Windows Not Genuine

[Phase]

Hmm, so I had Windows 7 Ultimate installed (cleaned installation) everything was working fine up to right now, I install Feb 23rd updates, and all of a sudden it's saying my copy of Windows isn't genuine, it's not even letting me activate, there's the serial number in there and everything, keep getting an error...

hmm..something to do with the updates from today?

 

[tw33k]

Yes, there was update available which validates your copy of windows. Where did you get your copy?

 

[theog]

Try this:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html?ltr=A

 

[FZ21Z]

Let us know how you get on with this controversial update, and how easy or hard it is to get your Genuine Windows 7 reactivated should it be flagged by W.A.T. Any chance you could post a few screen shots too?

Watching this thread with interest.

 

[Phase]

No clue what to do, I tried uninstalling the updates, nothing, I tried patching the problem with a few help from Google nothing. Everything was working fine for about a month or so with Windows 7 prior to Feb 23rds updates....no clue what to do except a fresh install? Any help?

The copy of Windows 7 was an OEM version from Dell when I bought my previous comp for my mom they gave her the disk free in Jan, I used it on my comp and did a fresh install and I thought everything was fine..

After I did the updates on Feb 23rd, 2 HOURS after I restarted my computer, I got the black screen saying Windows isn't Genuine....

HELP PLEASE!

 

[tw33k]

Your only option is http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html?ltr=A

 

[Phase]

Your only option is http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html?ltr=A

Doesn't work, when I follow the instructions the only thing I see that pops up is Go Online & Resolve Now - when I click that, it gives me an error saying something about programs...doesn't give me an option to find the # to call...

 

[richc46]

I have used this informatiion to help several posters, maybe I can add you to the list
Microsoft Volume Licensing - Activation Centers

 

[richc46]

Hmm, so I had Windows 7 Ultimate installed (cleaned installation) everything was working fine up to right now, I install Feb 23rd updates, and all of a sudden it's saying my copy of Windows isn't genuine, it's not even letting me activate, there's the serial number in there and everything, keep getting an error...

hmm..something to do with the updates from today?

You could be right about the updates, I just received the update issued byMicrosoft that is to be used to verify the validity of your OS. Another innovation, that will be a real pain.

 

[Phase]

I have used this informatiion to help several posters, maybe I can add you to the list
Microsoft Volume Licensing - Activation Centers

When I called Microsoft the Activate Department had no clue with the error code I was getting when I tried activating it, they kept me on hold and was transferring me to Customer Service to resolve the issue...couldn't wait on the phone any longer, gtg to work, gonna try this again later on tonight...not impressed at all with this issue

 

[Barman58]

I tried patching the problem with a few help from Google nothing.

The copy of Windows 7 was an OEM version from Dell when I bought my previous comp for my mom they gave her the disk free in Jan, I used it on my comp and did a fresh install and I thought everything was fine..

The above statements would actually suggest to me that the WAT software is working correctly. The use of a Dell supplied OEM install on any system, other than the one it was supplied for, is prohibited under the licence terms so therefore would be classed as non genuine.

 

[Phase]

I tried patching the problem with a few help from Google nothing.

The copy of Windows 7 was an OEM version from Dell when I bought my previous comp for my mom they gave her the disk free in Jan, I used it on my comp and did a fresh install and I thought everything was fine..

The above statements would actually suggest to me that the WAT software is working correctly. The use of a Dell supplied OEM install on any system, other than the one it was supplied for, is prohibited under the licence terms so therefore would be classed as non genuine.

I beg to differ on that statement, I've been using Dell PCs since I got my first computer 10+ years ago. As my understand, Dell products works on Dell PCs, I've used many previous Windows Disk that was supplied to me from Dell on another Dell PC and everything worked flawlessly. The only thing is, Dell software doesn't work on another computer like an HP for example...I've verified with Dell and never had a problem with their software booting up on multiple computers once its a Dell, although they don't suggest it.

 

[Barman58]

As you have a Dell OEM copy of the operating system on your Dell machine that they have OK'ed then Dell would be responsible for authenticating the software, (this is the way that OEM copies are provided - all support functions are provided by the actual OEM rather than Microsoft).

A quick call to Dell support should have you up and running in short order

 

[gregrocker]

Did you use the Product Key on the Certificate of Authenticity stickered to your machine to activate install done with your Mom's computer's Dell OEM disk?

If not, and you used a Product key intended to upgrade your Mom's Dell computer instead, then you may have been caught using an OEM upgrade key on a machine for which it was not intended.

Several who have reported here that they were able to use Win7 Upgrade kits on other computers are on thin ice since MS required these Upgrade keys to be somehow locked to intended machine by maker.

If you used your own machine's key, then there should be no problem as you just used an OEM installer, as long as you used your same version.

 

[Phase]

When I installed I was prompt to enter the Product Key on the side of the computer.
I'll try calling Dell tonight.

 

[richc46]

Once you reach Dell, even if they cannot help you at that particular number, they will give you advice.

Many ohter posters were able to be helped by calling the number that I provided you in my previous post.

 

[Thorsen]

The only thing I can think of is to uninstall the OS from your Mom's comp and install your OS on her comp, Uninstall your OS and install her OS on your system and upgrade it with the upgrade key. It won't let you upgrade any other OS than the one it was provided for.

Edit: Or: purchase your own win7 version and install the Dell OEM win7 upgrade on your mom's computer for her.

 

[Phase]

No help from Dell...their saying it's a Microsoft Activation issue. Microsoft can't provide support because I can't see the "Activate By Phone" section on screen to provide the Licensing, they won't accept just the product key...hmm...I tried doing a System Restore to Feb 22nd, thinking that would work but didn't. So I guess I'm out of options now...

I'm guessing I'd have to try re-installing it.

 

[gregrocker]

Reapply key using Change Product Key link at Computer>Properties (scroll to bottom of page).

This will either reactivate or fail activation providing the number to call for activation.

 

[karlsnooks]

suggest you visit the store where you purchased the computer. With great probability you do not have a "genuine" version of Win7 on the computer.