Cannot Log on due to windows validation message

[Guest Kristen]

I'm new to this forum thing, but hope to find some much needed help.

 

I bought a used computer for work and went on microsoft.com to make sure

that the Windows XP Pro already installed on the computer was a valid version

because my employer said a bootleg copy wouldn't work with their system. I

used the validation tool on microsoft's website and it said it was valid.

 

Here's the problem: I would get a message asking if I wanted to validate

windows because it would need to be validated within 6 days (paraphrasing).

I clicked yes and it said "windows has already been validated". "Click OK to

close". I would click OK and my comp would work just fine. The next day,

same thing, but only 5 days left. The countdown continued until today.

Instead, I got the usual request asking me if I wanted to validate, but

whether I click Yes or No, my comp shuts down. I can't log in or do

anything. I've put it in Safe Mode and gone through the exact same message

screens as described above, resulting in my computer shutting down.

 

Help, please (begging here)

 

Thanks :)

--

Kristen