MS validation flagging non-geniune copy of Office.

[djprescott]

I have a problem with a machine running XP. I had a HD go down so had it replaced in the middle of last year (2009). Everything was fine, then I had one of the first Tues in the month security updates and straight afterwards it says the copy of Office is not genuine. There must be something written to the original HD and when it is changed and with the re-install to the new HD it thinks it is not genuine. This is really annoying when you actually shell out good money for the software rather than use a prated copy. Anyone know how I can get rid of the message. MS recommend re-installing the copy Office but this did not make any difference.

[VHG]

>There must be something written to the original HD and when it is changed and with the re-install to the new HD it thinks it is not genuine.

There is NOTHING written on the hard disk.

When you download Windows (and Office) updates, part of what is downloaded is "Windows Genuine Advantage" and "Office Genuine Advantage".

These 2 programs check if your copy of Windows and Office is genuine. If they are not, or the program THINKS they are not, you will get these warnings.

Now I should say up front that these programs DO make mistakes so you MAY be OK if you phone Microsoft and talk to them.

BUT, these programs usually check the Windows and Office KEY, and if it is being used on more than one comnputer they flag the product as fake.

It MAY be that when your hard disk was replaced the persojn doing it "stole" your Office key and is using it themseves, or sold it to someone else.

It MAY be your version of Office is fake, Where did you buy it? If you bought it off ebay it may be fake.

Did the person who rebuilt your PC install it for you (maybe they installed a fake copy of Office and kept the good one)

So as I say, you may be perfectly legal and someone else is using your key.

So best to phone Microsoft and talk to them.