INSTALLED ILLEGAL WINDOWS 7 AND WANT TO GET A LEGAL VERSION OF XP BACK ON MY E-MACHINES EZ1601

A Microsoft Product ID is a Microsoft generated code that links genuine Microsoft software with a genuine Microsoft license that allows the user to install and use the software with the authority of the copyright owner. Without a valid Product ID, the software is illegal and installing it and using it could qualify as software piracy and copyright theft which, in certain circumstances, could become a civil legal issue or even a law enforcement matter. Please be aware that, not being knowing about the Law does not usually qualify as a Defense in legal matters, when someone else's rights have been infringed.
The only legal downloads of Microsoft products are available from Microsoft. Microsoft does not currently offer downloads of old products like Operating Systems.

It's not obvious from your question where you obtained your copy of Windows XP Professional. If it is a genuine version that came pre-installed on your computer or a retail version bought from an Authorized Microsoft Reseller, then you do not need the Product ID. All you need to do is log onto the Microsoft website and, under Support and Activation, allow the site to scan your computer. When the scan is complete, an Activation Code will be generated for you to enter on your screen and then your Operating System (O/S) will be validated.

If your O/S is not licensed, then you will be given the opportunity to buy an Activation Code from Microsoft and convert your unlicensed O/S into a licensed one.

If you fail to take up the option to validate your O/S, you are likely to encounter Authorization, use limitation or even total restriction, access and use of your O/S.

I advise you to use only a genuine licensed version of Windows or you will almost certainly have authorization problems such as the ones you are starting to experience, which defeat the very purpose of installing the software in the first place.

As an alternative option, you could buy and install a heavily discounted, genuine, licensed copy of Windows 7 Upgrade Version from about $80 (plus shipping and packing) from similar websites a below (when you find them geographically local to you):


http://www.software4students.co.uk/Windows_7-software.aspx



The Software Validation and Activation advice page on the Microsoft Website is:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811224/

It looks like whoever installed your operating system on your laptop installed an illegal version. I recommend purchasing a legitimate copy of Windows from Microsoft so you will not run into any problems (including legal problems!).
Once you purchase a legitimate copy, you will be set.

Good luck!

Wherever you bought your PC it came with an illegal copy of windows installed. You will have to contact Microsoft or buy a legal version from a shop. Actually if it came from a shop no matter how long ago there should be a "Certificate of Authenticity" sticker on the case making it all legal. Good luch and cheers from Scott and plz vote

That's great news!

If you have any questions please post them.

This message is telling you that the copy of Windows that is installed on your PC is pirated and not a legal copy. You will need to contact the person or place you purchased the PC from to get a legal copy of Windows. Or you can contact Microsoft directly at www.microsoft.com and purchase a software key to use on your current version of Windows. FixYa does not have or offer any illegal software keys or hacks.

Pay Microsoft to get it activated as a genuine copy. Or buy legal copy of Windows XP.
Or you may want to take this opportunity to get Windows 7.
First run the windows 7 advisor - click here
Then purchase the OEM version it is cheaper than retail. Do not buy the upgrade version since you have an illegal copy of xp.

Sounds like you have an illegal version of Windows XP installed. If it is XP and you would like a legal version which can also get all security updates and downloads from Microsoft you just need to change the keycode. I sell keycodes at $70 which i can email also a very simple to use keychanger program. Cheers from Scott

Your using a illegal version of windows or trying to play on mac.
Sorry man you will need a new computer or get a LEGAL version of windows.
GL

Your computer should have a key on a sticker on the side of it. If you have taken care of that sticker, and you can read that key, then that is the legal copy of windows that you own for that machine. If it says 2000 XP XPPRO or VISTA etc, whatever, that is the version of windows that you already own on that machine. Your computer manufacturer should be able to provide you with a copy of windows for that machine. If not, then there is good news, and bad news. GOOD news is, you can purchase an IDENTICAL COPY of that version of windows and place it in your computer AS WELL AS ANOTHER computer (because you have the old key on the computer case and the NEW key on the disc). Bad news is, youd have to drop some cash to buy the disc.
There is ONE LAST OPTION: Take your computer to a pc shop. They have several versions of Windows available and can restore your windows with drivers to a generic condition, and since they would use your key on your machine, it would be legal. It wont be free though, but anything worth having is going to cost.

If you did not buy the Xp then you may have an illegal copy so your computer is not operating properly. I suggest getting a legal copy of XP