"...not genuine" but it is and registered

[GEWB]

Win7 Pro, RETAIL package, 64bit install, on line registered.

Lately I'm getting a message above the task bar (far right):

Windows 7
Build 7600
This copy of Windows is not genuine


Doesn't show all the time, just pops up every now and then.

This is a legal and registered Pro package (retail purchase).

Go to Control Panel > Systems says "Windows is activated" and then the "...not genuine" mewssage disappears!

Ideas?

Regards,
GEWB

 

[dave1812]

Have you made ANY hardware changes since installation?

If you can't figure it out, call MS's tech line.

 

[GEWB]

Have you made ANY hardware changes since installation?

If you can't figure it out, call MS's tech line.

I have added a network printer and external storage devices. Oh, and a new keyboard.

(I add/change hardware almost as often as I change my underware.)

Regards,
GEWB

 

[dave1812]

Have you made ANY hardware changes since installation?

If you can't figure it out, call MS's tech line.

I have added a network printer and external storage devices. Oh, and a new keyboard.

(I add/change hardware almost as often as I change my underware.)

Regards,
GEWB

ah, those wouldn't trigger the issue.

 

[GEWB]

Have you made ANY hardware changes since installation?

If you can't figure it out, call MS's tech line.

I have added a network printer and external storage devices. Oh, and a new keyboard.

(I add/change hardware almost as often as I change my underware.)

Regards,
GEWB

ah, those wouldn't trigger the issue.

I didn't think so either. I find it odd that "System" shows as registered and the message goes away as soon as I open the System window.

I just hope my computer continues to work properly.

Regards,
GEWB

 

[fseal]

If this is a newish install, maybe you have never "validated" it as "Genuine"? It does not happen automatically and has nothing to do with activation.

Have you ever run Windows Media Player? THat's generally the first place it asks you to validate. But some downloads from MS do too, but if you don't do either of those you could remain "unvalidated" forever.

 

[RogerR]

Start > Computer > properties and scroll down.

What does it report under Windows activation?

 

[zigzag3143]

Win7 Pro, RETAIL package, 64bit install, on line registered.

Lately I'm getting a message above the task bar (far right):

Windows 7
Build 7600
This copy of Windows is not genuine


Doesn't show all the time, just pops up every now and then.

This is a legal and registered Pro package (retail purchase).

Go to Control Panel > Systems says "Windows is activated" and then the "...not genuine" mewssage disappears!

Ideas?

Regards,
GEWB

Hi gewb

It could be as simple as the MS servers being swamped. It can also be caused if the clock is way off.

Ken J+

 

[GEWB]

If this is a newish install, maybe you have never "validated" it as "Genuine"? It does not happen automatically and has nothing to do with activation.

Have you ever run Windows Media Player? THat's generally the first place it asks you to validate. But some downloads from MS do too, but if you don't do either of those you could remain "unvalidated" forever.

Validated as "genuine" during registration (registration ran the "genuine" tool).

Never launched Media Player - should I run it on something?

Regards,
GEWB

 

[GEWB]

Start > Computer > properties and scroll down.

What does it report under Windows activation?

There is no "properties" - Start > Computer just shows my drives.

Start Control Panel > System "Windows activation" shows as activated.

Regards,
GEWB

 

[GEWB]

Hi gewb

It could be as simple as the MS servers being swamped. It can also be caused if the clock is way off.

Ken J+

My clock is within a minute or two of correct for my time zone.

What difference does the MS server make? There is NEVER a need to connect to MS once my activation is validated. If Windows 7 calls MS without my permission I'm going to be really angry. If it does try, time to block it forever with Zonealarm.

Regards,
GEWB

 

[fseal]

Might as well go through the genuine check in windows media player if yu've never launched it.

Just to be clear, "Genuine validation" and "Activation" are two completely seperate and unrelated items. As far as I know it does not do the genuine validation at the same time as activation. I ALWASYS get hit with the validation thing first either thr first time I run WMP or the first time I install some extra software from MS like trying to DL the Security Essentials software or other optional updates.

The genuine validation is like a second layer of anti-pirating

 

[GEWB]

Might as well go through the genuine check in windows media player if yu've never launched it.

Just to be clear, "Genuine validation" and "Activation" are two completely seperate and unrelated items. As far as I know it does not do the genuine validation at the same time as activation. I ALWASYS get hit with the validation thing first either thr first time I run WMP or the first time I install some extra software from MS like trying to DL the Security Essentials software or other optional updates.

The genuine validation is like a second layer of anti-pirating

Thanks for your reply. I remember that during the online activation I had to run the "Genuine Advantage" program first, then the activation continued.

So, what do I do with the Media Player? I have not used it since Windows 98 (I really didn't like it). I assume I should download a song and try to play it?


Regards,
GEWB

 

[fseal]

Ah ok. I guess I always use the default "auto activate when on line" and the GA tool never runs.

Well if you start WMP and it does NOT bug you about GA then... that indicates that you really are "genuine" otherwise it would ask or refuse to run.

MS stuck in the GA crud in the XP days because SO many copies of XP were pirated by then, this was an aditional check they put in to inconvinince people that pirated. Why it's STILL in Vista and 7 I don't know because the entire activation thing should have been good enough from the get go

 

[GEWB]

OK, I found and launched Media Player -deselected all the Internet stuff, answered all the questions and it started up with no nag screen.

The "...not genuine" popup must be a bug. I'll learn to live with it.

Thanks again for your help.

Regards,
GEWB

 

[zigzag3143]

Start > Computer > properties and scroll down.

What does it report under Windows activation?

There is no "properties" - Start > Computer just shows my drives.

Start Control Panel > System "Windows activation" shows as activated.

Regards,
GEWB

Gewb

I think he meant start>computer>right click >properties

just a guess


Ken

 

[veii]

Linux Genuine Advantage™ is a hilarious site. It's one of those militant "Linux is God" type sites though, so some of it is unnessesarily over the top. Made me laugh out loud though - be sure to read the F.A.Q section.

 

[fseal]

Heh... Well maybe do some more googling for the message, someone somewhere else may have run into it as well

I so hate it when "genuine" users get hosed by this stuff

 

[Jacee]

Click on this link http://www.microsoft.com/howtotell/windows/default.aspx?lang=ww

Maybe if you click on the 'purchased retail' square, follow the prompts, it will put your mind at ease.

 

[Jacee]

Here's another link to 'validate' your OS:
Genuine Microsoft Software