Whoa what's going on! !?!?!!

[Sniper4Life]

OK I've got a huge problem going on with my computer. It isn't related to programming but it is about the computer itself. I'm sure all of you know about copyright issues and all of that, and "genuine" product. Well, recently, my computer started saying...ITS NOT GENUINE. Now this is the weird part. It started saying that after I installed Windows Service Pack 3 from the automatic updates. Before that my computer always showed up to be genuine, and it passed the genuine validation test. Also like there were some programs on like microsoft.com that said it could only be downloaded if you have windows genuine. Well, I clicked it, and it worked. Thus, before the Service Pack update, my windows...WAS GENUINE! Now after I downloaded the Service Pack 3 FROM THE AUTOMATIC UPDATES, my computer was no longer genuine. Now....I'm just confused. How does a computer become NOT genuine after installing MICROSOFT updates? I passed validation before, but now suddenly I dont? Any suggestions?

[Tony]

well the first obvious question would be, do you actually have a legit license key for your copy of Windows?

[matt271]

it was never genuine but sp2 didnt know that. sp3 is a lil smarter.

[Sniper4Life]

nonono this is the part that doesnt make sense....when i went online
while i had sp2
to see if it was legit
it showed-yes...your computer is genuine
AFTER...like im not sure if it was after i downloaded sp3...it was sumthing around that time...and i started failing the online validification...i dont understand...

[matt271]

your xp was never genuine. but xp sp2 thought it was (although it was wrong)
sp3 is smarter then sp2 and knows it is not genuine.

[Sniper4Life]

but this is what you dont understand

i went online
i passed a test.it said i was genuine

its not sp2 that was saying i was genuine
IT WAS THE SITE
on the internet

edited:

also ive got a question...if you have a non genuine windows...could whoever made it like...get information about YOU and your computer?
i might just be being paranoid but still...identity theft happens.....so like...can they?

[Amailer]

You still haven't answered Tonys question. A simple yes or no

In any case, I'm guessing it wasn't - and as Matt said, they probably changed the way they check for genuine copies of Windows in SP3 and you kinda got screwed over.

I say now, wait for Windows 7 RC to come out. Windows 7 to me is one of the best releases so far

[Sniper4Life]

i havent answered cus i need to ask my dad..
i dont even kno

i was looking through my house but only found stuff for my laptop....ya...

atleast i know my laptop is genuine

still tho can they steal your info?