MUIs Render Win7 Pro, Home OS ''Non-genuine''

By Kevin Parrish
published

The Multilingual User Interface packs are causing Genuine errors in Windows 7 Home and Professional editions.

Micros

oft has issued a warning (opens in new tab) for Windows 7 users that want to download the Multilingual User Interface (MUI) packs. According to the company, the MUIs are only meant for Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise editions. Those who download and install the packs on any other version of Windows 7 will receive a non-genuine warning when trying to install updates or files from the Microsoft Download Center, even though the OS is actually legit.

"Multilingual User Interface (MUI) packs require a license to be used and are available only for Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise editions," Microsoft said. "If these language files are present on another edition of Windows 7, genuine technologies will detect tampering on the system and display the non-genuine warnings."

In essence, your OS is now deemed as pirated despite your expensive license keys. Typically the warning will say: "this copy of Windows is not Genuine." To fix the problem, Microsoft said that customers must either remove the MUI packs, or format the HDD and re-install Windows 7. While the former option sound less troublesome, users will need to uninstall the packs using the same 3rd-party program initially used to install the MUIs in the first place.

Ultimately, consumers using Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium, and Windows 7 Professional should steer clear of the MUI packs.

Kevin Parrish
22 Comments Comment from the forums
  • mister g
    Since tools were used to make this pack installable I'm pretty sure there are tools to circumvent the Geuine Advantage (hah) software.
    Reply
  • forrestsun
    It's a petty for windows user, as Mac OS X has multi-language interface built right in. You just go to the preference and set it, and even some of the apple software changes to that language (like ilife suite, iwork etc.). Now that is putting the user's convenience on the top.
    Reply
  • joytech22
    forrestsunIt's a petty for windows user, as Mac OS X has multi-language interface built right in. You just go to the preference and set it, and even some of the apple software changes to that language (like ilife suite, iwork etc.). Now that is putting the user's convenience on the top.
    You have any idea how many thumbs down your going to get?
    Reply
  • yo_yo2400
    @forrestsun at least were not the crappy linux distro.
    Reply
  • alikum
    It's called getting what you paid for. You don't purchase before looking at the list of features each edition has do you? If you want MUI, then buy the Ultimate version, simple as that. It's all about an agreed price/product between the consumer and the producer.
    Reply
  • dwave
    joytech22You have any idea how many thumbs down your going to get?
    20, it's the max!
    Reply
  • I think this all limiting MUI-s to Ult/Ent is BS.Language is a basic feature and should not be limited.Oddly enough you can buy MS OEM/Retail versions where the language is integrated into say an Home Premium version but for some completely unknown(to us) reason we are not allowed to do the same manually ourselves.

    MS should straighten this out and move MUI-s to be edition independent.Only some more exclusive features should be limited to Ult/Ent.
    Reply
  • jetbruceli
    I dont see why they just dont include it in all of them. I dont need an additional language pack but I dont think I am going to buy the Ultimate edition just so I can run another language.
    Oh well, MS needs the money. And we need MS.

    To bad mac sucks! haha!
    Reply
  • DjEaZy
    ... there iz a need of a lawsuit, to make a precedent... like... M$ need to allow at least two languages... the original and the local native one... i predict, that the European courts will be the first ones...
    Reply
  • SAL-e
    yo_yo2400@forrestsun at least were not the crappy linux distro.At least in Linux I don't have to deal with artificial crap like Genuine Windows verification.
    Reply