Why would my laptop suddenly start telling me that my copy of Windows Vista is not genuine?
The last time I fired up my (HP) laptop I got a prompt to activate Windows. I had no idea what it was so I closed the dialog box and moved on. When the computer was done booting up there was a message in the bottom right corner saying my copy of Windows Vista is not genuine. This is the same copy that I have run since I bought the PC – pre-loaded of course with the operating system. I can access the web and use my Microsoft programs. Any idea what gives?
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11 Answers
Did you ever activate it?
Did you buy your laptop new or used?
@bob_ I don’t remember ever activating it, and I don’t remember being prompted to do so.
@mrentropy I bought the laptop new about a year and a half ago.
If you have the key plastered to the bottom of the laptop I would go ahead and try and activate it again. Unfortunately, it may mean a call to Microsoft.
As to why it may have happened, I haven’t got a clue. Unless someone managed to install it somewhere else with your key.
Have you given anyone the OS disc? Do you still have the original disc with the key code?
@Tropical_Willie I haven’t given anyone the OS disc, and I probably have the original somewhere.
I was kind of expecting to hear that this is a totally normal thing!
It could be someone’s attempt to phish your data. I would run an in depth virus scan and then call Microsoft if the scan does not produce any hits.
@SuperMouse Is it the computer you’re currently using? If so, go to www.windowsupdate.com, try to download an update, and follow the instructions to validate your copy of Windows.
@SuperMouse It’s actually kinda typical. Clicking on the new tray icon or box should lead you through the activation process. It’s most likely not a virus (though it always could be) since you say you didn’t activate it. However, if all else fails, you can simply ignore the box because it doesn’t remove any useful functionality.
Honestly, I think this is a terrible “feature” for the OS since it happens to more legitimate owners than people who have pirated the software. There are even ways for piraters to remove the warning, but no legitimate user would do that.
There is an update for Vista that causes this issue, you can simply reactivate your copy and if it fails there is an option to call the 1800 number and they will give you an activation key to enter.
Be very careful that you are not dealing with a virus. i have had fake Windows requests on my computer. i immediately run a virus scan and delete the request.
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