This Copy of Windows is not Genuine

[Siskofan]

So some time ago I had the enthusiasts at my local university replace the failing hard drive on my laptop.

 

They backed up my data for me, and even installed Windows 7 Ultimate for me, which was an upgrade from the Windows 7 home that came with it.

 

Now recently I've got this message in the lower right corner of my screen that says:

"Windows 7

Build 7601

This Copy of Windows is not genuine"

 

This is the only place I've seen it. It doesn't show up in a box at startup nor does it remove my desktop background as I've seen similar posts elsewhere online state it may do.

 

I've so far tried inputting a command into command prompt that goes "SLMGR -REARM" without the quotes while running cmd.exe as administrator, and I uninstalled a certain Windows Update, namely KB791033, both of which were said to fix it, but neither did. I could use some help trying to fix this and any advice would be apprecated, thanks.

[LienusLateTips]

Enter your product key

[SImoHayha]

Get a product key, or just forget about it honestly. It's windows 7 afterall.  Or use a special program to activate it if you get what I mean "wink wink"

[Enderman]

Sounds like the guy used the windows key he used on your PC on another PC, now yours is no longer genuine.

Time to buy a new copy of windows.

[SansVarnic]

Buy a new copy with key and re-install the OS or purchase a new key and enter it.

You either have a bad copy, illegitimate copy, or a legit copy that was not activated and have reached its trial period end.

 

If you chose to continue to use the OS in its current state you are using an illegitimate version of Windows 7.

 

and this may also be possible.

1 minute ago, Enderman said:

Sounds like the guy used the windows key he used on your PC on another PC, now yours is no longer genuine.

Time to buy a new copy of windows.

 

If you chose to continue using the OS as is don't share that here ....

[Siskofan]

I'd rather have a legit copy of Windows to be honest, and while it doesn't seem to be making any efforts to lock me out, I think I'm going to work on doing that. I don't mind having to reinstall if I have to, either as I'd rather run Windows 10 on it. That's what I have on my self-built desktop and I'd like to standardize with it. According to Windows 10 minimum specs, my laptop should be able to run it. I'm just not sure if I need to wipe my system and start fresh or if I could just upgrade it using a USB stick with a copy of Windows 10 I'll get from Microsoft.com.

[SansVarnic]

3 minutes ago, Siskofan said:

I'd rather have a legit copy of Windows to be honest, and while it doesn't seem to be making any efforts to lock me out, I think I'm going to work on doing that. I don't mind having to reinstall if I have to, either as I'd rather run Windows 10 on it. That's what I have on my self-built desktop and I'd like to standardize with it. According to Windows 10 minimum specs, my laptop should be able to run it. I'm just not sure if I need to wipe my system and start fresh or if I could just upgrade it using a USB stick with a copy of Windows 10 I'll get from Microsoft.com.

This may help you get started.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

 

If you have question regarding the upgrade or clean install there are members here that will assist you with the process.

My suggestion is to do a clean install. Reduced chances for issues down the road.

[Siskofan]

1 minute ago, SansVarnic said:

This may help you get started.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

 

If you have question regarding the upgrade or clean install there are members here that will assist you with the process.

My suggestion is to do a clean install. Reduced chances for issues down the road.

Thanks mate. I keep formatting the flashdrive I used for my desktop to make it a backup drive for my files when in reality I should just permanently keep it as a Windows install boot device. I'll get the device created then install the new OS. Because I'm a paranoid nut who should really invest in a NAS I have the files on my laptop, desktop, and backup HDD all mirrored so I don't think a backup of the laptop will be necessary, as my desktop has the most up to date files on it anyway.

 

Thanks again. I'll certainly create a post or a new thread if I run into any issues.

[SansVarnic]

2 minutes ago, Siskofan said:

Thanks mate. I keep formatting the flashdrive I used for my desktop to make it a backup drive for my files when in reality I should just permanently keep it as a Windows install boot device. I'll get the device created then install the new OS. Because I'm a paranoid nut who should really invest in a NAS I have the files on my laptop, desktop, and backup HDD all mirrored so I don't think a backup of the laptop will be necessary, as my desktop has the most up to date files on it anyway.

 

Thanks again. I'll certainly create a post or a new thread if I run into any issues.

You should consider stop formatting that flash drive so much, it will reduce its life span.

 

No need to created a new thread just continue the conversation here.

[Siskofan]

1 minute ago, SansVarnic said:

You should consider stop formatting that flash drive so much, it will reduce its life span.

 

No need to created a new thread just continue the conversation here.

Yeah I know, that's the other reason I should stop formatting it. Still it wasn't that expensive so I'm not incredibly worried.

Anyway, the boot drive has been created and I'm running setup on the laptop now now.

[Siskofan]

So when installing Windows 10, I don't use the same product key that was used for the copy currently running on my desktop, correct? I don't want to inadvertently deactivate Windows on my gaming/main PC by using the same product key for the laptop. (The gaming pc was the one I used to create the installation media).