Computer newbies forum: Suddenly getting "Copy of windows not genuine" notice

This is one of the new virus/trojan/malware problems. These can damage the OS to the point you see this message.

While the machine came with the OS, let's hope you have or created the all important restore media as repair is uncertain.

That is, if you look around you find folk reinstalling.
Bob

The first - Malware damage. Malware can cause the OS to think it is not genuine. Possible solution scan for viruses, then scan for other malware.

The second - if that fails, then usually the only remaining option is to reinstall the OS.

This is not one of those, 'click here to fix' problems.

Mark

If you have the restore/recovery discs, use the "repair option" that returns the OS to install state. This is NOT the restore point feature of the OS itself when it is up and running. This is also NOT the full re-install of the OS which is listed as another option using the recovery discs. Either restore or repair becomes an option for you at this point. Now, beware of any future malware or corruption source, which *may* return the OS status to non-genuine report, if a malware problem returns. If some corruption which the OS files are compromised becomes less than desirable and issue same warning. Hopefully, doing one of the two options provided should correct the problem. report back

tada ----Willy