Message of copy of Windows not genuine

Hi Everyone. I don't know if I am posting this in the right thread, but I need some help. I bought an Acer laptop in November of 2012 and it worked great for me for what seems like forever. About 4 months ago however, it crashed. I've had Norton 360 Anti-virus on it ever since I bought it a few months after I got the computer. It has helped me get rid of some nasty viruses before they got bad. Then about 4 months ago, within a matter of 15-20 minutes it pretty much just crapped the bed. It started out with a message saying that the copy of windows was not genuine. It was in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. I figured that it was a virus that had gotten through, so I tried to run Norton to clean my computer. It wouldn't work though. It wouldn't even open all the way. I even did multiple system restores and that wouldn't work either. It seemed like everything I tried to do to fix my computer made it worse. I can't even get my computer to turn on now. I had a friend who knows a lot more about computers than I do look at it. He says that I need the reboot disk so that he can try to reboot my computer. However, I don't think that that will work because, like I said before, the computer won't even turn on. Is there anything I can do to try to fix it? I really need it for school, since I go to college online. Anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

the computer won't even turn on

Usually that situation signals a hardware failure. Did you get any documentation with the computer, does it show anything about a Reset for it. Have you tried removing the battery, unplugging it and let set for awhile before trying again? Most Notebooks [and Desktops] don't automatically come with the Factory Restore discs, rely upon a small program the User can run to create the set. I high-lighted the because usually only one set can be made.

I bought the computer on tigerdirect.com. I have moved a few times since I bought the laptop so I'm not 100% sure as to where the paperwork would be if I still have it. I wouldn't be surprised if I still have it though. I've done everything I can think of to get it to work. However there wasn't any success. I am really good at using computers, but really stupid when it comes to fixing them. Could you possibly explain to me what you mean by "rely upon a small program the User can run to create the set."?

Could you possibly explain to me what you mean by "rely upon a small program the User can run to create the set."

The program included will vary by whatever the vendor of the computer desires, have seen Nero and Roxio have something included but have also seen the brand include their own, just have to look through the Programs list to find it.