"this copy of Windows is not genuine" - but it is!

Nahtimu · 01 Dec 2011

This message just started popping up, so I trawled the net and many fixes pointed to uninstalling KB971033 Microsoft Update, which I did but the message remains.

(and yep, I have purchased Microsoft Windows 7 Pro 64-bit)

Any suggestions please?

But in the mean-time I am concerned about the following message:

Files that Windows needs to work properly have been modified, removed, or disabled. To resolve, you need to install genuine Windows. Not to worry, we can help you with that.
Maybe related maybe not, but weird things started happening, like no audio sound, my son yelled out that he's game (licenced) started behaving weirdly and not working properly, etc!

Francis93 · 01 Dec 2011

It looks like your license got leaked.

Validate your Windows

Where did you purchase it?

XboxOmac · 01 Dec 2011

Your license could have gotten leaked. Not sure if Microsoft helps those that got leaked but have the real product.

Sent from my Windows Phone using Board Express

Nahtimu · 01 Dec 2011

I purchased it 18months ago when I bought my new PC. I validated it then and has been working fine until now.

Please excuse my ignorance in this matter but how would my licence get leaked. I purchased the OEM software, installed, validated, etc and kept it locked in my house. Maybe I'm not understanding your statements?

But I am very concerned with the below message: (what has it done to my system?)

Files that Windows needs to work properly have been modified, removed, or disabled. To resolve, you need to install genuine Windows.

JMH · 01 Dec 2011

Nahtimu,
*You say the computer is 18 months old
Which Melbourne retailer did you purchase the computer from?
I assume this Computer is under Warranty.
If so contact the retailer for further advice.

*Re the message you have

Files that Windows needs to work properly have been modified, removed, or disabled.

Have you used a Registry Cleaner?

FYI.
Activate Windows 7 by Phone

Activate Windows 7 Online

Genuine Windows 7 Became Pirated? Make It Original and Activated Again - Tweaking with Vishal

Francis93 · 01 Dec 2011

I agree with Jan.

Have you ever modified/tweaked your system yourself or using third party software?

Files that Windows needs to work properly have been modified, removed, or disabled.

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

seavixen32 · 01 Dec 2011

I'd be inclined to report the issue to Microsoft. They MAY do you a favour and replace Windows as a reward.

Protect Yourself from Piracy

As Jan says, you should also contact your reseller.

Nahtimu · 02 Dec 2011

ok, so I contacted the reseller and as presumed all they can say is well we sold you a legitimate copy, nothing to do with us, contact Microsoft.

So I contacted Microsoft and they confirmed that my serial number, product id, etc has not been leaked and they were extemely apologetic and stated that they're highly recommending affected users to RESINSTALL Windows and they stopped some security update causing this issue.

I reinstalled Win7 x64 and now experiencing unrelated issue with my Nvidia GTX 470 drivers! It gets to the point Starting Windows with the mesmerising glowing Win7 logo and hangs! If I start it safe mode and roll-back the driver to standard VGA then everything works but naturally looks crappy! I've been pulling my hair out on this one, reviewing forums (looks like this problem is wide spread!)...

Thanks Microsoft! Grrrrrr! (of course I'm upset, they caused this mess in the first place!)

seavixen32 · 03 Dec 2011

Sorry to read you've still got problems.

Have you checked with NVIDEA support for drivers?

NVIDIA DRIVERS 266.58 WHQL

NoelDP · 03 Dec 2011

To properly analyse and solve problems with Activation and Validation, we need to see a full copy of the report produced by the MGADiag tool (download and save to desktop - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012 )
Once saved, run the tool.
Click on the Continue button, which will produce the report.
To copy the report to your response, click on the Copy button in the tool (ignore any error messages at this point), and then paste (using either r-click/Paste, or Ctrl+V ) into your response.
- **in your own thread**, please
Please also state the Version and Edition of Windows quoted on your COA sticker (if you have one) on the case of your machine, but do NOT quote the Key on the sticker!
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