I have an old computer that I purchased from a guy I used to work with. I used the computer for 2 to 3 years and then purchased a new one about 2 years ago. I recently pulled the old one out of the closet to set up for my grand kids to use to play games and surf the net when they are here. (I type from my home and I need my computer most of the time) so I can't always let them on mine. The problem I have is that I am now receiving a message stating that my computer does not pass Windows validation and that I might be a victim of software counterfeiting. What options do I have? When I look at system info, it shows to have an OEM number in the network key. The tower has a COA sticker on it with a number, but I don't really know how to see if that matches. Any ideas? Thanks for your help.
Windows XP counterfeit software
(33 posts) (6 voices)-
Robert
StrayCatYou can always check this using a small program called SIW.
(SIW stands for " System Information for Windows")
Download it from http://www.gtopala.com
The free version will do nicely.Posted 15 years ago # -
I remember that popping up on my Vista computer. Did you make any recent upgrades to the computer such as a new sound card or anything of that nature? Microsoft says this type of thing triggers the message, which mine popped up after a new video card installation. All you should have to do is call the number the error provides and it will be automated. You give them your serial number, and it will re-validate it and give you another number to type into your computer and then you should be all set (if it truly is valid.) Hope this helps!
Posted 15 years ago # -
uh oh wjs, looks like you may be infected...this is a common problem with spyware and trojans.
Posted 15 years ago # -
just real quick, try changing your homepage to see if this works
Posted 15 years ago # -
yes try changing the homepage just to see if you can
Posted 15 years ago # -
ok then you may not be infected
Posted 15 years ago # -
that being said, every link i've gotten from google mentions spyware and trojans with said dll file
Posted 15 years ago # -
wjs3456
MemberThanks. I purchased this computer from the computer administrator at the company I worked for. It was his personal computer (he upgraded to a new one) and I just needed an extra one at the time. I find it hard to believe that he would pirate software, but you never know. I'll try the phone call to Microsoft and see where it goes from them. Thanks for all of your help.
Posted 15 years ago # -
no problem wjs, might i suggest going to this site to seek help with the dll?
These guys know their stuff and will definitely help you out with your missing file.
Good luck,
AHPosted 15 years ago # -
This will help make sure you have the same license, but you will still need to call the number to verify if it is anything like what I had. It told me I had a deadline to do so or windows would quit working.
Posted 15 years ago # -
GMMan, Hexadecimal Blacksmith
BlockedNote that if the installation is an original OEM installation (not reinstalled or anything), the Product Keys could be different, as OEMs use a single install image to install Windows on multiple computers of the same configuration. They have a single key preinstalled that is perfectly valid with Microsoft. (Something to note, my Dell when I reinstalled Windows never asked me to insert the product key, even once. It seems that it have used some factory key or something.) Service Pack upgrades could also be a factor, as different Windows keys of the same product doesn't necessarily work with different service packs (case in point: Win7 Beta and RC keys are different), they might be updated to work with the new service pack.
Oh yeah, and call Microsoft with both your COA product key and the one installed on your computer. If the one on your computer is counterfeit, they'll probably send you a new Windows kit or something. Of course, it could very well possible that it's Microsoft who screwed up, as most of us should know that Windows Genuine Advantages is crap.
Posted 15 years ago # -
wjs3456
MemberWhat? Microsoft screw up? LOL - I am currently running a spyware program on the computer and once complete and repaired as it does show some problems, I will contact Microsoft and go from there. I'll let you know at a later post if my problems get solved.
I have to leave tomorrow am to go to Oklahoma and help my mother-in-law with some paperwork. We lost my father-in-law on the 22nd of June and have tons of paperwork to process (Social Security, VA, insurance, etc.). My husband is an only child and I am trying to help her (she's almost 82). They just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on June 19th. Really a sad time for all. They were saving for a trip to Germany (her hometown is Munich) this month, but he had a stroke in March and never really came out of it so the trip never came about.
Thanks for all the input from everyone here.
Posted 15 years ago # -
Robert
StrayCatwjs3456
Sorry to hear about your father-in-law.
I would like to add one more thing.
Before making that call, please check if that COA product key on your computer case and the one being used by your system both refer to the same Windows version...
As to wdokbye.dll not being found, this seems to be a harmless leftover from a removed spyware program.
But you can disable that message on startup either by digging into the registry's run keys or do it the easy way ,using this nifty program Startup Control panel - Mike Lin"Posted 15 years ago # -
wjs3456
MemberRobert, can this check for the COA product key on the case and the one used by the system be done by using the program you mentioned earlier? I think I have gotten rid of the message for the wdokbye.dll file. I ran a spyware program and it cleaned up a lot of adware, etc.
Posted 15 years ago # -
GMMan, Hexadecimal Blacksmith
BlockedFor a straight, no digging key finder, try Magic Jellybean Keyfinder or NirSoft ProduKey.
Posted 15 years ago # -
When you pulled the computer out of the closet did it give you the invalid windows message the first time you turned it on or after downloading lots of updates? This is where Microsoft could have screwed things up, because one of their updates has caused people to lose their valid copy of windows, even though it's perfectly valid. I would guess the computer is just fine, its Microsoft that's messed it up.
Either way, it's usually resolved with a tactful call to Microsoft with your story and they'll help sort it out, regardless which key is which or what matches who.
Worst case scenario is that you'll have to reinstall windows, if you have the cds.
Posted 15 years ago # -
Robert
StrayCatGM.Lol.Right.
wjs3456
There a different types of COA stickers ever since XP was launched.
Main thing is the license on the sticker should cover the same XP version as the one you're running.So they should both be XP PRO Oem or XP Home Oem.
Can't ask you to mention what's exactly on it here,but feel free to contact me doing a PM (personal message) to BuBBY.
Just a thought.Maybe you should ask that guy who you bought that computer from ,if he somehow has reused that license.
But then again that key might have become blacklisted because someone used a generator or due to a flaw in WGA.So calling MS might resolve things ,as BentlyTCow suggests.Posted 15 years ago #
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