Windows update not recognizing windows xp certificate

I just purchased this computer a few months ago from the newspaper and noticed recently that when I try to use windows update that I receive a message that says that it does not recognize the cetificate for xp as being authentic.
I do not see any numbers on the side of the computer or a certificate. I cannot update my computer with updates or windows SP2. Do I need to purchase a version of xp and try to load windows xp on top of windows. Is that possible?

Thanks for the help.

 

iujmheb--You could use the MS Validation Tool to learn whether your copy of XP is genuine
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx
If you find it not genuine, do you have any recourse to the seller? A threat to report the seller to MS might get you some help--like maybe part of the cost of a genuine version of Windows.

 

Ms Validation Tool

I just got done using the tool and found out that the certificate is not geniune. I will take your advice and maybe save on a copy of windows. What I need to know is once I get a new copy of xp, how easy is it to load on top of present version of xp without messing anything up?

Thanks for your help!

 

iujmheb--I know you can install a higher version of Windows over a legitimate lower version without losing your personal data. But I have no experience with installing over an illigitimate version. maybe someone else can help.
You should back your personal data just in case.

 

I've never tried it with an illegal copy of Windows either, but... when you boot with the legitimate copy it will ask you to enter the authentication code that came with the CD. After the 'repair' installation is complete you will probably be required to 'activate' your copy of XP. Hopefully all should go well, if not, you would have to do a 'clean' install or contact Microsoft. HTH

B