Tip on resolving "windows not genuine" problem

Hi, I thought other users might like to know of this workaround procedure sometimes encountered when running GENUINE Win 7,, I encountered this problem after swapping my HD and reinstalling using the restore partition on my samsung laptop,(restore partition was cloned to new HD).
All seemed to go well but shortly after boot, the dreaded "windows not genuine" was displayed (this despite "system properties" reporting that "windows is activated". Several calls to Microsoft and attempts to reactivate via automated service were fruitless .
I was instructed to open explorer and type the following -" support.microsoft.com/ck" (without the quotes), which then opens a page displaying info on my laptop including the last few characters of the installation key, this did not match the coa sticker on the laptop,, and was the reason for the "non genuine" message ,I was unable to change the key (no option to do so was displayed) and hen spent several hours searching for the solution which i eventually found here --social.microsoft.com/forums/sv/genuinewindows7/thread/dea5ae1e-e7dc-4b1e-bce5-15c67b05124a
At the bottom of the page is a very clear article which explains why this happens and in my case following the instructions given solved my problem,,.
I hope this will help others faced with the same problem

Hello,
I recently had my 32-bit (XP) laptop repaired & for a readjnable price the guy installed Windows 7 Home edition. Very nice. However, later, at home I discovered that it was an illegal installation. I would like to get back to 'Legal' but there are so.many Windows 7 packages available Amazon. Newegh, etc) that I font know which package would have the actual OS AND would allow Legal I stalltion from this point. >>Can someone plead ad ice me on which package would have the actual OS that can ne I installed Over earlier (such as 'illegal') software.
Thank you very much.
PS...a further question: I've always had access the Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Would these be included in this package? If now, could you also advice me on which package I should purchase to get these features?
Thank you again.

Why are you posting in this thread?

If you have any XP or Vista which came with the machine, or a retail copy of either on hand which doesn't need to be installed, you qualify for Upgrade version of Win7. Otherwise you'll need full version or if you build your own computer retail OEM version.

I would not buy from any online retailer except mainline Amazon, buy.com, Newegg, TigerDirect or another equally major retailer.

If you want a good lightweight free Office suite try Open Office by SunJava.