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Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/21/2014 9:03 PM

Hi all

My PC which has genuine Windows 7 operating system, keeps showing this window, I have visited forums and spoken to help, all to no avail. Tony

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#1

Re: Windows 7 not genuine error

11/22/2014 12:40 AM

You can try this...↓ I struggled with a similar message but got an IT guy I know to write a program to fix it...but the circumstances were different....Do you have the original windows 7 cd, or you just bought the computer with win 7 installed and no cd?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY9TA3RdEWQ

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Windows 7 not genuine error

11/22/2014 2:14 AM

Thank you SolarEagle

I tried it and I'm waiting to see if it's successful, the message comes up 2-3 times per day.

I have a second hand laptop that has W7 on it, but at this stage it's not causing any problems.

Tony

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#3

Re: Windows 7 not genuine error

11/22/2014 2:20 AM

That doesn't look to me like a message from Microsoft. I suspect you may have a malware infection.

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Windows 7 not genuine error

11/22/2014 2:33 AM

Thank you Pantaz

You could be right, I've scanned it with Malwarebytes and it comes up clean now, although it did tell me on the first scan I had a registry error, which it fixed.

It's just come up again!!! sorry Solareagle the Youtube didn't work.

Tony

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#5

Re: Windows 7 not genuine error

11/22/2014 5:02 AM

What happens when you attempt to validate it?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2008385

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#6
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Re: Windows 7 not genuine error

11/22/2014 9:45 AM

I have tried your first option and the validation gives the result shown and the green disc spins forever whether I answer "Yes" or "No".

I have hit "Resolve online now" previously and received the same result but without the Script Error window.

The other solution which requires me to dabble in the registry, I have difficulty following and I'm concerned an error there, will be a disaster! Tony

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#7
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Re: Windows 7 not genuine error

11/22/2014 9:52 AM

Don't mess with your registry.

You may want to try that option again before you go to bed or something.

I've never seen the "few minutes" screen actually mean "a few minutes".

They should change the message to "go do something else because this is gonna take a really long time".

There's probably a reason for telling you to not navigate away from the page, also.

There's no telling what's going on in there.

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#8
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Re: Windows 7 not genuine error

11/22/2014 9:58 AM

Thanks kramarat, I previously left it for 2 hours and no result. Tony

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#9
In reply to #8

Re: Windows 7 not genuine error

11/22/2014 10:12 AM

People seem to think that it hangs up with firefox, and to use IE for the validation.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-system/windows-validation/6f4b4225-b558-4d8f-9b71-0d7cb3f5d51a

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#10
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Re: Windows 7 not genuine error

11/22/2014 10:17 AM
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#11
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Re: Windows 7 not genuine error

11/22/2014 3:23 PM

Now reboot and try again....

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#12

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/22/2014 5:27 PM

From a Mcrosoft help-soite:

"Click the "Resolve Online Now" button. If it takes you to a Microsoft address, then it means that there was a system failure in Windows, and you need to follow these steps to re-activate windows:

(Address deleted, each one is unique to your situation)

If it takes you to another site that looks like a windows site but has a weird URL and is filled with all kinds of odd spelling and grammatical errors, then it means your antivirus software failed and you have a ransomware virus on your computer. In that case you need to run MajorGeeks rkill and Malwarebytes."

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#13

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/22/2014 7:42 PM

Dude,

You bought a laptop with a bootlegged copy of Windows 7. If you go anywhere that Microsoft is aware of, you run a risk of Microsoft taking a peek at your OS. If it's bootlegged (and MS can tell) you get shutdown. That's it. Now there's code on your PC that tells everyone and everything "I'm bootlegged!"

Buy a copy of Win 7 and re-install.

Sorry

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#14
In reply to #13

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/22/2014 11:00 PM

I have a PC with a legal copy of Windows 7, so legality is not the problem, Dude!

I have had my computer checked twice by Microsoft people, who confirmed the program is legal but apparently have no idea how to fix the problem.

I have finally got the validation site to move on and I'm told my only option is to reinstall windows and all my programs and data. Microsoft may be removed from my Christmas card list.

Tony

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#15
In reply to #14

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/23/2014 2:41 AM

I don't know what you mean by "I have had my computer checked twice by Microsoft people...." Was that the paid IT service or the free service? About 9 months ago I paid $99 for a one-time fix, and I was surprised at how well the guy did. My son is in IT, but his mother (my ex) hits him up all the time for free fixes for stupid problems, so I don't like to bother him for the time-consuming remote control jobs. I guess I'm just offering some testimony about a positive experience with the paid support at Microsoft. If you haven't tried it, at least you have one person recommending it. Are you $99 worth of fed up yet?

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#16
In reply to #14

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/23/2014 6:17 AM

I will second the motion that microsoft sucks.

Here Here!

I wish I had a dollar for every hour I've spent trying to fix some stupid MS hangup.

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#17

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/23/2014 6:20 AM

I've had this problem and retyped the registration number which it accepted. Otherwise purchase a registration number.

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#18

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/23/2014 1:11 PM
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#19
In reply to #18

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/24/2014 12:07 AM

Thank you all for your suggestions, I'm loath to disable the WAT, in case it just dies without any warning.

I was onto Microsoft support for the third time and allowed them to remotely control my computer, but they could find nothing wrong and have booked a session with an expert expert bloody genius for 2 days time. I'll let you know how that pans out.

Useful stuff: the number from Australia I phoned was 132058 and I believe the support was from the Philippines.

From New Zealand is 0800 800 004.

I hope this info is useful to others.

Tony

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#20

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/24/2014 4:31 PM

You're getting a message like that this late in Win7's game, after having used Win7 all this time without getting it (whether or not yours is a legit copy)? Suddenly you're now getting this message when M$ is focused on killing support for that OS on January 13, 2015?

That's no message from Redmond, mate. That's phishing, pure and simple.

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#21
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Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/24/2014 5:09 PM

I guess Tony will find out, when/if somebody asks for money.

2 days wait for some 'expert expert' advice ? The telephone numbers look to be OK. Either way, it seems odd that support couldn't talk thru the steps needed to check for issues. Remote assistance is an iffy way to go.

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#22
In reply to #21

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/24/2014 5:21 PM

"when/if somebody asks for money."

But Small 'n' Limp ALWAYS ask for money, don't they?

Of course their product could be considered malware. How many files have you lost as a result of having used their software? Me? Many. Sort of like your having a legit copy of Windows implicitly grants them a phishing license.

I love Microsoft's products. Best thing to happen to Mankind since the Dark Ages.

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#23
In reply to #21

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/24/2014 5:32 PM

See my profile page for a message.

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#24
In reply to #23

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/24/2014 5:38 PM

I'm on it......No Admins seem to have been online for a couple of days. Somewhere is an admin email addy......

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#25
In reply to #24

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/24/2014 5:54 PM

It's weird. I can post here but not PM. This is the first time I've noticed that there seem to be two postings-counters per account.

Thanks, btw. I don't know where there's an email addy I can use to reach them.

Where Have All the Admins Gone sounds like it might be a hit single one day. :) I suspect they're all snowed-in. That area of NY is buried in snow at the moment, and I mean buried. I suppose they could log-in to the server remotely, but I don't know their situation there at the moment.

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#26
In reply to #25

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/24/2014 5:59 PM

I think it's always acted that way. Not 100% sure. Go to FAQ's point 7. There's an email address that might get noticed quicker.

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#27
In reply to #26

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/24/2014 6:00 PM

Thanks!

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#28

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/28/2014 12:03 AM

Hi all and thank you for your comments and solutions.

I've finally been contacted by a Microsoft lady from India who ended up reinstalling Windows 7 from my original disk. This took most of Wednesday by the time it installed all the updates and currently seems to be working fine. I may put Microsoft back on my Christmas card list.

Tony

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#29
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Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/28/2014 4:12 AM

Crikey ! I'd been sceptical, but it sounds like you have a result. Having somebody do a remote instal would freak me, but that's just suspicious ol' me.

Did you find out what the problem was ? Have you disabled remote acces now that things are sorted ? Last point might sound a bit patronizing, but it's hard to tell how much another person understands what they are doing (I dabble in the registry with reckless abandon, so I'm certainly no expert !).

Glad to hear you are up and running.

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#30
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Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/28/2014 8:18 AM

I think Kris, a virus changed a registry entry, which I noticed when I ran Malwarebytes straight after. I had a copy of Spybot that was telling me everything was OK, but my local computer shop said Spybot doesn't work very well, now.

The system Microsoft uses, asks you to download a remote program and the support person supplies a code which operates until you close the connection and you have to download the file again for a further connection.

How secure is it, I don't know, but my OS is back working, it's probably safer than the rest of the stuff we encounter daily.

Tony

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#31
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Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/28/2014 9:25 AM

Cheers for the feedback.

I use Malewarebytes and Spybot. They seem to pick up different stuff, though I'd rate Malwarebytes as better. Iobit do some good free stuff as well, though like most current versions of such stuff it wants to do active protection as well, unless you tell it otherwise. Not a good idea to have too many programs running protection - it just causes conflicts and hogs resources. It also doesn't help in finding out where any glitches are.

Just on the general topic, the free stuff seems to be as good as payed for. I've used a few of the payed for, and not seen any huge advantage. If anything, it's caused more problems. I'd maybe donate for the freeware, but they keep changing the scope of what it does. Only thing to beware of is the tendancy they have to try sneak in various bits of crapware. I've yet to neet anyone running Windows who hasn't had a nasty virus encounter at some point - even people who are real brainiacs.

You're quite right - there are a helluva lot more risks in daily life than computer problems. Well, at least in terms of home users getting stuff done. The world would fall apart if all computer systems failed, but if it's just mine then it's no more than an annoyance.

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#32
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Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/28/2014 6:09 PM

Thanks Kris

Something I forgot, the installation was done over the top of the existing, using the Upgrade option and all my programs and files survived.

I have spent hours ridding my PC of crap ware, it sneaks on when you're tired. Making sure you're on the official site and using the custom installation helps. I agree, having virus software fighting other virus software kind of defeats the object.

I have recently downloaded a few Serif programs about $20 each on special, Drawplus, Pageplus, Webplus and Movieplus, they seem to work well and are very intuitive.

Tony

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#33
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Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

11/28/2014 8:30 PM

A few times I've wrestled with some virus or other. The sting in the tail is that I've usually got so tired I forgot what specifically fixed it ! It would make sense to jot down notes, but then it would take twice as long and I'd be more likely to do something catastrophic.

Not many tools or gadgets have such a terrible maintenance to useful time ratio.

Might as well have a giggle about it.

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#35
In reply to #30

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

03/12/2020 3:12 PM

Some problems just eventually resolve themselves! Now I have a rugged tablet that can not be used for anything sensitive.

3 Win7 pcs now relegated to non-critical, offline machine-driving functions.

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#34

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

12/04/2014 5:55 AM

Reading this makes me very happy that I switched to Ubuntu (Linux) last time my hard drive blew up!

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#36

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

01/11/2021 2:36 AM

Try this:

  • Reset the Licensing Status of Your Computer with SLMGR -REARM Command
  • Click on the start menu and type cmd in the search field.
  • Type SLMGR -REARM and press Enter.
  • Restart your PC, and you will find that the "This copy of Windows is not genuine" message no longer occurs.
  • Type the following command-line into the elevated Command Prompt and press Enter:
  • slmgr -rearm
  • You will see a confirmation window. Click on OK.
  • Restart your computer, and once it boots up, you will see that the “This copy of Windows is not genuine” message is no longer there. Your desktop will still have a blank black background, but you are going to have to fix that yourself by right-clicking on an empty space on your desktop, clicking on personalizing, and changing your desktop background.

Let me know if this works.

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Caleb
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#37
In reply to #36

Re: Windows 7 Not Genuine Error

01/16/2021 5:57 PM

One of my computers flipped a few years ago. Not having the original discs, I tried the SLMGR stuff. It worked for a while, but then re-set. Not sure if that can be repeated forever, but I upgraded the particular PC before needing to find out. The thought of trying to go thru any form of customer support sounded worse than the problem itself. Possibly a program like Jellybean might help find the authentification numbers.

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