casell,
Recently we have seen several posts from people who have become victims. First, please run a diagnostic test so that I may analyze the results. If you are a victim, I will provide information for you to file a piracy report. The Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program is here to help protect you, our valued customer. It is important for people like you to report a piracy case who have become a victim to assist in stopping unscrupulous business practices.
I understand the inconvenience you are currently experiencing and would like to provide you with some self-help options we have made available for our customers. Please follow the steps outlined below as it could either resolve your issue or if need be, provide us with additional information to determine the cause of this issue.
One common reminder we give, is to confirm users are logged on as the “Administrator”. Make sure you are logged onto the computer experiencing the issue with “Administrator” rights.
Next we would like to confirm that you are running the most current version of the Windows Genuine Advantage control on your computer. In order to do this, please follow the link below and choose the “Validate Office” option. See the following Link:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine
If the above steps did not resolve your issue lets continue with the steps below.
Please follow the steps outlined below, the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool website will attempt to resolve the validation errors you are experiencing with Office.
http://www.microsoft.com/Genuine/diag/RunDiags.aspx?displayLang=en
Next follow the on-screen prompts to resolve the issue if any of the checks at the above site fail. If after attempting to resolve the issue as per the instructions on the above site fails, please refer to the link below and run the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012
By clicking the link below, you will download the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool. Then click the Run button. Then click the Run button again. Then click the Continue button to perform the diagnostic. The Windows tab should show, click the Copy button to paste your report to the clipboard. Then paste the report into a New Post on this Forum by adding a post in it and pressing Ctrl V (to paste the text). Clicking the OK button will clear the Diagnostic window. Here is the download link:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012
Step 2: Tell us about the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for your copy of Windows.
1. What edition/version of Windows XP is titled? Home, Pro, or Media Center?
2. Does it read "OEM Software" or "OEM Product" in black lettering?
3. Or, does it have the computer manufacturer's name in black lettering?
4. Please provide the customer scenario you are experiencing.
5. DO NOT post the Product Key.
Not sure what to look for, see this page to reference your COA:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/coa.mspx
NOTE: The data collected with the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool does NOT contain any information that can personally identify you. The information can be fully reviewed, by you, before being posted.
Thank you for your participation here on the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program forums. We look forward to working with you.
Rick, MS
