Not Genuine

**Zonie** · June 1st, 2012, 05:44 PM

Clients Dell Vostro Laptop, Windows 7 Professional, infected with virus. Ran TDSSkiller, Combofix, and Malwarebytes. Clean lappy now running great. Coupl days later, window pops up and says "This computer is not running genuine Windows" Look at Computer properties and it states it is activated and gives the OEM Product ID. What gives? Does this mean I will have to wipe and start over?

Any ideas appreciated.

**slgrieb** · June 1st, 2012, 06:26 PM

First thing I would do is check the timezone and time settings. If they are correct, try the http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/diag/ site. You have to use IE, Firefox, or Netscape (!). The site will run several tests for you.

**CeeBee** · June 1st, 2012, 10:57 PM

I've had a major issue with a XP copy last week, I now officially hate MS for actively refusing to help without a $99+ fee (XP is out of support). That was a Dell computer which had a pre-installed OEM Win copy... I ended up cracking the XP just to fix it quickly.
If you don't want to format I suggest you crack it and **** M$.

**Zonie** · June 2nd, 2012, 07:51 AM

Thanks for the tips, will give the link a try when I get back and see what happens. Headed for some r&r (golf) now.

**Guts3d** · June 4th, 2012, 03:27 AM

Zonie, I cannot agree with the suggestion to crack the installation of Windows. The fine for doing so is astronomical, and I think you'd be better off reloading it and using the legal COA number. Your client expects to get a legal, honest, working computer back from you.

**Zonie** · June 4th, 2012, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by Guts3d

Zonie, I cannot agree with the suggestion to crack the installation of Windows. The fine for doing so is astronomical, and I think you'd be better off reloading it and using the legal COA number. Your client expects to get a legal, honest, working computer back from you.

I agree and I didn't. All I tried is what slgieb suggested and everything passed but no resolution. I ended up formatting and starting over yesterday. It is now good to go. I do not do anything illegal as this client is part of one of my doctors offices with round 70 PC's. Second I have been a MS Partner for quite a while and don't intend to lose my priveleges.