I recently received the "Your computer is not running genuine Windows"... And, (I suspect) like umpteen others I was told I had to download the "required Windows Validations Components". Which I did. And tried to run. And, which, of course, CRASHED. with a 8000247 error. Three times.
This is a laptop that has been running the copy of Windows 7 it came with when I bought it at least 2 years ago. Same box. ONLY change in that time was to replace a drive with a hybrid drive several MONTHS ago.
So, called the "activation" number. They, of course, had NO clue. Sent me to "technical support". Where I sat on hold 47 minutes, and finally had to leave for an appointment. When I got back I called AGAIN, into what I believe is the "technical support" number (800-936-5700). Same conversation, again got put on hold for a "technical person that can help"...... 11 minutes later, CLICK, phone hangs up.
CALLED AGAIN, got the best person of all - this time I'm told "because Windows is 2 years old, it's out of warranty, and there will be a charge to help".....
Lemme make sure I have this right... Microsoft tells me the version of Windows 7 that's been on this box for TWO YEARS is suddenly invalid. And MICROSOFT tells me I have to run "validation software". Which crashes. Followed by MICROSOFT telling me to FIX the non-existent problem they want to CHARGE me for THEIR software that won't run......
I've gotta be in some kind of bizarro world.....
Phone call number FOUR. Got someone in some "answer" center. STILL have never gotten an actual technical support person in the US that has a clue. This person has me give her the product code from the bottom of the laptop, that's been IN USE for 2 years, running the Windows 7 O/S that was PRE-INSTALLED (I presume by Toshiba), then tells me THE PRODUCT CODE IS INVALID. Not their problem. I should RETURN TO THE STORE WHERE I BOUGHT THE LAPTOP to have them give me "THE RIGHT PRODUCT KEY"... Really?
I kid you not. BUT, if I'll sign up for their "SUPPORT SERVICE" they'll generate me a NEW product key. FOR A FEE.
I offered to TAKE A PHOTO of the "official" tag on the bottom of the laptop with the product key and send it, and STILL got the "we have no record"... Remember, this is on a box that IS ACTIVATED, and has been active for the last 2 years... Using the PRE-INSTALLED O/S.
And, to make it extra special, I'm leaving town in a couple days, to be on the road for a month, and I've got to have a functioning laptop. Unbelievable.
DOES ANYBODY out there have a GOOD, SIMPLE fix for this 'cause so far all my research hasn't come up with anything useful for the 8000247, and apparently Microsoft isn't going to be helpful.
This is a laptop that has been running the copy of Windows 7 it came with when I bought it at least 2 years ago. Same box. ONLY change in that time was to replace a drive with a hybrid drive several MONTHS ago.
So, called the "activation" number. They, of course, had NO clue. Sent me to "technical support". Where I sat on hold 47 minutes, and finally had to leave for an appointment. When I got back I called AGAIN, into what I believe is the "technical support" number (800-936-5700). Same conversation, again got put on hold for a "technical person that can help"...... 11 minutes later, CLICK, phone hangs up.
CALLED AGAIN, got the best person of all - this time I'm told "because Windows is 2 years old, it's out of warranty, and there will be a charge to help".....
Lemme make sure I have this right... Microsoft tells me the version of Windows 7 that's been on this box for TWO YEARS is suddenly invalid. And MICROSOFT tells me I have to run "validation software". Which crashes. Followed by MICROSOFT telling me to FIX the non-existent problem they want to CHARGE me for THEIR software that won't run......
I've gotta be in some kind of bizarro world.....
Phone call number FOUR. Got someone in some "answer" center. STILL have never gotten an actual technical support person in the US that has a clue. This person has me give her the product code from the bottom of the laptop, that's been IN USE for 2 years, running the Windows 7 O/S that was PRE-INSTALLED (I presume by Toshiba), then tells me THE PRODUCT CODE IS INVALID. Not their problem. I should RETURN TO THE STORE WHERE I BOUGHT THE LAPTOP to have them give me "THE RIGHT PRODUCT KEY"... Really?
I kid you not. BUT, if I'll sign up for their "SUPPORT SERVICE" they'll generate me a NEW product key. FOR A FEE.
I offered to TAKE A PHOTO of the "official" tag on the bottom of the laptop with the product key and send it, and STILL got the "we have no record"... Remember, this is on a box that IS ACTIVATED, and has been active for the last 2 years... Using the PRE-INSTALLED O/S.
And, to make it extra special, I'm leaving town in a couple days, to be on the road for a month, and I've got to have a functioning laptop. Unbelievable.
DOES ANYBODY out there have a GOOD, SIMPLE fix for this 'cause so far all my research hasn't come up with anything useful for the 8000247, and apparently Microsoft isn't going to be helpful.
My Computer
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
- Toshiba
- OS
- Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
- CPU
- I5-720
- Motherboard
- Toshiba X505-Q870
- Memory
- 8GB
- Graphics Card(s)
- Nvidia GTS 360M
- Hard Drives
- Seagate 1TB Hybrid
Hitachi 500GB
External SATA Hitachi 500GB