I just received notice when I got on my computer that I may be a victim of software counterfeiting and my Windows is not valid. It said to go online and resolve now. Are they wanting me to purchase again?
What should I do? I know my Windows is legal. Has anyone else had this happen and any suggestions for me.

I'm no computer expert but I would not respond to the message. I would ignore it.

It says I have 30 days to resolve it or Microsoft Security Essentials will quit working.

Sounds pretty scammish to me.

Where did you get the computer from? Was it used?

No it is not used, brand new. It was built for me. The windows was purchased on ebay, but it was new and had product key. Could this be the problem, buying on ebay?

Its a scam, do not log on, it will probably ask for confidential info or give you a viris, beware!

Can someone actually steal your Windows and give you a invalid product key?

ignore it, it is a scam and be sure to run your virus protection now

Have you activated Windows? Have you had the pc less than 30 days? Yes, they can scam you with bogus license tags or codes. There are even cracks that they use to trick the activation process but other Microsoft programs detect the crack and send out messages like you received.

I would contact the seller you bought it from and ask what is up. Is there a green Microsoft sticker on the pc and if so, is it for the version of Windows you are using?

I have had the pc since March and had no problems with it till now.

Sounds like a scam...please ignore it.

I would go online and get a phone number to Microsoft or THEIR valid email address and ask if they are sending you this message...
Once you find out that your license is valid no problem,
If they tell you that you were sold an invalid version/license then go to the ebay seller and raise a ruckus :wink:

forward the email message to Microsoft help desk and let them deal with it. If it's the real thing, which I doubt, they can let you know. The address should be on the paperwork that came with the software or you could do a search to get it.

I got a similar message a while ago. I ran to Best Buy and got Norton. It found several threats to my computer and cleaned them all. Haven't found any problems since.

Okay, so I am wondering if I have been pirated through ebay. I will take all your suggestions thanks so much for the help. The alerts and notices are on my screen, not through email. The Windows operating system cost $100 purchased new on ebay. If I have been scammed, please others beware of this happening to you.

no, thats why this is a scam!

IGNORE ALL POPUPS!!! PERIOD! If you get one, click on the X and get rid of it. Then, if you're not sure if you need an update or virus protection GO TO THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE. In your case, go to Microsoft's website and look for "updates" or "downloads". Same with your virus protection. The popups are ways that viruses invade your computer. Microsoft does not do popups.

Okay, one more question, doesn't Microsoft Security Essentials find the problem for me and correct it? That is what I have currently running my virus protection.
I will close the pop up windows, and I have not touched anything since I saw the alerts. Right now I am using another computer in the house.

Amen!

Microsoft Security Essentials is only for spyware and malware I believe, so you still need an antivirus program.

This explains what you have :wink:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/products/mse.aspx

New problem! My desktop screen is BLACK now :cry:

How are you seeing anything to type?

I am on a computer downstairs, so I am running back up to do a full virus scan and found my screen black.

Wait a minute, do I understand this right. I have Microsoft Security Essentials and this web site says It installs after a quick download and Genuine Windows validation. So it already made sure my windows was valid before it installed? Why is my desktop screen black?

It sounds like a scam to me.

I don't know, but it could be a virus, because you haven't had an antivirus program running....

Sorry, I read that wrong, it is an antivirus program :oops:
But my laptop went black like that, and it was due to a virus... one that my McCaffee didn't pick up...

Your screen could be black for a few reasons.
1. Your computer could be hibernating rather than off. Try moving your mouse, hitting the space bar, pressing the On button a few times, or turn it off, unplug it, wait two minutes, plug it back in and turn it back on.
2. Your monitor could be off, or one of the knobs or buttons on it might have been moved and needs to be moved the other way to show the picture.
3. You could have a virus that is affecting your screen and/or your bootup hardware or software.

Even with good anti-virus software, viruses and malware do sometimes get in - that's why you run periodic scans as well as just letting it run in the background all the time.

You may or may not have a virus. Scam pop-up windows aren't always viruses. The pop-up you got saying you don't have genuine Windows is very likely a scam. You can check right on the Microsoft website whether it's genuine or not, here: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/val...displaylang=en

But get your monitor working first, and also run a full virus scan and remove any viruses.

Sounds more like a virus ... on the other computer do you have Norton or McCafee ? Actually is it on either computer ?

Your Microsoft Security Essentials has a known issue that occurred after a recent update. http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...e-835910633110

I have no idea what is causing your current dilemna.

Try turning the computer off and then restarting... hold the power button in for 5 seconds... that will turn the computer off... then push the button again to turn it back on

Do these screens look familar, like the one that you said popped up? Microsoft apparently has had this problem before.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx

This is a screen shot of what keeps popping up. The black goes away as if it never appeared and then comes back again. I know this sounds weird, but I had a desk size picture flash across my screen, that I never put on and never have seen! It is strange the way this acted.

That does not look like a legitimate Microsoft warning. Look at the link I just posted above this... it shows one like yours and what it SHOULD look like...

Thanks, I will check this out more. The black screen is like I lost my saved desktop picture. Everything else works when I use it.

I recently read that there is a scam going on that sounded just like this. I'd not go there and maybe call Microsoft and report it.

Can anyone tell me, if this look legitimate? This is what keeps popping up along with the one earlier from Microsoft Security Essentials.

I would contact Microsoft (but not by clicking on that link in the window) and see if indeed this is true. You should be able to call them directly, as your computer is under warranty, without any charges.

Will do and thanks so much everyone for your help. Will keep you updated.