XP blues

[xud]

I have been running xp for a while with no problems. After downloading a file off torrentspy and have had problems with viruses.
I reformatted the pc with a genuine xp disk, only this time when I come to activate it it says no, the number has been used too many times.
How can I get round this?
Also, I need an Office 2000 disk.

On another note; these torrent websites seem to be more trouble than they are worth. I downloaded Office 2003 but it won't open up. I downloaded a movie but there is sound but no video, they are useless. It seems the only thing they are good for is picking up a virus(s)

Is this commonplace or is it me and my pc settings
Thanks

[vehelpfulguy]

You say it is a genuine XP disk, but then get told the activation number has been used too many times.

This leads me to believe it is NOT a genuine disk, or if it is you are entering the wrong number, maybe a number someone gave you off the internet.

You seem very happy to download illegal copies of Office, and maybe use an illegal copy of Windows XP, and to ask for someone to get you a copy of Office 2000, and download ilegal copies of movies.

If you get a virus then you cannot expect people to have any sympathy for you.

[vehelpfulguy]

Anyway, why take the risk of downloading illegal software (that may contain viruses) from a torrent site.

You can download the genuine Office product from these Microsoft web sites:

Office 2007 -

http://ukireland.trymicrosoftoffice.com/

Office 2003 -

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/office/trial/defau lt.mspx

[xud]

The xp disk I used was a legitimate one borrowed off a friend of mine.
the 25 digit code was supplied on a small sticker which is on the pc box.
There is a possibility I could have typed in one wrong digit.
Today, someone told me there is only a certain number of times you can load the cd. (especially on a different machine)
I'm not a computer buff so I wouldn't know.

On the subject of torrent sites I am a novice. I need more opinions from users about their experiences with them, and whether I should steer clear in future. From what I can gather they are merely a breeding ground for viuruses.
Thanks in advance

[Kerplunk]

You will find that on here there are people who are self appointed moral police so you may get abuse from them when asking about Bit Torrent and such. ANY software you download off the internet legitimate or otherwise could have a nasty with it such as spyware or virus. The only way to protect yourself is to use an up to date virus checker. And the software that the helpful one suggests are just time limited trial versions.

[mattie]

You would have typed the code in correctly to install XP.
There is an option to validate by phoning Microsoft, try this.

Make sure you have got all the security updates installed and get a good antispyware/antivirus.

Also visit www.openoffice.org for a free fully featured office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Office.

Steer clear of torrent sites, try Limewire.

[kempie]

It is irrelevant whether the XP disk is "legitimate" or not (although "borrowing" one certainly does not make it legitimate); it is, as you have found, the legitimacy of the licence which matters. When you purchase software you are actually paying for the licence to use it.

If you are trying to install a single-user licence which is already in use then of course it should fail and is technically known as 'software theft'.

[ACtheTROLL]

I'm not going into the full copy write thing but....

Unless it's a corporate copy ... most software (of course there are exceptions) can only be used on on machine.

"borrowed from a friend" It depends on how your friend came by it.
Bought from a shop is different from supplied with the machine .... and to complicate things ... supplied from the "bigBoys" DELL HP etc is different from supplied by smaller concerns.

Smaller suppliers use copies which are tied to a specific serial, disc and machine (oem).

The bigger suppliers are tied to a range of serials and machine model

only the full version bought from the likes of PC world etc will work with non specific serials (but still not corporate or OEM versions)

The only way is to find your CD or go back to your supplier and demand a recovery CD

I'm not passing judgement ... just stating a fact..

As for the torrent thing ... you've answered your own question. I see hundreds of machines every year ... and the ones riddled with viruses etc are invariably users who "borrow" music or software from p2p sites kazza torrent ...etc.

[Bigeye74]

get back onto the torrent site and download a crack for the disk. As for movies you need to ensure that you have the correct codecs installed to run the film, do you?

[xud]

"Correct codecs installed"
Sorry mate, you've lost me there. Remember, I'm not a computer buff.
Care to expand on that with step by step instructions.

I have been speaking to a few people this week about Linux.

My ears pricked up when I heard it was free to download.
I have never payed for software and have no intention of doing so either.
How compatible is this with certain CAD programs that I use?
Are there any AB'ers out there with experience of LInux for home use.
Your comments, good or bad, are always appreciated.
Thanks in advance

[Bigeye74]

Don't bother with Linux unless you know what you are doing. It may not be compatible with all the components of your machine (happened with my acer laptop) and can take a bit of time to get going. Stick with windows to avoid hours trawling through discussion groups.