Windows not genuine- Fix without reinstalling?

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gijoe985

Honorable
Jul 25, 2013
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So, long story short, I bought a computer used online, here I am 4 years later and it now tells me that the Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit is not genuine. I've tried fixing things, but I think it is just not genuine. That said, is there any way for me to pay for the OS without having to reinstall everything? Like if I get a legit activation key, can I just enter it and continue as usual? I just hate having to wipe everything.

That said, any other things I could try, just in case it is genuine? I have no packaging or anything. I tried going into the CMD and entering the slmgr - rearm, but that did nothing at all. So, ideas would be great.
 
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captaincharisma

captaincharisma

Glorious
Oct 13, 2004
10,963
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it sounds like they soldyou a used computer with a pirated version of windows. to see if the key is legit you can call MS to see if it is. as for able to enter a key without reinstalling you can simply go into control panel and click on the system option and in the window that comes up there will be an option below to enter a cd key
 
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mbarnes86

Splendid
Sep 16, 2010
3,839
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Hi

There are various programs for finding the windows key
Produkey from nirsoft

You need to find if the version is retail,or Oem system builder
You could buy a genuine copy of that version and use the product key

Microsoft also sell a make genuine version


How long have you had the not genuine error ?

This is going to cost you a lot of money for ultimate version

I would consider buying the home retail Oem system builder version and doing a data backup then doing a full re install

Regards
Mike Barnes
 
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L

Lkaos

Honorable
Dec 13, 2014
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well, the only trouble right now it will be it constantly telling you you dont have a legit copy of windows, nothing else, it's called "Nagware"...

P.S: 4 years without a clean reinstallation of windows!? Wow, you're a rare breed... ;-)
 
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G

gijoe985

Honorable
Jul 25, 2013
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Really? Educate me. Seriously... I've never had any major problems. Didn't see the need to. What are your thoughts?
 
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Lkaos

Honorable
Dec 13, 2014
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Yeah, you probably dont fiddle with windows settings too much or change hardware...I've never seen anyone that did that didnt need to reinstall windows once or twice in the first 6 months... ;-)
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,455
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My current PC, almost 3 years old, has only had a 'new' Windows installation for:
1. A new SSD
2. the upgrade from Win 8 to 8.1.

 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,455
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I would seriously consider a clean install, for a couple of reasons:

1. You have no idea if that OS was a pirated version or what. And do not know what else it might be doing in there.

2. For any used PC...a full wipe and clean install with a known good install media and license should be your first action.
Why? 1. To prevent stuff like this
2. You have no idea what else might have been in that PC. Some of the things I've seen in used or free PC's would make your hair stand on end.
 
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