Official XP installation not accepted

I'm running an offical version of WinXP Home. Never had any trouble with it. Today tried to download the beta antispyware utility from the Microsoft site. Downloaded the check utility -- and it tells me I have an unauthorised copy. Rubbish. The SP2 upgrade was loaded with no problem. Any clues?

 

It depends on where you got copy of Windows from... was it pre-installed? Did you purchase a copy of Windows from a retailer?
What this failure means is your copy of Windows was installed with an invalid 'Product Key'. I would try it again and if your copy of Windows fails again, see these links:
Genuine Microsoft Software
How to tell (FAQ)
Reporting Piracy (FAQ)
Hopefully you can find something here that will give you an answer. If not contact Microsoft (there's a 800 number in the articles).

B

 

Well I have downloaded the utility -- not yet bitten the bullet and executed. I'm concerned though about the potential risk of running an XP that M$ believes is dodgy; updates, future antispyware issues, etc.

The ID number given on the yellow sticker agrees with the ID reported by Belarc. The disk was purchased from PC World. Surely I could not have installed the SP2 update if the XP was dodgy?

Mr B: working through the avenues recommended. Many thanks ...