Windows 7: Win 7 Pro build 7601 not genuine

This only shows that you should always buy your software from either at the store(even wal mart), or online places that you know you can trust, such as: walmart.com, bestbuy.com amazon.com, ect..

NoelDP ... Thanks for the info on MSDN keys although to be honest I didn't really understand it. My interpretation is that MS would have issued the key I'm using as an MSDN key with a limit on the number of users (times) the same key can be used. The seller has sold this key to me + another number of users and MS have now picked up that the limit has been exceeded. They do some checks and the result is the key is barred, meaning myself and all other users of that key are screwed.

Unfortunately, you have almost no chance

One of the requirements for a complimentary replacement copy is to send the purchased product and packaging to MS for investigation and disposal. You have no packaging or disks (apart from self-burned ones, which don't count), and therefore fail the test on that account.

HonorGamer - As the saying goes "Hindsight is always 20/20 vision" I have already been looking for a replacement and found myself only on Microsoft shop / Amazon / PC World. I suppose the scammer will always be able to work on human nature and the desire to save money. From now on I won't be one of their victims !!!

You did learn, but it's been a very well known threat for quite a few years that have to buy your licenses from valid sources. The fact you found this vendor by a web search should have been your first clue that something wasn't right.

If you can provide proof of your purchase and turn over the sellers info, Microsoft usually issues a legit key in it's place.

You also can't expect Microsoft to immediately deny a key that's been used too many times. If they were that aggressive, many legit keys would be blocked and it would add fuel to the anti-Microsoft fire.