Windows 7 - Counterfeit Software Message

marello25 · 7 Mar 2014 at 13:47

Hey,

I moved house recently and was without broadband for sometime. Over that period notifications started popping up every 10 minutes telling me my software may be counterfeit.

Today I finally got back online. The messages continued so I performed the "windows verification" as requested. Unfortunately it didn't recognise my computer and wanted my key.

Unfortunately my disk is an OEM disk, and I can't for the life of me remember where the key is or who I bought it from 3 years ago. Any suggestions on what I can do?

Cheers,
Marello

mrk · 7 Mar 2014 at 14:02

Use the phone activation method instead, it always works.

marello25 · 3 Apr 2014 at 08:37

Hi mrk, thanks for replying. Apologies for the slow response, I was away for a while.

I can't see a phone activation option anywhere. Instead I typed slmgr -rearm into the command prompt which seems to have reset the clock. Now when I look at my computer properties, the place where my activation code is displayed states "3 days until automatic activation". This is why I assume slmgr -rearm is just a way of resetting the clock?

I've realised the issue - it's an OEM copy and I'd reformatted my PC a few days before the messages started appearing. Is there anything more permanent I can do?

Thanks!

mrk · 3 Apr 2014 at 09:17

When you try online activation there should be a link on that screen offering alternative methods to activate, one being telephone - Do you not have this screen appear?

linktoinsanity · 3 Apr 2014 at 09:22

marello25 said:
Hi mrk, thanks for replying. Apologies for the slow response, I was away for a while.

I can't see a phone activation option anywhere. Instead I typed slmgr -rearm into the command prompt which seems to have reset the clock. Now when I look at my computer properties, the place where my activation code is displayed states "3 days until automatic activation". This is why I assume slmgr -rearm is just a way of resetting the clock?

I've realised the issue - it's an OEM copy and I'd reformatted my PC a few days before the messages started appearing. Is there anything more permanent I can do?

Thanks!

If you reformatted your machine a few days ago and don't have a key typed in then you will have difficulty in activating.

Try and remember where you bought it from and then contact them to see if they have kept records of what keys they sold to where, if they do then your in luck, otherwise you are going to need a new Windows key.