Windows XP Pro software did not pass genuine validation

I have read where some OEM software, while the real thing, does not pass the validation. Probably due to errors, glitches, and what have you. It seems MSFT isn't that worried about what they consider a small amount of such instances (harrummph). MSFT may help you if you contact them, but if not do a web search, there are some work arounds to this problem.

It happens, and false positives are actually quite a bit more common than Microsoft would like people to believe. If you're certain your copy of Windows is legit, then just call the activation hotline and they should be able to manually verify it for you, as well as take care of the rest.

Sadly, because of piracy and more, the most common reason for this is the VLK had to be invalidated. If you have such a VLK and the license is valid them MSFT will issue you a new key. The old key you have will fail again if you try to use it.

Example MSFT response at http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/genuinewindowsxp/thread/4701a7c1-7096-421b-866c-57cb70225dcb

I'll copy the text here just in case,
Bob

"Based on your MGA Diagnostic results you have a geographically blocked PID. A "Geographically blocked PID" is a Volume License Key that is valid, but was licensed solely to a corporation or larger enterprise/business. Blocked VLK's are Product Keys that Microsoft has received consent from the original owner to block usage of. A VL Product Key is non-transferrable to individuals. In order to resolve your non-genuine licensing issue, please visit: www.microsoft.com/genuine and click on "Validate Windows". When validation fails, click on the Get Genuine button which will provide information on how to acquire a WGA Kit.


Please visit Compaq Technical Support and request them to send you the recovery media for your paticular model of computer. This will allow you to restore the computer as if it were new."