Windows Not Geniune?

Adams1

Hmm...

I couple of weeks ago, I installed Windows XP onto my laptop. Problem is, no driver support was avalible so I went to reinstall Windows 7 back onto the system. I picked up a friends copy of Windows 7 64-Bit and used the product key on the bottom of the laptop, but the problem is, just a few days ago, a message poped up saying that windows is not geniune...

I tried to re-enter the same key but nope, same error. Do I need a specific CD to use the key with? (the laptop is a Toshiba.)

Thanks!

Adams1

RussJK wrote: »

Your friends copy pf Windows 7 will likely be licenced only for him to use. Having XP doesn't automatically give you a licence for Windows 7; you will have to pay your Windows tax and purchase a copy for yourself.

Err... Please reread the question....

aliEnRIK

You only option that I see is to reinstall XP and (assuming the ethernet doesnt work) use another computer to determine which drivers are required then transfer them over.

If the ethernet DOES work then its a heck of a lot easier

Windows Update will almost certainly have a few drivers for you

Toxteth_OGrady

Does the laptop have a hidden factory restore partition?

If not, since you paid for a genuine Win 7 license when you bought the laptop give Microsoft a call and explain your problem.

Adams1

Toxteth_OGrady wrote: »

Does the laptop have a hidden factory restore partition?

If not, since you paid for a genuine Win 7 license when you bought the laptop give Microsoft a call and explain your problem.

Thats another problem. I bought the laptop off ebay so its probbally been registered the the previous owners name. Or will Microsoft accept second users?

Adams1

aliEnRIK wrote: »

You only option that I see is to reinstall XP and (assuming the ethernet doesn't work) use another computer to determine which drivers are required then transfer them over.

If the ethernet DOES work then its a heck of a lot easier

Windows Update will almost certainly have a few drivers for you

Thanks but, I tried for MANY days to find audio drivers. Non where available. I tried a good couple forcewares, multidrivers, drivers from other manufacturers for the audio chip, nothing!

O well... That's why I reinstalled W7 back onto the system but the laptop never came with a CD for W7 so I used a friends copy (pro 64-bit) and it accepted the key, I even got a few updates but recently it gave me a Windows Not Geniune error.

aliEnRIK

Adams1 wrote: »

Thanks but, I tried for MANY days to find audio drivers. Non where available. I tried a good couple forcewares, multidrivers, drivers from other manufacturers for the audio chip, nothing!

O well... That's why I reinstalled W7 back onto the system but the laptop never came with a CD for W7 so I used a friends copy (pro 64-bit) and it accepted the key, I even got a few updates but recently it gave me a Windows Not Geniune error.

Im sure if I had the computer I could find the audio driver

anyways -
You could (morality aside) reinstall w7, switch to only download updates you want and HIDE all authentification updates (And do not install SP1)

Adams1

RussJK wrote: »

Woops, talk about a brain fart! Sorry about that.

Sometimes people have trouble with the key not working after they've reinstalled. If the key on the bottom of your laptop is genuine, then you just need to phone Microsoft to get it reactivated, provided you have installed the correct version of Windows 7 for it.

You haven't specified if it was Starter, Home Premium, etc. Similarly, it makes a difference if your product key is for SP1 or not, as it only works with a Windows 7 installation of the same type. I.e. if your friend's installation disc includes SP1, then your non-SP1 code might not work, and vice versa. Likewise, if you are trying to use a Home Premium product key on a Professional installation, then no wonder it's not working.

Did you wipe the system restore partition? If you were wise and left it, then you should be able to find the combination of keys on bootup to reinstall the Windows 7 version that is meant to go with your licence.

It's Pro 64-Bit (on the bottom of the laptop) and he also had the pro 64-bit CD. I was just wondering, will I need to some how find an OEM CD? If so, where can I get a hold of one? (without the product key?) I checked the license and it dosn't mention SP1, so perhaps the CD he has is SP1? How do I go about checking this?

Thanks!

steveE2

Adams1 wrote: »

It's Pro 64-Bit (on the bottom of the laptop) and he also had the pro 64-bit CD. I was just wondering, will I need to some how find an OEM CD? If so, where can I get a hold of one? (without the product key?) I checked the license and it dosn't mention SP1, so perhaps the CD he has is SP1? How do I go about checking this?

Thanks!

SP1 wont come into it as that has only just officially been released.
As it is your friends disk will not work with your OEM product key,if it's a retail version.It will install, but your product key would be rejected for activation.

This is because,a file on the install disk has a preset value for the 'Channel' to which the licensing belongs.

On a retail disk this is set as 'Retail'.For the OEM key to be accepted that variable needs to be set to 'OEM'

I can tell you how do do this via PM but wouldn't want to post full instructions here.

steveE2

RussJK wrote: »

Actually it's available already in some places, so despite being unlikely it was worth mentioning.

I've seen that and everything is worth mentioning.
Like you I believe the restore partition is the way to go and it is probably still available even after a new installation of another OS.

FOR OP
Toshiba restore Instructions:
ALL DATA WILL BE ERASED ON YOUR HARD DRIVE IF YOU PROCEED. YOU WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE THE POWER ADAPTER PLUGGED IN. DO NOT SWITCH OFF OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER DURING THIS PROCESS.

• 1) Hold down the power button for 10 (ten) seconds to switch off your machine.

Please note: Holding down the power button on the machine forces it to switch off. Any unsaved data will be lost.

• 2) Press and hold the 0 (zero) key and at the same time, tap the power button once to switch on your notebook.
• 3) When the machine Starts beeping; release the 0 key.
• 4) When prompted by the warning screen; select Yes to continue with the system recovery.
• 5) Select Recovery of Factory Default Software; click Next.
• 6) Select Recover to out-of-box state. Click Next again.
• 7) Click Next to Start recovery.

KillerWatt

steveE2 wrote: »

I can tell you how do do this via PM but wouldn't want to post full instructions here.

Modifying the ei.cfg file is hardly a secret.

@Adams1,

Pressing F8 at startup should give you the option to restore the computer to it's original state.
However if you do get stuck then drop me a PM and I'll run you off a copy of my installation DVD (all versions of Win 7, both 32 & 64bit) that will accept both retail & OEM keys.