"This copy of windows is not genuine" message

[Layback Bear]

Looking back through your post I noticed about 3 weeks ago you did a install to fix something. By chance would something ring a bell to what you have done, downloads or the like and methods used that might of caused this problem with a rootkit. The reason I mentioned this because if something comes to mind I'm sure you don't want to go through this again in another 3 weeks.

 

[CJW]

Layback Bear:
There is a chance & perhaps when I do a clean install I can figure out if my problems stem from bad software (hopefully) or bad hardware.

NoelDP:
I'm going to DL WDO on a clean laptop now & scan my flash & external drive, hope this will help me.

BTW- should I use DBAN/Western Digital's Data Lifeguard Diagnostics (because my HD is Western Digital)/the Windows install DVD to clean & format the drive?

 

[karlsnooks]

cjw,
See this tutorial or any of our tutorials on various install scenarios as they cover wiping and formatting your drive:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[CJW]

karlsnooks: Don't think I can use the link since I have Upgrade material & I don't want ALL the updates that Microsoft gives.

 

[karlsnooks]

I think you should read the tutorial carefully.

I also think that this is win 7 and not XP which is expired.

All updates should be installed with Win 7.

The only "reason" for not doing so is if a person has a hacked or illegal version of win 7.

 

[CJW]

Yes, it is a legal 7 Pro Upgrade I have.
There are some updates I don't want (IE9, #976422 (I don't have/need an SD Card 32GB/more) & a few others I don't recall at this time.

 

[karlsnooks]

just install them. Microsoft knows best. (And those of us who advise the thread starters daily who have decades upon decades of experience.)

You won't miss the few bytes they take and since you "won't be using" them then they won't be running.

 

[CJW]

I love IE8, but do not want IE9, so what would be the better alternative to IE9?
FireFox / Chrome? Which has an easier learning curve when leaving IE8?

 

[Golden]

Firefox is excellent - give it a try.

 

[CJW]

Now what?!

I tried MBAM, WVCheck & WDO but none seemed to help in any way, so I decided to start fresh. Started comfuser from 7 Pro DVD & went through the setup but this came up...

 

[NoelDP]

That error is commonly associatd with Hard Drive problems
Test the drive using the manufacturer's (WD) test utility - use the long test.

 

[karlsnooks]

cjw,
Download (~4 GB download) the needed ISO from:
Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life

Burn that to DVD.

Your problems indicate a very questionable DVD.

 

[CJW]

NoelDP: I'll test the drive tonight.

karlsnooks: I can use the .iso even w/my upgrade ProductId?

 

[karlsnooks]

if you are referring to your 25 character product key, the answer is YES.

 

[CJW]

if you are referring to your 25 character product key, the answer is YES.

Cool, downloading it now. As well as FireFox to check it out & just in case I get stuck w/IE9.

 

[CJW]

Nothing working everyone, keep getting the same error; just going to get a new HD.
Think I'll pass on WD this time (WD Acquires Hitachi GST), what would be a good/reliable brand?
Looking to get a 500GB 7200RPM w/32Cache. Seagate's Barracuda?