A lot has been said here, but I want to add one thing to the OPs question about updating windows.

It is getting more and more annoying to use pirated copies of Windows. All sorts of stuff requires a WGA check and pirated copies generally don't pass that.

Turning on auto updates should keep windows updating though, even pirated copies. As long as MS doesn't change its policy on that, pirated copies are updated automatically just as genuine versions are.

I can't personally verify that this is still working though since my laptop came with a genuine copy of XP

If you are buying a new laptop you can just ask for a real version, the OEM installed on the computer should be substantially cheaper than a Windows bought after-market. Around $50 or so.

Also keep in mind that Vista is around the corner.

When you buy a ACER computer you have to pay 6000 thb if you want a genuine windows!

That's why these laptops are cheaper here than in Europe: hard to find laptops without windows already installed in Europe it seems.

But who really minds pirating Microsoft and 53 billions Bill gates?!

And about the original problem, thank you, a nice guy helped!

But who really minds pirating Microsoft and 53 billions Bill gates?!

Just honest people.