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I am running Windows XP SP2 on an old PC for my families internet. Two days ago it prompted that I had three days left to re-validate Windows due to 'Significant hardware changes'. My issue is, I know for a fact that I have not made any hardware changes since I installed windows three years ago.

My concern is that this is not a legitimate Windows prompt and may be some form of phishing malware trying to get my CD-Key. It still says I have three days left to revalidate which adds evidence to this theory.

Does anyone know why Windows would need re-validating? Is there any malware that would account for this behaviour?

Christopher
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2 Answers2

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The Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool may have been updated, but the process of "Activation" will never ask you to provide your Windows Product Key -- if automatic activation fails, then a series of codes will be presented and you'll be provided with a toll-free telephone number to contact Microsoft's Activation Centre to complete the process with an automated telephone system or an actual person.

If any of the firmware on your hardware got updated, this could trigger a detected hardware change, although this is unlikely.

Tools to detect and remove SpyWare that I've found to be reliable are:

  MalwareBytes (free)
  http://www.malwarebytes.org/

  SpyBot - Search & Destroy (free)
  http://security.kolla.de/

Randolf Richardson
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If you do not have a virus, I suspect simple file corruption. If the c:windows\system32\wpa.dbl got damaged, it may cause this also. Running chkdsk /f then a system restore may fix it, but you should probably run chkdsk 2-3 times no matter what even if you decide to just re-validate.

For more on validation, you can read these two articles:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Activating-Windows-frequently-asked-questions (expand all and read "You might have to activate Windows again if:")

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Product_Activation

KCotreau
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