"This copy of Windows is not genuine"

[Lydia Leftcoast]

I'm mostly a Mac user, but I bought a Toshiba netbook for work and media viewing while traveling. It has Windows 7, Home Premium.

Since it's for travel, I don't use it so often.

Well, I turned it on with the intention of downloading Kindle software and found a notification in the lower righthand corner that says "This copy of Windows is not genuine." Which is strange, because I registered it and even accessed it with a password.

When I click on it, I'm directed to what appears to be a Microsoft site, but I quickly backed out of it, because it wanted me to click on a bunch of other things.

I don't want to do anything unless I'm sure that my Windows 7 genuinely needs repair and that this is the way to do it. I scanned for viruses and spyware, and there was nothing.

What gives?

[canetoad]

1. It could be the result of an auto update

This seems like a useful page that explains your options. http://www.brighthub.com/hubfolio/arun-kumar-m/articles/85449.aspx

Windows 7 says This copy of Windows is not Genuine – WHY?

This copy of Windows is not GenuineIf your Windows 7 was working fine and you suddenly start receiving messages saying this copy of Windows is not genuine - for Windows 7, chances are that you must have installed the Windows 7 update KB971033. This Windows 7 update scans for more than 70 activation bypasses to detect if your copy of Windows 7 is genuine or not. If it finds even a single activation bypass, you are in a mess. Windows 7 starts bombarding you with messages that say – this copy of Windows is not Genuine – and reminds you constantly that you need to go for a genuine version.

How to Remove Windows Genuine Advantage and KB971033

If you are getting nag screens and are not able to use/install programs because your Windows 7 thinks that the copy is not genuine, you can remove the Windows Genuine Advantage even on a legitimate copy of Windows 7. To remove KB971003, follow these steps:

1. Open Control Panel
2. Select Programs and Features
3. Select Installed Updates
4. Look for list item “Update for Microsoft Windows (KB971033)”
5. Select the above item, if listed, and click Uninstall
6. Close the Programs and Features Windows after the update is removed

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. Thanks!

I'll try that next time I turn on the netbook!

[Earth Bound Misfit]

4. Just FYI I uninstalled 971033 in less than a minute, no problem.

I test installed a slipstreamed SP1 DVD I made in VMWare, uninstalled this update cleanly with no noticeable effect. WinDOZE Update re-offered it to me as "important" but not pre-checked. Choose "hide update" and it'll be gone without a trace.

[Earth Bound Misfit]

3. I saw the article canetoad linked to a few weeks ago

helping an online friend with the same message. She bought a custom rig from a local shop and "got a great deal". Turns out...not so much. I'll spare the details and ask you this: Does it have an Authentic COA permanently affixed to the case and/or installation CD/DVD packaging? Did you recently install Service Pack 1?