Solved I am an idiot maybe

[JennaMaire]

I bought a PC (my first) and it was equipped with Windows 7 Ultimate. I did'nt get a disk with it and was told that was normal when buying from someone who builds systems. Now it seems that my OS is a pirated version and was possibly disabled by Microsoft. I am not to sure what happened so I came here to see if anyone has any ideas. I went to resart the PC and the options were start normally or StartupRepair, I tried to start normally but it froze and restarted again with the same options. I tried the startup reapir a few times and it will not fix. I am not very computer friendly and it almost seems to me that my only option is to buy Windows 7 and reinstall it and lose my hard drives contents. If anyone has any suggestions otherwise please please tell me.

ProblemEventName: StartupRepairOffline
ProblemSignature01: 6.1.7600.16385
ProblemSignature02: 6.1.7600.16385
ProblemSignature03: Unknown
ProblemSignature04: 21200940
ProblemSignature05: AutoFailover
ProblemSignature06: 16
ProblemSignature07: CorruptAcl

OS version: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.256.1
LocaleId: 1033
SystemRestoreError: 0x80070057

 

[AddRAM]

I would take it right back where you got it and demand your money back or have them install an operating system.

 

[JennaMaire]

The person I bought it from is long gone with no forwarding address, that was my first stop. And as far as it not being genuine I was told by a friend when he saw a remove wat folder. I should have done something then but I am not a rich girl and a legit Windows 7 is around $ 300. I suppose thats a moot point now however.

 

[BugOutMachine]

The person I bought it from is long gone with no forwarding address, that was my first stop.

How long ago was this purchase and was it done online or local? Have you tried the steps that were psted yet?

Also, you can verify if your Windows 7 copy is legit or not with with Activation Tool.

 

[richc46]

Welcome
I see no reason for me to continue the guessing game to figure out if your OS is valid or not. I can say that at the point that you realize that it probably is and you want to try and save your stuff, this may be an option. At least give it a try.
Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer - How-To Geek

 

[gregrocker]

Work though these steps for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot - Windows 7 Forums

You can buy a retail OEM version for around $100 to replace the one which is non-Genuine since it was a builder's installation.

However first I would get it running, then try reinstalling the Product Key at Control Panel>System Change Key link. If it is cracked then it will fail.

Any time you buy preinstalled Windows, it should have a COA sticker on the machine to prove it is genuine.

If no sticker is on machine you can audit the installed key using Belarc Advisor - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

 

[JennaMaire]

I am 100% sure that it is a pirated version. I was told that Microsoft firebricks the PC when they find a pirated version so I am guessing that is what happened here. I have been doing all the updates since I bought it and had no problems before. As I said earlier I am a 1st time buyer, I thought I was getting a good PC with a genuine OS. I would guess that recovering my stuff and starting over with a genuine OS is my only option.

 

[richc46]

I heard that you lose features slowly and get a warning, until its gone.

 

[richc46]

Before doing anything be 100% certain, give them a call
Microsoft Volume Licensing - Activation Centers

 

[JennaMaire]

I do appreciate all the help, I am totally out of my depth here. Maybe I should take my PC to a reputable dealer and have a genuine OS installed ? But will it wipe out all that I have or is it like an overlay ? Sorry if my questions seem basic but I am REALLY without a clue with this type of endeavor.

 

[richc46]

Buy the DVD yourself, it is very, very easy to install and you will do it the best way with our help.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html
You must format, if someone else does it, you will not be sure and they will charge more.

 

[gregrocker]

In addition to Rich's excellent advice, you can call MS Customer Service and ask for their help in replacing the OS. They have a program where if you document a legit purchase which turns out to be non-Genuine they may replace the OS for free.

If not then I would replace it with Builder's OEM since that is what you originally bought which turned out to be non-Genuine. However Ultimate is considerably more expensive and most users do not need the few extra features it offers, so I would go with Home Premium similar to this: Amazon.com: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (Full) System Builder DVD 1 Pack: Software

Boot the DVD to clean reinstall following these illustrated steps during which you should Delete all partitions, Create New ones as you wish, or just click Next to begin install to let the installer create/format the install partition for you: Clean Install Windows 7

 

[AddRAM]

You could do that and they could also get your files off it before they install the new Windows 7. But it`s gonna cost you.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5038534&CatId=306

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5213932&CatId=306

You could go with the latter, OEM version, it`s much cheaper.

 

[gregrocker]

Have you already been locked out of the OS due to non-Genuine, or is this another problem perhaps requiring Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot?

You can copy out your files to another HD, external HD or USB flash stick using WIn7 DVD or System Repair Disk following these steps: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console; or use free Paragon rescue disk to recover data.

 

[Ivan the SoSo]

Windows 7 is very simple to instal Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 32-bit - Operating Systems that is a 32bit OEM OS....Now if you have a XP/Vista code you can buy this insteadNewegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade

That version has full transfer rights +32 and 64 bit versions so it can be installed on a different system if you upgrade later....However it does take a few more steps to get installed, but nothing to worry about

 

[JennaMaire]

Did a clean install, lost ALL my stuff but I wanted my PC back. Thanks to ALL of you that helped, attempted to help or even just replied !! Great site here and I will be staying around just to educate my illiterate PC-using self.

Thank you again ALL !!

 

[gregrocker]

Jenna, so sorry to hear you lost your files. You must have not seen my last post where I gave you the tools to copy them out of unbootable Win7.

But am glad to hear you have your clean reinstall up and running now.

Don't forget to install all of your Important and optional Updates including newer drivers which Win7 wants, use a free lightweight AV like Microsoft Security Essentials with the Windows Firewall. After it's all set up and running good save externally a Win7 backup image you can use in place of future re-installs: Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup .

Let us know how it goes.

 

[FuturDreamz]

Installing a unlicensed version of Windows on a computer you are selling is actually pretty douchey. There is no guarantee it won't fail at one point or another especially with WATremover or whatever it is called.

 

[Ivan the SoSo]

Installing a unlicensed version of Windows on a computer you are selling is actually pretty douchey. There is no guarantee it won't fail at one point or another especially with WATremover or whatever it is called.

The people that do that could care less.....Just as long as they make their getaway

 

[AddRAM]

Did a clean install, lost ALL my stuff but I wanted my PC back. Thanks to ALL of you that helped, attempted to help or even just replied !! Great site here and I will be staying around just to educate my illiterate PC-using self.

Thank you again ALL !!

How did you do an install ? Thought you didn`t have a disc ?