Problem with Windows XP

[ShadowBlaster]

About a few weeks ago my computer was infected with a few viruses. Since I was unable to remove them myself, I had no choice but to take my computer to the geek squad. They did a wonderful job removing the viruses and cleaning out my computer, but unfortunately when I got my computer back, my computer starts up without windows. It says "This copy of Windows is not genuine. You may be a victim of software counterfeiting." I don't understand why it's saying that. It was working fine before and my copy of windows is certainly not counterfeited. I went back to the geek squad and they told me to reinstall windows. Since I cannot reinstall windows because I can't find the original disk, they told me I have to pay for it. This is nonsense. I'm not gonna pay for another copy of windows. Is there any other solution? I don't feel like coughing up another $150-300 for windows when I already did once before.

[Neo]

Sounds terrible!

The problem here is really the fact that you dont have the orginal dvd hanging around.

There are different hacks & mods available online that wipes away they genuine label. But I dont think you can download any updates again. But im not fully sure.

Cant you just get windows 7, its final public release very soon ?

[Jamson]

If you bought a legal copy, or it came with your computer/laptop, you can ring Microsoft and they should be able to solve the issue. If not, looks like you'll have to buy Vista or Win 7.