Topic: Microsoft updates for XP.

[Travman]

just wondered how many of us have found out we are running a copied version of Windows XP now that updates are not available due to the WGA program they use?

I bought a second hand hard drive with windows installed not knowing it was a pirate version. (honest  :)) .so updates were not allowed by microsoft.

Must admit to getting round the problem with a bit of code,but just wondered how many people have this problem with the possibility of leaving their computer venerable.

[djbrenton]

I'm lucky in that  can get Windows XP Home for £20 so I put original copies on PC's when I build them.

[Palustris]

My XP version is not pirated but my computer is definitely venerable.

Comr back Bede all is forgiven eh?

[redimp]

I'm lucky in that  can get Windows XP Home for £20 so I put original copies on PC's when I build them.

How?  It transpired that my copy of XP professional has overun its permitted number of copies  >:(  Bought legitimately thorugh e-bay (or so I thought)

[Derekthefox]

I am in the fortunate position of being legitimately able to use college purchased windows XP, now that our previous copy has had its licence revoked due to the company it was purchased by going bankrupt. This has saved me a lot of hassle.

Derekthefox :D

[dotCompost]

just wondered how many of us have found out we are running a copied version of Windows XP now that updates are not available due to the WGA program they use?

I bought a second hand hard drive with windows installed not knowing it was a pirate version. (honest  :)) .so updates were not allowed by microsoft.

don't need no code, just set it for auto download  ;)

[tim]

Sorry - what is all this?

I have XP - am I missing something??

[dotCompost]

Since installing XP - or buying your PC with XP, what? (Home?), on it.
Have you downloaded the updates. Maybe your PC does it automatically for you, some are set up to do this.

Try this tim, from the Start button, click on Help and Support Centre.
When that's on screen, look under Pick a task, and select Keep your computer up-to-date with Windows Update

It will go away and see what you have and what you don't.

Download and Install anything marked Critical :|

[tim]

"Automatic Updates:
Turned ON. 
Your computer is set to receive security & critical updates automatically".

Bought with PC. Looks OK??

 

[dotCompost]

That good - sit back and relax tim - you've niffink missin'..!! ;)

[Travman]

How?  It transpired that my copy of XP professional has overun its permitted number of copies  >:(  Bought legitimately thorugh e-bay (or so I thought)

Are you saying you can not get any more Updates for your copy of XP ?
If  so, I can give you a java cheat code that is perfectly safe to use.

[djbrenton]

The problems with pirated OEM copies are when installing as you need to activate them. If there are 3 or more changes to a PC ( hard drive, ram etc) XP knows it's a different PC and stops working after 30 days of non-activation. If you're running OK then you've no problem.

Someone I know used to build computers and ( as far as I know ) still has genuine copies of XP home which I buy for £20 when I need one. He only had half a dozen left last I knew.

[djbrenton]

Interesting update.

I built a PC for a friend a month ago and the only copy of XP Home to hand was mine. So I installed it, intending to pick up a copy for him and change the ID number, however I lost track of time and his activation period expired. The easy way then was to activate it by phone. No questions asked and it's still working fine. I expected to have to tell an operator that I'd merely changed a few things on my PC and reinstalled, but it all went through automatically.

[Gardengirl]

Sounds like Tim and I are of similar minds (must be an age thing ;) ;D)  I have XP Home and every now and then I get a little yellow shield appear on the bottom bar.  I click on this and the updates are automatically loaded.

All I can say is it's a good job I have a computer whiz-kid for a son who sorts out all my problems and queries for me :)  He has set up a programme called UltraVNC (anyone else heard of this?)  It's brilliant - If I get a problem he can log into my computer and sort it out remotely from his computer.

[Yellow Petals]

We use the VNC too, GG.  Husband's pute at work is attached to our home one and also to Rosebud's.  Tis indeed brilliant.

[Derekthefox]

isnt that like a remote desktop? so you can access someone elses computer, and use it as your own? I have only used one once at college, I was extremely impressed by what is capable.

Derekthefox :D

[woppa30]

Personally I prefer linux, fedora core, but thats a whole different story.

A quick note on using VNC, if you have broadband make sure you use a router / firewall. VNC is not secure in the free version and if you have it open in your windows xp firwall you could be asking for trouble. There are some nasty people on the web who will scan your ip address and then try and hack into your machine if they realise you have port 5800 open.
I have a server at home running constrantly, below is an extract from the security log, you would think they would get bored wouldn't you....

sshd:

Authentication Failures:

root (ns.spooltemp2): 4508 Time(s)

root (61.152.116.17): 8 Time(s)

root (203.193.167.243): 3 Time(s)

Yes, thats right, a script kiddie tried over 4000 times to hack my machine.
Best wishes
woppa30

[redimp]

How?  It transpired that my copy of XP professional has overun its permitted number of copies  >:(  Bought legitimately thorugh e-bay (or so I thought)

Are you saying you can not get any more Updates for your copy of XP ?
If  so, I can give you a java cheat code that is perfectly safe to use.

Sounds intriguing - please do tell.

[Travman]

Redclanger
If you are using XP with Service pack 1 follow this method

Go on to widows update site as normal
Before pressing  the  express or custom button you need to type 
 javascript:void(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all')   into the address bar and press  … go…
you can then press either the custom or express button and get your updates
 You will need to follow this precedure everytime you need to update though.         

If you have running XP and Service pack 2  follow this(easier then it sounds)
Click on   Tools in your browser menu  then internet options
then click on  Programs. You will see a button saying "Manage add ons"
click this and a list will appear.. Look down this list and you will see " windows genuine adva... by microsoft. Highlight it, you can then press the disable button and you will always recieve your updates

[redimp]

Microsoft's security as good as ever then - nearly as good as the 98 start up where you just press escape if you cannot remember your password.  ???