Validation Check

[carlton23]

My Microsoft Security Essentials has run-out of time and I have to do the above check, but don`t have the foggiest idea what to do, help please, but I'm off to bed and will be back tomorrow, g'nite peeps.

[VHG]

Microsoft Security Essentials does not have a time limit as it is free.

So it cant "run out" so you dont have to do any sort of validation check.

Are you sure it is not just a spam email to try to get personal information off you (assuming you have got an email).

[rockyracoon]

Is this after being prompted a gazzilion times to validate by phoning a number. Does it mention that your version of windows may not be authentic.

[braeside]

Happened to me a while back....check your computers date - bottom right corner

[carlton23]

VHG: It say's. Windows did not pass genuine validation.
Security Essentials has been disabled.
To continue using Security Essentials, click Resolve now and get genuine Windows.

You can get another validation check after this issue has been resolved.
Real -time protection off
Virus and spyware definitions out of date.

__________________________

[boxtops]

sounds like a spam email to me, carlton.

[venator]

can you see the message source? If it's a scam, it will have come from an odd sender.

[venator]

Windows did not pass genuine validation

That's poor grammar, suspect a scam

Did the message use your name?

[boxtops]

you're right venator - a genuine email would have some ID for carlton in it.

[rockyracoon]

Is it an email or does it come up when you log on. I had something similar after Windows wad reinstalled and I had to phone an automated telephone number and put in the windows number from the label at the back of the computer, it in turn gave me a verification code to type in. All this verifief my version of Windows. I must stress though, it did not come via email.

[jno]

spam/scam; as VHG says, it never runs out, so don't do anything

[carlton23]

It isn't an e-mail as it is a pop up window, and I believe it is a genuine thin'gy
from Window's, and I want to know how to get MSE back and sorted. Thanks for your help and patience.

[MarkRae]

Go into Control Panel, System. Does it tell you that Windows is activated and that your copy is genuine...?

[jno]

even pop-ups are highly suspicious. Your MSE should still be running, unless someone more knowledgeable than me tells you otherwise.

[ChuckFickens]

If it's XP then you'll probably have a warning on the desktop down near the clock too.

go here and follow the diagnose procedure..

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/diag

you can also try the fixit from here

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/916247

Although I've never had much joy with that one!

[VHG]

The other day I booted up an old PC that I had not used for ages and Windows had still had not been activated.

But I also got a message from Microsoft Security Essentials saying that because Windows had not been activated (or was not genuine) then MSE would not work either.

So it may be that your copy of Windows is not genuine (or Microsoft THINKS your copy of Windows is not genuine).

Where did you get Windows from that is on your PC?

[rockyracoon]

It really sounds like the notice I was getting, is your computer new or have you reinstalled windows lately, it just wants to verify it then everything goes back to normal.

[venator]

Can you update us, Carlton, on the current state of play.

There have been scams which told you your Windows wasn't genuine, and this looks like one to me.

If it's not genuine, why just stop a free feature?

If the "respond" button brought up a request for money or passwords, I hope you'd run a mile!