Patches,

As like many other members I don't read all the threads and there have been so many recent AVG related threads, which one are you referring to please? Undoubtedly there is some information there which may assist me or another member in resolving your concern.

When a member starts a "secondary thread", an "update thread", a "more questions" thread or a "new" thread it is quite easy for other members to miss prior discussions and information.

DA

DA Patches has a friend who had a computer built long ago (5 years or so) and the builder did not use a valid XP, the builder is no longer in business. Nuff said I s'pose

Patches your friend has a choice here I think. He/she can by another copy of XP but is it really worth it for such an old computer? Five years is quite old in these days of rapidly advancing technology. Even buying XP Home OEM is going to cost about $100 yet a new, faster computer can be bought for $500. Then once this computer quits the copy of XP becomes useless unless there is another home or local built machine where the XP can be transferred to after arguing with MS.

Then there is the issue of backing up all her data, ensuring all the necessary drivers for the motherboard, LAN, sound, video or other components are secured before wiping the drive and starting over. This is not an impossible task but it can be time consuming and confusing trying to ensure all the right drivers have been saved. Unless of course the computer builder handed over the CD for the motherboard and your friend still has that in their possession.

To give you some idea of value read the thread Need help with RAM purchase by Indy, he has bought a used P4 for a mere $5 and I suspect your friend's machine may well be only a PIII. Now we all have to realise Indy is very fortunate, most P4 computers go for considerably more but it helps to understabd how fast computers deprecaite in value.

this is the other thread with part of the info on it.
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/comphelp/msg051706324223.html?16

If I were her I would make sure she has the key from the pc, I would do the magicjellybean too make sure it and belarc show the same so she has proof of that, then try calling the microsoft number for re-activation and tell them what is going on and that she does not know exactly what the guy did and see what they say, if she happens to get someone on a very good day she might get lucky and they go with it.

Won't hurt to try.

there are other places she can actually get updates too. you can get sp2 on cd for example, for free from microsoft, sp3 can be put on a cd also.
Also there is a method to get updates using firefox which should not have the validation issue this is the link to that.
updater

There is also autopatcher, here is some info and the link to it is in the article. Simple definition for the types of update:

Autopatcher full: If this is the first time you want to update your operating system, download it, install the updates inside it and reboot.

Autopatcher update: Contains update for each month (lets say for this month, March). Use this after you have installed the Autopatcher full.
autopatcher info
I have never used these just read about others that have, use at your own discretion.

I know that Windows Genuine Advantage can be turned off in Internet Explorer, Click Start, all programs, at top select windows update, in the browser click tools, manage add ons,
select from the drop down box add-ons IE has used, scroll down to Windows Genuine Advantage, select it and change to disable, save.

She needs to check her pc to see what she has already does she have sp1, sp2 or just plain xp??
Here is the link for her to order the cd from microsoft.
order sp2 on cd from microsoft