This Copy Of Windows Is Not Genuine

[jyl]

I bought my daughter a used Thinkpad X series Tablet (a corporate return, I think), maxed the RAM and installed a SSD, and she's been happy - until she started getting repeated messages saying "this copy of Windows is not genuine." We run AVG so I'm assuming it is a genuine Windows message about Windows not being genuine, if you get my drift. Any solution beyond buying a Win 7 disc and installing it? What's the cheapest version of Win 7 that isn't crippled and has the Tablet features?

[RedBaron]

Flip the laptop over and look at product key stamped on the sticker. Is it an OEM key? If so, you need an OEM installation disc of Windows 7. Follow the link below...

Legal Download from DigitalRiver: Windows 7 SP1, 13 languages

Edit: Before you do all of that, try going to properties and checking the windows activation pane. Hit change product key and try typing in the serial on the back of the computer.

[MysticLlama]

It probably needs to be reactivated since the drive change.

Does it have a key on the bottom?

You could either try changing the key to something bogus, then back and reactivating, or just calling MS and telling them what happened and they'll set it to be able to activate if it's a valid key.

[jyl]

Duh! Thank you both for that.

[id10t]

Or you could ditch windows... I've heard good things about thinkpads and Linux

[red-beard]

Win 7 Home. You can get it from New Egg or Amazon. I think all versions of Win 7 have the tablet features. You may have to activate them. Just like you can activate the voice command features.

[cstreit]

?..as above, if you change drives, sometimes you have to reactivate windows....

[jyl]

Tried the key on the Windows label on the underside of the laptop, response is that it is invalid.

Windows Activation offers to sell me a genuine product key with backup media mailed.

That is for Win 7 Pro SP 1 which is on the laptop now, for $149. Windows Activation says well, we can sell you Win 7 Home for $100 but a full re-install will be required.

Cripes, it is worth $49 to me not to have to track down all the ThinkVantage software and utilities, drivers, applications and reinstall everything.

So, guess MSFT will make another $149 off me.

[dad911]

Pop the old drive in, and see if there is an option to make backup cds?

Did you buy from a company or private? any chance of getting cds?

[widebody911]

I run into this all the time when making changes to virtual machines, ie increasing vRAM or vCPU. I've even tripped it by increasing the vdisk size or moving the VM to a different subnet. Sometimes it trips for no apparent reason whatsoever.

[nota]

Originally Posted by jyl

Tried the key on the Windows label on the underside of the laptop, response is that it is invalid

So, guess MSFT will make another $149 off me.

that is BS the machine came with 7 as per the sticker
they should not double charge you

think pad is ibm/lenovo they should be able to send you w7 disks
may hit you for shipping/handling but far less then 150

I would try lenovo first but do NOT cave to ms they should reactivate your box free

try to go up the food chain to a manager

btw w7 will run fine it just gets the not valid messages
there is no loss of function
I have a box that has been doing that for a few years

[red-beard]

One problem with NOT getting the license is that you can't install updates.

If it was triggered by a hard-disk change, you should be able to call Micro-squish and get a new activation code.

[TimT]

If it was triggered by a hard-disk change, you should be able to call Micro-squish and get a new activation code.

Yes you will talk to someone off-shore and explain you had HD failure or some other catastrophic failure,,, and they will give you a new key...

I went through this when power supply failure fried the MB... I was able to use my old key to get a new key for a totally rebuilt pc..... new MB new HS(s) new mem, new vid card...

etc...

[RedBaron]

You don't have to spend $150 for a new license. Either call them and explain your situation or just follow the steps below.

1: Download the version of Windows that you have the license key for (check my link). If you have an OEM key, make sure you get the OEM copy.

2: Burn the ISO

3: Backup Data / Reinstall Windows

[john70t]

Originally Posted by red-beard

If it was triggered by a hard-disk change, you should be able to call Micro-squish and get a new activation code.

This. HP business side was great even out of warentee, and calling MS for a new XP activation key actually went suprisingly well.

If 'upgrading' to Windows7, it might be worth it.
Restoring OEM software functionality shouldn't cost anything, or minimal.
If pushed into Windows8, I'd consider other options...

[gr8fl4porsche]

Win7 Loader by DAZ but you didn't hear it from me.

This will eliminate the message and allow access to updates.

[Joeaksa]

Just went through this with a new installation of W7. Had to call them and go through the automated activation drill. That said it worked fine and now not getting that damm error msg.

[Aragorn]

Just a thought...

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