"This copy did not pass genuine validation" Please help!

[jonescountry2007]

A friend bought this computer at a yard sale for me. It came with no
software, so "windows XP Professional SP 1" was already installed on it. When
I got online I went to Microsoftdownload.com and learned about the free
updates and proceeded to enjoy the much needed updates I was receiving. So I
wanted to update to XP SP 2,or even Vista. So I started with the validation
test and that's when it replied the message "This copy did not pass genuine
validation" . I can't afford to purchase any new software, I am dissabled and
am not even getting a check yet. So could somebody please help me in telling
me where to go from here.

[DL]

You are between a rock and a hard place, if your win software is
illigitimate then you would need to purchase a genuine copy.
Provided you take care in your selection, Ebay would probably be your best
bet.

[PA Bear]

Please follow this simple troubleshooting procedure, courtesy of MS MVP
Carey Frisch:

1. Download and install the WGA Diagnostic Tool
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=56062

2. After running the WGA Diagnostic Tool, click on the "Windows" tab and
then click on "Copy to Clipboard".

3. Next, visit the following website and create a post in the "WGA
Validation Problems" forum and paste the results of the WGA Diagnostic Data
in a detailed post:
http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/...aspx?SiteID=25

4. A WGA troubleshooting specialist will analyze the data and recommend an
appropriate solution.

[newyorkee]

Just go to THEPIRATEBAY.ORG look for an activator or ISO of a pirated windows. They have it all and the more popular ones are faster to download. I recomend getting a peer to peer app for downloading torrents. Get win7 or xp and enjoy. In your lifetime you'll buy plenty of MS products and services. Be real and just get a pirated version or activate yours. Or go linux. look for the best free version that you think you'll like and download.