure what help you are asking for

by MarkFlax Former Forum moderator Aug 18, 2007 6:58AM PDT

It seems from what you say that this computer your friend brought for you has a pirated copy of Windows XP on it. You can fix that fairly easily by purchasing a genuine version from a computer store.

Is that what you mean?

You say you downloaded Ubuntu but when it was done nothing happened. What do you mean by that?

Ubuntu is a distro, (version) of Linux and you can get a version of Ubuntu that is held on a CD where you can boot up from the CD and have Ubuntu run as an operating system from that CD, (a LiveCD). But although that is useful for diagnosis problems it isn't really suitable as an everyday option.

If you want to use Ubuntu as a replacement for Windows then you will need to download the CD installer, then boot from that.

Mark

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"This copt did not pass Genuine validation"

by jonescountry2007 Aug 18, 2007 9:55AM PDT

Thank you for answering my ? so soon . That's one of the things I love about CNet. Anyhow, yes that about sums it up except that I can't afford to purchase a valid OS Package. I was very lucky to get this computer. I'm Dissabled and I'm still waiting on my S.S.I to kick in. I did look on Ebay and found some reasonable prices, but I don't know if I can trust that it's a genuine copy and they haven't already used it. So I'm again stuck. I really don't have a problem with the Linux-Ubanta programs as long as it's not to complicated. So,I guess if thats my only solution, unless you have something else I could try. Then could you point me in the right direction so I can try to download Linux again. Thank you for your time and help.

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Ubuntu can be downloaded here

by PudgyOne Aug 18, 2007 2:30PM PDT

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

Good luck,

Rick

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"This copy did not pass genuine validation." Please help!!

by cnet74 Aug 19, 2007 2:40PM PDT

XP can only be installed in one computer, and it coming from yard sale substantially precludes you from from owning that activation number.
Linux/Ubuntu is as regular as any operating system, and it is becoming more mainstream, because of Live CD copies (do not require changes in your system to try it, but you cannot usually save files either unless you install it in your system). Issues mostly are trying to obtain the drivers for your devices to make them work. But since you can first try the flavor of Linux that you want to install in LiveCD, at least you can try to see if your internet, sound, printer, etc., work. The Linux communities out there are many to help you in your issues, once you get into internet. You may also try Damn Small Linux (fits into 50MB USB}, MEPIS, Knoppix, and the very stable DEBIAN. It won't be an easy, yet could be an exciting, adventure of both the mind and the spirit.
As far as passing the validation hurdle, when I call here in California at 3:00 AM for technical support, I usually get an MSN rep from India, and listening to him for reasons why my XP is not considered genuine, you may obtain an insight on how to obtain a new copy of XP free, or a new IP number.

"This copy did not pass genuine validation" Please help!!

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