Windows activation -Registry

noels7 · 15 Jul 2012

Hi

I have been asked to work on a friend of a friend's computer. OS is Win7 Ultimate.
I have been assured that the Win7 Ultimate installed on this computer is a genuine copy and am informed that is indicated in Control Panel/System.

The CPU and Motherboard were recently upgraded with with the Win7 installation in place. I was under the impression that major hardware changes required re-activation. The owner (I have not seen the computer as yet) states that wasn't required but now programs like FSX and some related flight sim addons do not now work.

Rumor has suggested that computer repairman that normally works on this computer has in the past installed pirated software on other computers.

Maybe I am a little suspicious as I suggested that the computer should be reformatted, Win7 Ultimate re-installed and we go from there.
That suggestion was rejected and I am only required to fix FSX and associated software.

I am aware roughly the date when the hardware updates were carried out and for piece of mind would like to know when the activation was carried out and if it was legal.

My question is (and apologies for lengthy post): is the date of activation available via the Registry? and what other options are available to check if the copy of Win7 is legal.

Any assistance/advice would be appreciated.

noels7

Noel Southam

kegobeer · 15 Jul 2012

Anytime the motherboard is replaced (unless it is nearly identical hardware), you should reinstall Windows. Beware though - unless this is a retail copy of Windows, a new key is required (ie, buy a new one) because OEM copies are tied to the motherboard.

Check out this post for useful info on activation: Windows Genuine and Activation Issue Posting Instructions

jumanji · 15 Jul 2012

Hi noels7,

To check whether your Windows is genuine, you can try http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/validate/DownloadValidationSupport.aspx?displaylang=en

To get the activation status and installation date run the 15 day trial version of SIW Buy SIW Pro or Download SIW Home Edition

Under Software>Operating System, it will show show activation status and installation time besides all other data pertaining to the OS, including the Product Key. ( I use the free version. It is no longer free and only a 15 day trial version is there to download. Speccy also shows installation time. http://www.piriform.com/speccy/download )

NoelDP · 16 Jul 2012

noels7 said:

Hi

I have been asked to work on a friend of a friend's computer. OS is Win7 Ultimate.
I have been assured that the Win7 Ultimate installed on this computer is a genuine copy and am informed that is indicated in Control Panel/System.

Rumor has suggested that computer repairman that normally works on this computer has in the past installed pirated software on other computers.

Maybe I am a little suspicious as I suggested that the computer should be reformatted, Win7 Ultimate re-installed and we go from there.
That suggestion was rejected and I am only required to fix FSX and associated software.

I am aware roughly the date when the hardware updates were carried out and for piece of mind would like to know when the activation was carried out and if it was legal.

My question is (and apologies for lengthy post): is the date of activation available via the Registry? and what other options are available to check if the copy of Win7 is legal.

Any assistance/advice would be appreciated.

noels7

Noel Southam

PLease post an MGADiag report - that's the ONLY way to tell what the installation is really like - there are hacks that can circumvent activation and validation testing, but not much gets past the experienced eye on an MGADiag report...

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 (or inside the battery compartment), but do NOT quote the Key on the sticker!
How to Tell

noels7 · 16 Jul 2012

Thanks everyone for your advice and assistance.

NoelDP

I will get access to the said computer on Friday and will post MGADiag report later.
Wish I could have got that report before I have to travel 100 miles to work on the computer.
Then I would have been able to make the decision whether to work on it or opt out.
Anyway until Friday.

Regards

noels7

NoelDP · 16 Jul 2012

Can you get them to email it to you??
It's a 4KB text file if they save it in Notepad

noels7 · 25 Jul 2012

NoelDP

Update and apologies for late reply.
Worked on the computer last Friday. Everything was in order.
Licensesfor FSX and Win7 were legal. I actually felt guilty having had
thought that the other party was using illegal software.
In future I will be reserved until I actually see and work on other computers.

Thanks again for your advice and assistance.

noels7

NoelDP · 26 Jul 2012

That's OK - you're welcome.