I have licensed copies of Windows XP and Office 2000 running on my computer. Recently, when I attempt to use the windows update feature Microsoft denies access stating that the upgrade feature is only for licensed users (which I am-plus it worked last week). When I run WINVER it reports the correct information and I have also reinstalled the software but it has not helped. I fear that I have picked up a virus but Norton virus scan (fully updated) doesn’t detect anything… Any suggestions?

Perhaps a Trojan then ? Try Trojan Remover http://www.simplysup.com/tremover/download.html Free for 30days

If you did a fresh reinstall of Windows XP Home Edition and Norton AntiVirus don't detect any viruses, you probably don't have any virus. Also, *I* cannot use Windows Update, because, *even* when I changed the product key, Windows Update claims the product key is invalid! WTF? This is with Windows XP Pro with SP1. If the product key is invalid, why did the Windows XP Service Pack installer let me install Service Pack 1? The Windows Service Pack 1 installer did not say *anything* about the product key being invalid. Also, my Windows XP Pro SP1 is in activated state.

Telephone Microsoft 888-571-2048. They'll get you squared away.