Microsoft just announced that it will stop updating microsoft windows on line if you can't prove you're the owner of the OS. What does that mean? Do you have to be the original owner of a PC? Does that mean you can't buy a used computer- only a new one?

The Copy must be legit. No more Pirated copies being updated. If you have the original Product Code that shipped with the PC you are OK, if you received a copy from a friend of a friend...go buy a copy.

sounds like im ok, got a serial with the pc, printed on the back of it

I'm ok also. I have found 3 #'s on PC's--- one under the PC--one when you right click on my computer then click on properties, and one when you use a program called view key xp this # is call a key #. Anyone know what they are for?
So let me get this right. Lets say a PC had win 98se on it and they upgraded to xp. If you were to buy it you need the #and the cd from micrsoft to prove it's ok. But if you buy a second hand PC or a friend gives you one and it came new with winXp on it even if you don't get the CD you ok. Is that right?
Also would I be ok to change the Name on a PC that has good #'s?

I volunteered to test the new program. What you need is the Key (Product Key) that came with the PC. MS does not officially support you selling your PC to a friend and giving them your license...they want them to buy a new license but its still worked with the original key.

The Key is for the software. This Key is used for activation on XP and for validation on 2000-95. The MS Site will automatically check your reg for a valid Key and Activation for XP. On 2000-98 it MIGHT ask for the Original disk that came with the PC. This will depend on how many HW changes the OS has gone through.

This program is not really for 95,98/se,ME and 2000 since they didnt use the fool activation system. It IS designed to catch pirates. The system keeps a list of every key logged into the MS support site and compares against the new keys coming in.

For XP its easy for them to double check you...the Activation has both the key and a hash made from your hardware. With 2000-95 they create a new Hash with your hardware and key so that if you log into their site with 9x or 2k with the same key but different hardware its flagged. The system isnt perfect but its about 98% there.

You can check if a copy of windows is legit here. http://www.microsoft.com/resources/h...s/default.mspx

You have to use IE though...... not firefox.

That goes with any windows Update...no support for any other type of browser

Yes I know but if people have chosen for example firefox as their default brower they might not realize why it isn't working.

Thanks guys for clearing it up.