Microsoft certification

I bought my computer several years ago from someone, alas, no longer in business. With the computer I received XP and a bundle of MS software. Somewhere around a year ago, I sought to upgrade to a new version of Internet Explorer and it sent me to MS for certification before it would upgrade.

Much to my disconcertion, it came back saying my copy of Windows was not certifiable and that to certify it, I should pay them $149. Naturally, the business where I purchased this is long gone.

While I do not recommend buying illegal software, I would like to get rid of the irritating messages that keep popping up every five minutes. If anyone can help, I would greatly appreciate it. They are a nuisance.

Thanks,

RB

If you contact MS and give them the name of the company and the date you bought the computer than they might help you out. Otherwise about all you can do is buy a copy of windows. :(