I can't get updates from MS for my XP Pro. They still say I have counterfeit Win, but I downloaded a FREEBIE that immediately revealed my author. key. At first I just couldn't get an update on the media player, now I can't get ANY updates. I bought my Compaq second hand, and doesn't have disc or sticker.      1-888-571-2048By the sounds of things, you Have an illegitimate version of Windows and have used an activation key generator to generate an activation key. If the system came with XP Preinstalled, I think Microsoft gives you a free copy of the pirated software if you rat out the seller.  I bought my pc from a private party, about 8 yrs ago. It was in storage for the last couple yrs, until about 5 mo. ago. When I started having a prob with my audio, I contacted MS. I had been getting updates with no problems, til then. Would be glad to rat seller out, if I knew where she was and remembered her name. I explained it all to MS. Looks like I'm out of luck and too broke to buy any right now.
I thank you for trying to help, any way.
I understand, that this is a long shot, and not easy to investigate, but...
I had similar problem with my Vista computer, which I bought last September.
Everything was fine, and all of sudden one day, my validation wouldn't pass. What the heck?
It took me a while to figure out this one.
First, I figured out, it must have been something recently installed, or updated on my computer.
Since, at that TIME, I didn't installed anything crucial, I turned my attention to updates.
I don't recall exactly how I pinpointed my problem, but at the end it was one of PC Tools firewall (which I was using at that time) updates, which turned my Windows not-genuine.
I uninstalled that firewall, and validation passed without a problem.
Just to give you some starting point.
 Thanks! I'll give it a try. BTY, Broni, thanks again for the firefox recommend. Once I get all my illegal ALIEN svchosts sorted out, it's going to get really fun!
Three wks old, and my grandbaby already has "tude!"

[RECOVERING space - ATTACHMENT deleted by admin]You're welcome Vista does tend to jump the gun with product activation. I read on the Australian personal Computer website that one of their journos changed thie graphics card and it set the activation thing off, and he had to reactive. If I can find the link I'll post it.