[ntreu1234]

All of a sudden a screen has popped up saying "you may be a victim of software counterfeiting" - That my windows did not pass genuine windows validation! Also my wallpaper turned BLACK (with icons) instead of what I had it set up as. I am wondering if, since I am due to renew my McAfee subscription in a couple of weeks, if this is just a ploy to get me to buy something else for my spyware.......like Microsoft Genuine Windows.

[perfume]

Dear ntreu1234,
How's your system otherwise? Any slowdowns, BSODs, other Error messages,etc? What security software is on your laptop? Did your system pass the Win. Gen.Val.test before?

[ntreu1234]

My laptop also is McAfee, no more slower than usual, and I do not know what BSOD is. No other error message either. Windows never popped up before saying it did not pass.

[perfume]

ntreu1234,
BSOD is the dreaded "Blue Screen OF Death"! Microsoft has started checking whether the OS installed on a PC is genuine or pirated by running the test, when you download and install the Microsoft Windows Updates. Yesterday, Microsoft released Eleven critical updates and please check whether you are able to download them. Link : http://update.microsoft.com/microsof....aspx?ln=en-us

You have to download thse from the Internet Explorer browser, unless you have installed a compatible plug-in in FF! Best wishes and kindly get back and tell us all how things are!