OEM - Windows 7 not genuine after UK Police Authority Virus & CCleaner

fundamental · 24 Nov 2013

Hi,

I accidentally clicked 'yes' to a regedit prompt when I got this police virus thing today.

Booted in safe mode and stopped some program with Russian letters from booting on startup, was no longer locked out and then ran Spybot, Avast, and CCleaner.

Got a black screen after that and bottom right background is showing:

Windows 7
Build 7601
This copy of windows is not genuine

I've had this laptop since Jan/Feb 09 and this is the only version of windows I've ever run on it and it has always been completely fine until today. I think I must have messed up the registry with CCleaner but that kind of stuff is beyond me.

Tried to run the MGADT and it wont copy - see attached screen shot.

Can anyone please help?

whs · 24 Nov 2013

I would reinstall the system or go back to an earlier image - if you have one. Even after a virus cleanup there is still a lot of damage in your system.

fundamental · 24 Nov 2013

All restore points have been wiped and I'm trying to avoid a re-install as the product key was on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop and it has now rubbed off.

whs · 24 Nov 2013

Not a good scenario - no images, no restore points, no product key written down, no installation disk. I'd be scared. This system will never run correctly again as is. I would not even start troubleshooting. It's a waste of time.

fundamental · 24 Nov 2013

Just rebooted and it's prompting for product key on start up.

You're a real helpful ray of sunshine by the way, WHS :)

whs · 24 Nov 2013

Yeah - and now. You don't have the product key, don't you.

But seriously - I would call Microsoft and ask for their help. They will understand the situation. But even when you get it running, it will be bumpy - trust me.

fundamental · 24 Nov 2013

Microsoft said they can't help me without the key and Acer ain't open until tomorrow.

TBF I know in my heart you're right but the prospect of having to back everything up is filling me with terror.

As I said I haven't wiped this in four years so it's already slowed down a lot but I really don't want to have to pay for another copy

whs · 24 Nov 2013

Sounds like it's time to reinstall anyhow. From Acer you can get an installation disc. In the US they usually charge a small fee of $20. And you can order it on-line. This installation disc has an OEM key built in. So you don't have to worry about that.

For recovering your data, you can use the approach I recommend.
Emergency Kit - save your files from a dead OS

fundamental · 24 Nov 2013

looks interesting but still going to have to slog through hundreds of folders

I'll give Acer a bell tomorrow and see what they have to say about the disk. I wouldn't mind paying a small fee but no way I'm paying for another full copy.

Thanks for the help

whs · 24 Nov 2013

Nah, you don't have to slug thru hundreds of folders. Just recover Documents, Music, Videos, Pictures, etc. - just the highest level folders. That will include everything that is at a lower level.