Microsoft - the humble software company & WINDOWS XP

A few good words about Microsoft & Windows XP; utilizing the now a generation forgotten styling of the ESSO (EXXON) Oil company - humble - .

An 'ingenuine' notification sticker like "Genuine Bell" and all that it connoted in telephone de-regulation days has been removed lawfully from the computer screen display. Its software program ws akin to a time/temperature sticker from the weather station which displayed (on a fetch/renewal command) from Windows (one may have to enter a computer log or registry etc to remove it via the COMMAND window). Like the update programs, when you internet connected it was fetched & displayed. However, it would not stop and might defame the user; or mentally dame one. The software program used to remove was created by it author (not me) to remove the further than two or three wgatray.dll & .exe files ect which created the display.

An additional Windows tip: this blogger picked up and installed the Windows IE-8 browser lawfully, and all my WIndows software is non-counterfeit & genuine. Howver a few tips in operation. Discovered this morning, that when The IE-8's add-on program baggage (ie Comcast, MSN GOOGLE, YAHOO toolbars) are disabled (a right click when starting the browser lists that option in the 'start' menu etc), that disablement may also shut down the Adobe Flash & Shockwave Player. To prove this, the same functions will work on another browser in the same open system (ie OPERA or The World Browser etc). Simply close the IE-8 and when restarting it -enable the add-on programs which accompany the browser. Note well, that 'disabling' ad hoc an add-on of the browser (ie disabling the COMCAST or YAHOO or GOOGLE toolbar individually under the VIEW menu option) will not interfere with Adobe programs.

Allof Microsoft/Windows processes verified the genuineness of my WINDOWS XP program - but the 'key number' was at issue; it was a Volume Licensed Dealer edition akin to DELL selling/distributing leftover 'Original Equipment Manufacturer' (OEM)edition - not counterfeit. See the note in a prior blog post here about the DELL sold 'branded' editions for about $75. Microsoft has to do better or let the authenticity matter go. My package from a lawful second seller came with a genuine CD and a genuine COA (Certificate of Authenticity); one assumed Microsoft can keep track of the numbers. Further, the re-keying process first appeared limited only to entitiies Microsoft would recognize as dealers (ie the individual buyer could not become one to re-key properly); and then Microsoft referenced a process of 'key' insertion as if 'new installation' somehow missed one - but did nothing to ratify the sold COA key, nor issue from Microsoft HQ, a new one. (Its 'fun' to use their little tool and be told the numbers are the 'same'!)

Windows XP is working fine & properly on my six year old Dell computer; and did so even with that misnoming display in its lower right corner with its task/tool bar star.

WindowsXP's proprietor Microsoft, still have to distinguish discounted enuine issues of its software from pirated ones; with an enablement or stay of dis-ownership less damning than that "Windows Genuine Advantage" notification process. The software may be genuine but have a key number foul-up somewhere in the handling. Microsoft still places a preferred manufacturer's suggested retail price (recollect that jargon for all so-called 'fair traded goods') on thw WINDOWS XP package of $249. On that basis they would state they have already accomodted the mis-served retail customer (dealer served or otherwise) by a $100 discount to $149 to grant a "genuine Windows" seal.

That price as noted above in this blog, is however the simple price for a
COMPUSA WINDOWS XP package -$149. Sticking to its rigor, Microsoft Windows XP is dealt on the internet by Amazon which asks $249 for the WIndows XP PRO SP3 package.

So, go on, compute, enjoy, surf and thank the .."humble" .. software company.

Windows WGA File Removal Program

One more time; this file designed to dis-install the nagging "Install Genuine WIndows" notification on one's tool bar; genuinely & safely remved the entire wga file and the "smack" last night. (Then Iwent to bed).

Link: http://download11.com/get/RemoveWGA.exe

NB -- nne of these have been written by me, they were only researched on the internet. This one is fast & thorough for Windows XP.

Removing that Windows not Genuine Sticker

Above and here are a link for the removal of the program which continues to place that little star & notice about Windows Genuine Advantage on your computer screen:

http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Windows-Genuine-Advantage-Notifications

Microsoft WINDOWS XP Product Key Changing

These two pieces about Microsoft's Product Key Changing, when you have a genuine article which wasn't properly re-set by the seller/installer ect (due to mass knowledge of the number) may work.

Microsoft's own link on the subject - re-keyeing the product code

Doing it manually

downloading tool for product key change

Comp-USA

A big retail seller's description and sales offer of WINDOWS XP PRO COMP-USA. The first customer review notes some discord among customers of the existence of old operating systems. Otherwise all positive. A "cure' Microsoft for 'mis-keyed' sales (ie sales by a slack or non-licensed seller? with mass key number product reassignment?). Certainly, COMP-USA has no problem? Comp-USA wants $139, the second one "branded" & sold via DELL is $79. So where are the rest of us a bona-fide bargain purchasers?

Here's another from DELL via BMEM.net - http://www.bmem.net/products/Microsoft-Windows-XP-Professional-SP3-%252d-Branded-Full-Version.html

If Microsoft wants a post install package why to offer just that as a settlement?

Microsoft Windows XP -Key Numbers Issue

Mcrosoft's progress toward resolving the issue of an uncorrected VOLUME Seller key number, has not been resolved. One may purchase for $149 a new "key" with a Microsoft Windows XP Genuine Advantage Kit. That would cure the matter, and gives your post prime market protection & continued support for your product. One may also re-contact one's seller, and acquire a new "key" number assignment. They evidently, must re-assign them after mass handling.
Or, one can 'prove' /suggest a counterfeit and send the disk and a copy of the sales record to Microsoft, and 'possibly' receive a new rogram package.

The issue is the purchase of a genuine disk which did not comply with the manufacturer and his preferred distributors serial security number assignments. Otherwise, many, maybe most, as in my case, are genuine.

Should Microsoft relent and find a way to authorise these versions, sort of an entire new purchase, let this blogger know.

While not a refusal to deal, not price compete, nor a tying arrangement, Microsoft has an interest in furthering its software, and no interest save by new product purchase, of maintaining an old issue market of an operating system program at a higher than market price. [cf Windows 2000]. The service "advantage" package is an add-on akin to a service agreement with machinery. Microsoft may take a position of sales withdrawal unless the OS becomes essential for its class; and or let the material go with out requiring the "service package" to cure. A 'non-genuine" Microsoft retail deal, would simply lack the fuller "Microsoft genuine Advantage" package. This is useful, especially where the product is not "counterfeit" and the object of a bona fide sale. The item is certainly not illegal in the latter case. If there is a mis-function, then the at hand on-line access is a speedily remedial matter for Microsoft.

Meantime contact your seller, and see if they can "re-key" the purchased item, or substitute a properly serialed one as a Microsoft Volume Licensed Dealer. (VLD) (That dealer can re-isse a proper key via Microsoft)

Microsoft in the time given, will not validate nor authenticate your Windows 'purchase', and "float" on your computer a courtesy reminder that your software may not be "genuine" after seeking to register or validate. The floated message appears to do nothing else to the software; nor your computer.

OUTLOOK EXPRESS Tip

Sharing a tip/experience with Outlook Express - the ole MicroSoft Internet Explorer connected workhorse: If you have experienced brand new never before problems with Outook Express picking up your mail - mine generally ws with Comcast.net, onsider adjusting up (like the upgarde you may have taken to Windows XP, VISTA etc, adn change to Windows LIVE Mail.

Go to your internet options control, select Programs, them see if under Mail (category) Windows LIVE is among the options. Select it if it is, then relax and call up your desktop PC laptop local mail desk again.

When I did it, the stall on Outlook Express was ended; Windows LIVE MAIL flowed; automatically imported 'mail' accounts from Outlook Express, offerd an option for more (ie Hotmail) and displayed them nicely with local folders, has a similar process/layout (with more style) as does Outlook Express.

While quick reading, noted that Outlook Express is edition 6.0, and that is was installed with IE-6; and as we know the 'mail fetch' rides along with the IE (mine now is IE-8). So that's like an upgrade Outlook Express (sorry if it doesn't sound new to you - as recalled, I just upgraded to Windows XP)

Remember the old self-maintenance code - stay sane & calm!!??

May be matter of Re-Seller Licensing

Reseller licensing provided an orange Proof of License and my "package" came this way: ?

Q: When I purchase OEM Windows from a reseller, what should I receive?
A:

Genuine OEM Windows desktop operating system software is designed exclusively for computer manufacturers to pre-install on their computers. Genuine OEM software always comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (the OEM COA is different from an orange retail proof of license label) and a manual or Quick Start guide. Some major manufacturers provide an OEM disc for re-installing programs, while smaller manufacturers are required to provide a Microsoft Windows edge-to-edge hologram disc. OEM software cannot be downloaded and may not be unbundled or re-bundled from sources other than the OEM selling you the computer. Visit our Counterfeit Gallery for more information. To help determine whether the copy of Windows installed on your computer is genuine, visit http://www.microsoft.com/genuine.

Microsoft Genuineness FAQS "how To Tell"

The links are all over the MS site sometimes. My edition has a proof of license & a thread through the COA sticker (which cannot be removed from the manual.

Microsoft How to Tell FAQS

Microsoft Windows XP Validation Errors

Evidently some numbers in mass marketing (COA joined KEY numbers) may do this -- they were to have been affixed by OEM. More as I learn it.

From Microsoft at their site --

Warning The steps in the article are effective only on Volume License media. If you try these steps on OEM media or on retail media, you will not change the product key. When you install Windows XP or Windows Server 2003, the media must match the product key. That is, the channel (MSDN, retail, OEM, Volume License, and so on), the SKU (Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, and so on), and the language (English, French, and so on) must match between the product key and the media. This is necessary so that you can successfully enter the product key. If the installation media does not match the product key, you receive the following error message:Product Key is invalid.
Product Key is invalid.
If you use a "leaked" product key (a product key that is known to be available to the public) to deploy Windows XP across multiple computers (a Volume Licensing installation), you might be unable to install Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) and later versions of Windows XP, or automatically obtain updates from the Windows Update Web site. For example, you might receive the following error message when you install Windows XP SP1 and later versions of Windows XP: The Product Key used to install Windows is invalid. Please contact your system administrator or retailer immediately to obtain a valid Product Key. You may also contact Microsoft Corporation's Anti-Piracy Team by emailing piracy@microsoft.com if you think you have purchased pirated Microsoft software. Please be assured that any personal information you send to the Microsoft Anti-Piracy Team will be kept in strict confidence.
The Product Key used to install Windows is invalid. Please contact your system administrator or retailer immediately to obtain a valid Product Key. You may also contact Microsoft Corporation's Anti-Piracy Team by emailing piracy@microsoft.com if you think you have purchased pirated Microsoft software. Please be assured that any personal information you send to the Microsoft Anti-Piracy Team will be kept in strict confidence.
This article is intended for an advanced computer user. You might find it easier to follow the steps if you print this article first.

Windows XP PRO on EBAY .. More

Offer in explanation of my post at an EBAY Forum about the prior Windows XP matter. NB - another reaction and assumed nightmare from last November 2009 is at the following link:

http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en/genuinewindowsxp/thread/ee830011-678e-4673-912a-cc417a570ee6

Also NB - i have had noe of the problems with the edition that I have - and am awaiting its further MS determination. Some appear to be "improperly surplussed manufacturers add-on editions for self-install & not counterfeit. If they were released for re-sale -- and there is a snafu in their release authorization -- you'll read my news here.

Windows -Microsoft Validation Check Software Download

Another lins from Microsoft will check your system & send periodic reminders if the software is not genuine using your product key code.
Link follows --

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=afd45b36-3d77-4259-801c-d31a9a90cdcf

Microsoft Genuineness Link

Once again .. means of checking pre/post fact of Microsoft Genuineness http://www.microsoft.com/howtotell/windows/