"This copy of windows is not genuine"

I recently re-installed my genuine licensed copy of win 7 on a replacement laptop. The original had died - totally! I figured that since it was no more, then my copy of windows could be legally installed on the replacement.
Everything has been fine for about three months but now I have a message on screen telling me the copy of windows is not genuine, the background has gone black - basically I have limited functionality.
I even went on line to try and fix the problem, but the MS site keeps telling me the product ID has expired.........?
Is this something that can be fixed, or can a rather expensive piece of os software only ever be used on one computer - even when it dies?
Any help would be most welcome, or should I give serious consideration to Lynux?
Mike

From the message from Golden the reason behind your problem is explained.

In my opinion you should now proceed as follows. First reformat and reinstall Windows 7. The Laptop should again become OK for three months or so. But when it comes to activation then please do not do it on the Net. Please phone Microsoft and tell the whole story and request them to activate. They are almost sure to help you out.

This in my opinion would be the better way to go about instead of contacting the vendor who supplied you the genuine licensed copy in the first place.

Golden said:

Hi Mike,

Was this an OEM version of Windows? Was it pre-installed on the laptop?

Pre-installed (or OEM) Windows 7 are locked to the original hardware, and cannot be activated on a different PC/laptop.

Regards,
Golden

It'll be interesting to see a response from mikepercival.

His posting reads like the copy was activated on the replacement laptop, so it's not simply explained by the OEM activation issue. (Would Microsoft activate an OEM copy on new hardware, and then change their minds a few months later?)

Sounds more like a copy that has been blacklisted.

I have been in contact with Microsoft who are being very helpful in resolving the problem.
They gave me all sorts of codes to feed in, none of which seem to have done anything (yet). I now have to phone customer services and speak to a "tech rep".They have agreed that it is a genuine copy, that it should not be causing problems and that they are happy to sort it.
I will update when I have managed to contact customer service (not 24 / 7 but 9 to 6 Mon to Fri).
Mike

Wish you all the best in sorting out your problem with the help of Microsoft. Contrary to the prevailing wisdom of many, I have always found Microsoft most helpful.

Amarnath Wanchoo

mikepercival said:

I have been in contact with Microsoft who are being very helpful in resolving the problem.
They gave me all sorts of codes to feed in, none of which seem to have done anything (yet). I now have to phone customer services and speak to a "tech rep".They have agreed that it is a genuine copy, that it should not be causing problems and that they are happy to sort it.
I will update when I have managed to contact customer service (not 24 / 7 but 9 to 6 Mon to Fri).
Mike

Once MS Customer Service validates the retail key, they will open a Support case to get it activated one way or another. They're supposed to see whether you installed it correctly and may ask questions to determine this, but at any point they may simply activate it themselves. Be sure to confirm your same key is good for reinstalls. But remember that reinstalls are better done using Backup imaging which retains activation for you.

Sorted!
MS Support tech help did a cracking job. I only have good things to say about them and their level of help and expertise.
I must admit I have heard horror stories in the past, but my experience has been excellent.
Thanks to all for the suggestions.
Mike