Hi rokytnji
many thanks for your time.
I have had my PC for a no of years now so why do you think this problem with microsoft
is appearing now
Cheers
D

Microsoft just implemented this in their automatic update process to weed out pirated versions of Microsoft XP and Vista. It is a very tame way to tell you to get a legit copy. It doesn't kill the system, its just more of a nuisance. If you read the article carefully, (here is 2 hints)

The software update to Windows XP does not render computers running illegal copies of Windows inoperable—in fact, users can continue to use their computers almost just as they would before the update.

At the same time, we believe there are numerous misunderstandings about the Windows Office Genuine Advantage program," Microsoft wrote in an open letter to its Chinese users, published on Sina.com (rough Google Translated version here). The company clarified in its letter that the black background won't affect the computer's functionality, and that the program to automatically update via the Internet is entirely voluntary.

I can't/won't tell you how to fix this because of forum ruleshttp://www.d-a-l.com/help/windows-xp-help/17578-illegal-copies-windows.html but if you can read between the lines, Microsoft in their statements, in a general way tell you how.

This subject matter is also being discussed at this other forum I belong to here.

http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/cof...microsoft.html

Hi again
oh dear...read all the other messages in the other forum, scary stuff...I really did not know it was a piracy windows I have had myPC for a few years now...it was put together for me and NO windows software cd came with it, so now I understand all this black screen and this pop up victim of software counterfieting which has just decided to pop up and tell me now.
I am no wizard (just an old lady trying to take it all this jargon in LOL)
I will buy the software to put it right ...and I must thank you for you communication on the subject.
D

Good luck with it D. When you buy your new Retail Copy of Windows, I am sure these forum members can walk you through the installation process before you begin.