My copy is not the full boxed version but the MS student boxed version, a totally genuine MS product. I re-installed it four times last year and on the third and fourth time was required to call a ms number. They gave me a code to re-validate it but did ask for the reason why it had been re-installed. Thereafter when loading updates it was accepted as genuine. Until a couple of days ago!
I will call the number Coconutty suggested to see what's what.
Thanks guys all your inputs are appreciated.
PPP