Is your version of Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Office legal? Do you know how to check? Was your machine supplied with the CD and the license information or was it preinstalled? Until now, software piracy - particularly of operating systems - was not seen as a problem by most users of the software. With the introduction of Microsoft Windows Update it became obvious that Microsoft were moving towards a position of releasing updates and essential security patches only to legitimate users of their operating systems. The hackers went to work and many users with illegal software could still use the update service.

Microsoft have now introduced the Windows Genuine Advantage Program - this is designed to prevent you from installing software unless your copy of Windows has been validated - and this is done whenever you attempt to download! You should also note that Windows Update will no longer deliver updates to pre-Service Pack 2 installations. In other words, without a genuine, licensed, and activated operating system you WILL miss out on critical service patches and updates.

Some users are now reporting that Windows Genuine Advantage displays "nag" screens and balloon notifications on their machines.  Apart from being annoying they are a visible notice that you are running pirated software and breaking international law - not good for your business if you are a public facing company!  In addition to the changes made to Windows Update, many add-ons to the operating system will not even download (let alone install!) unless the operating system meets the Genuine Advantage validation requirements.  You could be missing out on lots of useful software by running an illegal operating system.

Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 both require activation and users attempting to upgrade to these new versions can expect even more problems!

The use of illegal software seems widespread in Lanzarote because many machines are purchased with the Spanish version of Windows already installed. Of course, most users find a friend who has a copy of the UK Edition and installs it with no thought for the possible consequences. Besides being illegal, pirated software contributes to the spread of internet worms, virus infections, spyware, and other dangerous applications since a pirated operating system is really an open door to any hacker who wants to steal your personal information. The sale of pirated software also funds organised crime around the world.  We are able to switch languages if your machine already has a Certificate of Authenticity by reinstalling the UK Edition over your existing operating system and using the same license number.

As a registered Microsoft Partner we can supply and install the very latest versions of Microsoft Windows, correctly licensed, activated, and validated for your security and peace of mind. We can remove your pirated version and replace it with a genuine UK licensed installation which will help to keep your machine stable and secure. Please contact us for more information.

You can visit the Microsoft How To Tell Site which will validate your installation to ensure that you are running legal software.  If you purchased a machine in Lanzarote with Windows XP and it fails this test you should approach your dealer for a refund of the license fee or contact us to go legal!

PLEASE NOTE THAT BEFORE YOU BRING A MACHINE INTO US FOR REPAIR OR UPGRADE YOU MUST BACK UP ALL OF YOUR DATA - WHILST WE USE ALL BEST EFFORTS TO RETAIN DATA WE WILL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES GUARANTEE TO RETRIEVE DATA FROM YOUR MACHINE.