Windows 7 Build 7601 This copy of Windows is not genuine..when it is!

Jezza63 · 03 Nov 2013

Guys,

First, I very much appreciate all your support. Your advice is very welcome. It is most certainly not a waste of time. I was referring to the Microsoft program and my annoyance that it seems to fall over without any obvious reason. We never install dodgy software and we always install the MS updates.

The repair install fails for some reason but there are no clues to indicate the cause. Could it be a hardware incompatibility issue even though it has worked well until recently since Win7 was installed? I remember updating some drivers at that time. In fact it still works. The only issue is the 'not genuine ' accusation by MS (which is insulting) and the failure to update.

Second, Andrew I think you are right. I need to do fresh install. I can uninstall and the reinstall all my important programs (Office 2010, Adobe, etc), I have all my files on a separate hard drive (+ a back-up copy) do they are safe.
But ...

1) Where do obtain the new install software? Should I use my Win7 pre-SP1 retail DVD and let it update or should I use the ISO SP1 version which I downloaded for the repair install?

2) Andrew you suggested a basic install (unbloated). That seems logical. To do that do I select 'custom install' and unselect most of the options?

3) Importantly, I am not sure what to do about all the device drivers. Can I rely on win7 to get it running and then use a program like Driver Detective to detect and update any that out of date?

Sorry if I caused any offence in my moment of frustration. My comments were most certainly not directed at you guys... You do a great job helping people like me. I try to do the same in my area of engineering; pumps and the hygienic processing of liquids like beer, drinks, food etc.

I'd much appreciate your suggestions...

Golden · 03 Nov 2013

Jezza,

Yes, use the SP1 ISO you downloaded to perform the clean install. Windows will detect and install the latest Microsoft signed drivers (later, you may wish to install specific 3rd party drivers by the various manufacturers) automatically. After initial installation, let Windows Update run all the updates.

What sort of device will eventually require drivers?

Jezza63 · 03 Nov 2013

Hi Golden,

Thanks I try that later today or tomorrow.

Apart from a few USB things like webcam, microphone, scanner. The devices are internal to the PC. Such as cards for Graphics, Hard drives, Ethernet, fax modem, motherboard, etc. all standard stuff, mostly from Asus I think.

Golden · 03 Nov 2013

Windows will detect and automatically download and install drivers for those.

andrew129260 · 03 Nov 2013

You can always visit the manufacturers site and download all the latest drivers for your make and model on a flash drive, and install them on windows 7 after the clean install. These are typically more up to date then the windows update counterparts.
I am guessing as stated you have a clean copy of windows 7 and not a oem copy, which would usually have some bloatware involved in it sometimes.

An example tutorial: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

It already sounds like you have a good disk, but I am just letting you know so you can be sure.

Also, remember once you get everything set up the way you like Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

This will backup the entire computer, (and hopefully you will never need to use it) and then if you ever have any issues, just restore the image. Presto, its like a clean install with everything working perfectly with all the programs installed and drivers installed already when everything was working correctly.

Sorry about your issues with Windows

But hopefully after getting through this you will see all different and more options windows 7 gives you to do things.

You didn't cause any offence to us, I was trying to not insult my other forum members telling you to do a clean install. I know that's typically the last resort, and not what people want to do, but sometimes it is the best solution. It's hard sometimes to help people and not offend at the same time. Hopefully everyone is alright with me making those comments.

Regardless, keep us informed and let us know if you have any more issues.

If even after doing the clean install, and you still have problems, you first should try activating by phone.
If that fails, you then might want to visit that link I gave to Microsoft support. It will stink trying to tell them everything you have done already, but once they figure out you know what your doing, they will move you to level 3 support quickly.

NoelDP · 03 Nov 2013

Jezza63 said:

1) Where do obtain the new install software? Should I use my Win7 pre-SP1 retail DVD and let it update or should I use the ISO SP1 version which I downloaded for the repair install?

Use the SP1 Refresh ISO downloaded from the links here...

http://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft

Jezza63 said:

2) Andrew you suggested a basic install (unbloated). That seems logical. To do that do I select 'custom install' and unselect most of the options?

See the instructions here ... Clean Install Windows 7

Jezza63 said:

3) Importantly, I am not sure what to do about all the device drivers. Can I rely on win7 to get it running and then use a program like Driver Detective to detect and update any that out of date?

Windows will deal with most itself - the only ones you really need to be careful of are the Network drivers. - download then from your motherboard manufacturer's website.

Jezza63 said:

Sorry if I caused any offence in my moment of frustration. My comments were most certainly not directed at you guys... You do a great job helping people like me. I try to do the same in my area of engineering; pumps and the hygienic processing of liquids like beer, drinks, food etc.

Ah! a man after my own heart

beer, computers, and food - with the occasional companion thrown in :)

No offense taken here, at least

derekimo · 03 Nov 2013

Jezza63 said:

To do that do I select 'custom install' and unselect most of the options?

Just an FYI Jezza, there are no options to unselect as seen in these screenshots in this tutorial,

Clean Install Windows 7

Under step 8 there are drive options regarding formatting and partition creation.

Using the Win 7 SP1 ISO will give you the cleanest install, as already stated.

Jezza63 · 03 Nov 2013

Thanks Guys. I have just finished uninstalling a few programs like MS office, etc. so that I can reinstall them afterwards. The new install is running now.

I am using the SP1 ISO version. The original Win7 was installed in 2010 from a retail DVD, for which I still have the Product Key. So activation should be ok I hope... Fingers crossed.

If it fails again I might have to visit the local pub to drown my sorrows.

NoelDP · 03 Nov 2013

I'm already there

Jezza63 · 03 Nov 2013

Whoopee..It seems to have worked. There are only 132 of the 135 Windows updates still to install. Many many thanks.. I owe you all several beers!

Question: Does anybody know where can I obtain a near current version of MS Office Professional 2010 for my software reinstall? I'd like to avoid the need for another massive update session, which would no doubt happen if I install my original version from 2010.