Copy of Windows not genuine?

[Jess]

I just noticed this. appeared a few minutes ago.

Windows 7
Build 7601
This copy of Windows is not genuine.


How could that be? my dad couldn't possibly have gotten a fake copy of Windows 7 and installed it on my laptop....I don't know if he knew, probably not. But I thought it was genuine as he's a software engineer and was able to get Windows 7 (Basic) and install it on my laptop (months ago)

but this message just appeared, was never there yesterday or any other day before now.

How do I really tell if the copy of Windows 7 I have is genuine or not? I'll be showing my dad this message tomorrow, unless it disappears.

[shadowhunter320]

Hmmm, was it running XP or vista before 7?

[Jess]

it was XP before

[BFG9001]

Do you have the disc? Product key or something?

[Jess]

mhmm but I don't have it with me at the moment and it's really late here. I'll try looking for it tomorrow morning.....

[Commander Thor]

If a key was never entered, or if Windows was never activated, Windows would say that it's not genuine.
Another thing, if the key was used on other computers/devices, it's also possible that the key was flagged on MS's activation servers, causing all systems with that key to become 'not genuine'.

Either is possible. But your best bet is to talk to your Dad and see what's up.

[shadowhunter320]

The other guys are right, next thing I was gonna ask is if you used a disc or download.lol:-)

[TheMatrix]

One theory is that M$ does this on purpose as to get you to buy Windows again. I don't know if this is true or not, but then again, knowing Microsoft...

Anyway, for what I know, there is this program called "GenuineCheck" or something from Microsoft, and maybe it can solve it. But I wouldn't know, ask Brandon :P

[Jess]

okay thanks guys...I'll go check out GenuineCheck...


EDIT: I can't seem to be able to install it (http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/validate/DownloadValidationSupport.aspx) I keep getting "update installation failed"

[anonymous53]

Call microsoft support with your activation key, they usually handle it. It's usually a software misshap.

[jockguy14]

i think i've seen this happen before and i may happen like once a year. not a biggie to me.

[shadowhunter320]

Call or email Microsoft(calling is 1000000x quicker) they should solve it for you. Beware though, I've had experiences with them lying to get me to buy more of their products. Make sure you have the activation code though. Also, if you get "Jeff famer" you should immediately hang up and call again, I've gotten him several times and he's always a total douche and won't me talk to someone else.

And sometimes the code never activates, I bought 7 home premium and had the same problem, appearantly the key was never used. :what:

[Silicate Wielder]

Could be WIndows 7 has somehow "Tapped" into some older system files that never deleted fully and left tons of traces of files, That could of triggered the error. Btw I'm Currently Working on a custom Operating system thats based off Ubuntu, If you need help with your computer just message me.

[Rayquaza]

If you've entered the key in and its still saying that, it sounds like a bug.