I've been reading a previous post about this but as that post is locked I've stared a new one. The very same thing has happened to me but in my case I have the receipt from the computer shop where I bought XP and had it installed, I also have the product key on the front of my PC tower. The only reason I can think that this has happened for is that I had to have major work done on my PC last year and all software had to be re-installed. I can't shift the yellow shield icon or the star shaped icon at the bottom right of the screen and the balloons just keep on popping up with messages saying my copy is counterfeit...well I damn well know it ISN'T. Anyway I've emailed Microsoft and am awaiting their reply so I'll keep you all posted as to what happens next. It's very worrying, I certainly can't afford to pay again and really don't see why I should when I've done nothing wrong. DB
-------------------- When in doubt.....do nowt, just put a message on the forums