Genuine Windows?

[DavidLJ]

My desktop computer running Windows 7 Home Premium has served me well for some years now. Yesterday I started to receive a message on startup - see attached screenshot. Fearing that this may be produced by some malware I have not clicked the "Resolve online now" link. Any thoughts?

[speach]

Did you buy your computer with Windows preinstalled? If So and it's a reputable make I think you my be a victim of malware, virus, any of the other **** that's in cyberspace.

[OICURMT]

I suspect your token file is corrupt.

You will need to rebuild it.

NOTE: You *MUST* have your original Product Key, as you will need to re-enter it. It should be on your CD-ROM/DVD cover (usualy on the back) or on an OEM sticker somewhere on your case.

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/rebuild-tokens-dat-activation-file-windows

[Akwestland]

David,

I have just done a quick bit of research on this. It appears that it may not be malware/trojan/virus. It appears as it may be another Microsoft update/patch that does not work, and actually makes life a little harder for us.

Here are some links to have a look at.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/0x8004fe21-error-not-genuine-on-a-genuine-windows/06667718-646e-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5

http://www.infoworld.com/article/2859267/operating-systems/windows-7-hit-by-rash-of-bogus-not-genuine-reports-validation-code-0x8004fe21.html
(There is an add that opens when you go to this link, wait the 20 seconds and it does go away)

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/353495-windows-not-genuine-error-0x8004fe21.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/354920-kb3004394-breaks-windows-genuine-error-code-0x8004fe21.html

The fix that seems easier to follow and may work (I have not had this error, so I cannot attest to its accuracy) appears to be the one from infoworld.

If this does not work then the people on sevenforums are normally very good to deal with.

I hope that this helps you.

Let me know how you go.

Cheers
Andrew

[BeanerSA]

I saw an increased number of these posts on reddit yesterday, so it is probably an issue with an update. You can either re-enter your key, or wait until next Tuesday, when the next updates will come out.

[DavidLJ]

Many thanks for your replies guys. They are much appreciated. I'll ponder on what you have advised.

[RAJAH235]

Window's updates suk.
I've hardly had one month go by without having a problem with the installer or an update.
I usually have to go to Window's Updates & D/L each one & then run them manually.

It doesn't matter if you disable your AV.
They still fail.

I just had the same error with a friends M/C earlier tonight.
Only had 8 to do....but no...Windows would not complete the process.

Weird stuff.

&...The WIN7 fora are very good & mucho helpful.

[thunderchildobs]

http://dilbert.com/strip/2015-03-01

[DavidLJ]

Great comic strip!


Strangely enough I've just spent approx 11 hours with a Windows technician reinstalling Windows and all 182 updates. It was all started because of an unrelated matter that the techs coudn't otherwise solve but as a side benefit I no longer get the “... not running genuine Windows” message. The moral : find another problem for the techs to sort out and solve this problem on its coat tails.