VTR1000.ORG

We had our computer formatted by a "computer/IT tech" friend some time ago. Reformatted basically...he installed Windows Vista.

Now Microsoft have decided to chuck there teddies out, we get a constant reminder "You may be a victims of software counterfeiting" on log on and every time we turn the PC on I get a blank black wallpaper with the same warning in the bottom corner.

The comp is fully virus protected/monitored and is scanned regularly.

How can I get rid of this

Cheers all

Buy an original copy of vista!

Know that much...

Anyone else?

If not chojindan your spot on

Nope, Dan is spot on.

Essentially it sounds like your friend has used a copy of someone else's Vista operating system, so strictly speaking you are in breahc of copyright, as you have not purchased a copy of Vista but are using a pirated version. Short of buying a new version of Vista and having it installed, you won't get rid of that message.

Microsoft are gradually catching up on dodgy copies of installed operating systems and software - going back some months, one of the security updates they put out for Vista was something like "monitor for genuine microsoft software" (can't remember exactly what it was called), hwoever one had the option of installing this or not, but what it does is exactly that, it checks that computers connected to the net are using genuine (licensed) microsoft software and of not - well you get exactly what you are getting. There is no way of turning it off, and I think (but don't know) that after so long it could be that one day you get a blank screen and nothing else, i.e. they will stop the software being used. Or you may get a knock on your door (and yes they can trace computers, never believe that they can't).

Seriously, I would back your data up to an separate (remote) hard drive "just in case" that happens. You will need to anyway to get your PC rebuilt, as th eonly way out of this is to buy a new (licensed) operating system from Microsoft and get it installed.

Personally, if you can afford it, I'd cut your losses and get a new PC. A copy of Vista Home Premium from someone like eBuyer is £122. You would then also have to download or locate the various drivers for each peripheral device (although Windows should pull those down from the net as it installs in theory). A new PC these days is not that much more expensive and let's be honest Vista is not the best of operating systems, Windows 7 is so much more superior and is what Vista should have been in the first place. Me, I'd put the money I would have used to buy a genuine Vista licence towards a new machine.

If you do go that route, then you could continue to use your existing machine purely as a backup device for things like piccies etc - just don't connect it to the net. I still have my old XP laptop which I use for exactly that reason, loads of disc space on it, but operating system not maintained, not connected to net, so no updates - as there is no need, it is purely a machine for holding backups of my data. Also handy for holding soft copies of workshop manuals and microfiche when working on my bikes

Sorry rambled on there, but think you get the drift. Essentially you need to purchase a genuine copy of Vista and get it installed OR cust your losses, buy a new PC and transfer your data to it. You will not get rid of the message you are getting now and Microsoft are aware you are using a pirate copy of their operating system.

Howe

I switched to Win 7 when I bought a new pc last year, and would only warn that it upset a few older peripherals which don't yet have drivers for Win 7, but work fine on Vista using Vista or XP drivers.

Had to get a new printer and external drive.
Check on mnfr's websites to see if they list a Win 7 driver.

'part from that it's a better system, worth the upgrade and messing about just for the Library features.

Shall look into it asap

Cheers

Jbrebel wrote:we get a constant reminder "You may be a victims of software counterfeiting" on log on and every time we turn the PC on I get a blank black wallpaper with the same warning in the bottom corner.



How can I get rid of this

might sound daft, but when you first set it up after the reformat, did you set the date and time properly and the timezone>>>?
worth checking for the sake of a few mins, surprising how much software disowns you if the clock is wrong

Clocks set fine matey.

Looks like its a new pc/format asap at least I have the netbook for browsing

Phone them up and tell them you have the copy on multiple computers. I did this with a copy I obtained from uni for free (was 100% genuine) but I kept on getting the same error. You speak to a robot so no need to worry there. If the plod come knocking at your door don't blame me lol

James

Its ok pal, I've got a new PC now with "genuine" Windows 7

As soon as I buy something it gets replaced by something newer...........got windows vista basic on one of the kids laptops and premium on the other, dont ask me how that happened cos both came from the same disc............go figure, anyway its too complicated for me but my 10 year old is teaching me how. Clever little sod, but he cant strip an engine.............I can............just have bits left over, worrying in't it.

Too much hype this new Windows stuff.

Noth ing wron g w ith a Wi ndows 3.1 oper ati ng syste m!!!



LSM

LotusSevenMan wrote:Too much hype this new Windows stuff.

Noth ing wron g w ith a Wi ndows 3.1 oper ati ng syste m!!!



LSM

Too right Chris, windows are either open or shut

Chris.