I have 3 pcs on which I know pirated copies of Vista have been installed.

I want to make them legal.

What is the easiest ( cheapest ) way to do that ?

I have tried the trick which used to work with XP where you download the validation script and let MSFT start to nag you then go on to their website and purchase a licence however that doesn't seem to work with Vista.

If I try to validate it then it passes the MSFT test !!!!

I prefer not to format and re-install a new genuine copy if possible.

Whe you try to update the system and it fails the Windows genuine advantage test it should give you the option to resolve now. You then purchase the version of Vista you require direct from Microsoft. You get a DVD rom sent to and you know you have purchased a proper copy. Once youve paid you will also get your downloads and updates. I ended up doing the same with mine from pantip.

Whe you try to update the system and it fails the Windows genuine advantage test it should give you the option to resolve now. You then purchase the version of Vista you require direct from Microsoft. You get a DVD rom sent to and you know you have purchased a proper copy. Once youve paid you will also get your downloads and updates. I ended up doing the same with mine from pantip.

Actually , my point is that when I try to do the update it suceeds with no errors and I have no dialogue from MSFT at all.

If I did not know for certain that the software is pirateed I would assume it was real !!!

Whe you try to update the system and it fails the Windows genuine advantage test it should give you the option to resolve now. You then purchase the version of Vista you require direct from Microsoft. You get a DVD rom sent to and you know you have purchased a proper copy. Once youve paid you will also get your downloads and updates. I ended up doing the same with mine from pantip.

Actually , my point is that when I try to do the update it suceeds with no errors and I have no dialogue from MSFT at all.

If I did not know for certain that the software is pirateed I would assume it was real !!!

Might try a visit to Microsofts Genuine site: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/

Whe you try to update the system and it fails the Windows genuine advantage test it should give you the option to resolve now. You then purchase the version of Vista you require direct from Microsoft. You get a DVD rom sent to and you know you have purchased a proper copy. Once youve paid you will also get your downloads and updates. I ended up doing the same with mine from pantip.

Actually , my point is that when I try to do the update it suceeds with no errors and I have no dialogue from MSFT at all.

If I did not know for certain that the software is pirateed I would assume it was real !!!

Might try a visit to Microsofts Genuine site: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/

Did that and it validates fine !!!

Seems only I know that the software is pirated cos MSFT doesn't seem to know no matter what I do ....

Might try a visit to Microsofts Genuine site: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/

Did that and it validates fine !!!

Seems only I know that the software is pirated cos MSFT doesn't seem to know no matter what I do ....

Then you might want to contact them directly from that link. I believe there is contact information.

<edited to remove too many quotes... sorry>

Edited December 19, 200817 yr by wxpwzrd