Windows 7 is running an illegal copy?

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C

Cool Beans

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Nov 24, 2014
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So basically I bought a HP desktop computer a few years ago. It came pre-installed with a copy of windows 7 on it. Since buying it I have literally changed everything on it so the only thing that is in there at the moment from the original computer is the hard drive. Now I sold it a while ago and the guy who I sold it to is telling me when he logs in, the desktop background is black and in the bottom right hand corner it says "this copy of windows 7 is illegal". Now I have had this problem before but I have no idea how I fixed it before. I no longer have the original CD key or nothing because that was on the old case in sticker form which I no longer have. Any help would be much appreciated.

Many thanks, Connor.
 
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4745454b
I had to clean this thread up because someone went and suggested/linked to something that would make windows think it's genuine. This is a no no for Toms. Do not under any circumstances suggest or talk about these things on Toms hardware!

As someone pointed out if you change enough hardware windows will think it's a different computer. You can try reinstalling, but you probably need a new key.
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4745454b

4745454b

Titan
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Apr 29, 2006
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I had to clean this thread up because someone went and suggested/linked to something that would make windows think it's genuine. This is a no no for Toms. Do not under any circumstances suggest or talk about these things on Toms hardware!

As someone pointed out if you change enough hardware windows will think it's a different computer. You can try reinstalling, but you probably need a new key.
 
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B

BadAsAl

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Oct 13, 2009
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Having an OEM or "Pre-installed" Windows 7 means it is tied to the original motherboard of that computer. If you changed the motherboard because it failed, Microsoft will let you reactivate Windows. Your buyer can do a phone activation using the key on the COA sticker that should still be on the tower if this is the case and it will be legal. If you just replaced the motherboard to upgrade, then legally you are not allowed to use that Windows key again and will have to repurchase.
 
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