Appears I bought a non genuine copy of windows 7 ultimate. Vendor is not around any longer and looks like I am stuck. What happens if I contact microsoft. Am I going to have to buy a new version and uninstall this one or will they just sell me a key? Thanks.
You are better off buying a new version (the key comes with it) since you can't be sure what else was on "bundled" with one you bought. Was it a disk, or a pre-installed Windows?
You can just use the key, but a re-install here is highly recommended.
Honestly, if someone sold you a pirated copy, who knows what else is on there. I would copy the files that you know are good to en external HD, scan them for viruses using MBAM or similar, and do a clean install.
I'm not being paranoid for you, but the people who sold you a fake copy could very well be using it for malicious intent.
When you format your drive and install Windows 7 from scratch, you are gonna be the master. Wouldn't you like to be? :)
I don't think it was pirated I think it was a vendors bulk deal (wrong term) that was misused and is no longer active. I feel pretty safe about it as I scan weekly with avira, malewarebytes, spybot and adaware. Never comes up with much. Been installed for a year now. I have tons of software I would need to reinstall and tons of settings to redo. Don't have the time to do a full install. Can I get the key directly from microsoft and will it cost the same as a new full version? Do I just enter the new key and thats it? Is there a modified install I could do that wouldn't require reinstallation of software and settings? Thanks.
If it was misused...then it was pirated....Hit up newegg buy a new legal copy (avoid OEM)....
It depends on the way windows has been activated in the beginning I guess (but for sure someone more expert than me in licensing would explain better).
I don't think you can re-activate a Windows which had previously been activated by tampering the activation files (letting the PC believe it was an OEM copy from, say, Lenovo) just entering the "retail" key you obtain from a reseller.
(Un)fortunately I've never had to try that method (my AA copy activated fine for 3 or 4 times online in the last year, on the same PC to which I changed a video card once and a HD drive then) so I can't be further helpful
Again, I'm by no means a licensing expert so take what I say with some doubt :)
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