Thats very odd of Microsoft to 'offer' to validate pirated software for £90 and likely due to their new operating system due out next year called 'Longhorn' so thought it best to claw back some money! Normally they just take people to court!

I was searching for a valid security certificate on that link,but unless i download the 'key'-i cant check to see if its really originated from Microsoft and not just from someones bedroom like some are.

I'll try some of your scanning suggestions. I already have Norton anti virus and Norton Systemworks and Webroot Sypsweeper but again I just trust them to work and update themselves!!

Thanks Kath X

Hi Meganrose if in doubt you can always contact Microsoft via Google and ask them about it...I have no intention of doing anything about mine it is like blackmail ..

Yeah, I know what you mean considering the amount of money I keep paying out!

Never give your account or card details when prompted to Meganrose over the net.If its legitemate-they can wait!

Thanks again Steve, I've run the scan that you suggested and it's ticked all area's as being safe and so at least that's one good thing. I think it's more likely that I have been 'done over' by my ex computer engineer as I do not possess a disk or book as I did with my previous version of windows etc from Tiny. If this is the case it sounds as if the £90 will be cheap then. I feel like 'dobbing in' this man but I can't as a he's a friend of a friend and they recommended him to me in the 1st place. Anyway thanks for all your help. I won't do anything immediately.

Kath X

Hi Meganrose I confirmed it was genuine by going to tools/windows updates on my PC than to the windows site/check updates history and the 'check validation' tool is listed there ...

Thanks Mini, I haven't got a clue what on Earth you are talking about but it's good enough for me . Thanks again X

Just to add with most computers your don't get a hard copy of XP any more, it's pre-installed on your machine, but there should be a Microsoft sticker on the back of your base unit with your License No. if your copy is genuine.

Sounds like this is a genuine Microsoft initiated warning. The updated WGA tool was rolled-out from end of April.

http://labnol.blogspot.com/2006/04/wga-notifications-this-copy-of-windows.html

The best way to resolve it is to get your PC maker to put a genuine copy of Windows XP on your PC (if it came pre-installed with it). If the maker is no longer in existence, you can either buy a 'legal' copy of Windows XP or use this workaround:

http://labnol.blogspot.com/2006/04/workarounds-to-disable-non-genuine.html