Windows 7: Suddenly Win 7 says not authentic

Don't let it bother you too much, when you have been here for a while you will realise why it's kind of assumed that copies are illegal in situations like yours, we see it far too often, especially with people buying copies from Ebay etc.

As far as buying from a "brick and mortar" store, here in the UK at least, the pricing is pretty much standardised, so any major trusted retailer would be acceptable. I would highly recommend getting a Retail version though, so the key is transferrable.



Hope it helps,

I read all responses here twice and did not find any judgements. Nobody has accused you, just told you that you have bought counterfeit or otherwise invalid product. Only valid multi-user license edition of Windows 7 available for home / small business users was / is Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack, which has one install media and three licenses.

You have most probably got so called TechNet product keys. Because of some geeks without any moral or ethics wanting to make a quick buck or two, these keys were and are sold on eBay and similar sites to unsuspecting buyers. These keys are blacklisted as soon as Microsoft notices any misuse. That could explain why your key worked as far as it did.

You need two valid licences. If you want to stay in Ultimate, the best and IMO most affordable solution is to join TechNet. More information here: TechNet: Compare Subscriptions

Kari

Since you have 30 days grace period, You might look at TigerDirect, NewEgg, & Amazon for On-Line deals. Not sure if anybody still has any family 3-packs available.

Microsoft Store? (Microsoft Store Online - Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Family Pack - Buy from Microsoft Store)

If you can get your hands on a windows 7 DVD you could go back to the original Home Premium that came with each laptop. Just use the product code that is on the COA sticker on each laptop. Any DVD will do as you can make it into a universal install disk. There is nothing illegal about copying somebody else's DVD and using your product codes.
Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create[2]=General Tips

If you just want to downgrade back to home premium you could try this.
UNAWAVE - Downgrade Ultimate to Home Premium or Professional

Why not call Microsoft and see what they say? Activate Windows 7 by Phone

This would accomplish two things.

1. It would prove beyond a doubt exactly what you have
2. Might help nail the turkey who sold it or at least get their TechNet subscription canceled.

With reference to MS office, when i have reinstalled winows/office, i have always called them, explained that i have reinstalled Office and they have given me new activation codes.

+1
Excellent post. A pity the website won't let me rep you (You must spread some rep around before giving it to .. again)

This is only a suggestion, I don't know if it will work, (I suspect not) but could you not go through Anytime Upgrade select Home and reenter your COA key (found on the bottom of you laptop). This might re-lock the Ultimate features???

If not, back up all your data, format & install. Then simply add back your own data/progs. There's the create universal instal iso in the tutrial section, as well as the tut on preparing a drive for a fresh instal. If the disk is genuine you could use that, then input the keys found on your COAs.

Just a thought.. If the best-buy hidden restore partition is still floating around it might make life a little easier...