Thread: Formatting my hard drive

I have been using my computer from the past two years. I recently upgraded my computer's OS from SP2 to SP3. For the past few days there has been an error message on the right-hand bottom corner of the screen stating "You may be a victim of software counterfeiting. This copy of windows did not pass Genuine Windows Validation. Ask for Genuine Microsoft software". How can I remove it without formatting my hard drive?

This error usually occurs when Windows is updated from the Internet automatically. Windows Update detects if the operating system installed on the computer is genuine or pirated.

Your system has a pirated version of Windows XP installed and so it warns you of software counterfeiting. You should install a legal version of Windows to get free updates and help from Microsoft. Always use original software. If you have paid for the version of Windows you are using and are still getting this error, then contact the dealer from where you have purchased the computer or the Windows XP CD and confirm the same. Keep your purchase bill handy in case you are asked for proof. If needed, you can also contact Microsoft's helpline regarding the same issue.