"Computer Not Running Genuine Windows"message

[micben]

A few times this week I have been getting a pop-up message "This Computer is Not Running Genuine Windows", although I know it is genuine as it was installed by PCS when they supplied the computer new a few years ago.

Another thing is, when I try to shut down, I get another message saying that 1 update is installing, but fails.

Can anyone throw light on these events and could they be related, if so what's the solution please?

 

[ubuysa]

The update is failing because Microsoft think you aren't running genuine Windows. Have you installed any other OS since you got it from PCS? Have you ungraded to Windows 10 for example and then gone back to Windows 8.1? Have you (or anyone else) installed this copy of Windows on another computer?

If none of the above are true I'd call PCS and ask for their help.

 

[thisisevilevil]

A few times this week I have been getting a pop-up message "This Computer is Not Running Genuine Windows", although I know it is genuine as it was installed by PCS when they supplied the computer new a few years ago.

Another thing is, when I try to shut down, I get another message saying that 1 update is installing, but fails.

Can anyone throw light on these events and could they be related, if so what's the solution please?

There can be a number of reasons for the issue with "This computer is Not running Genuine Windows". The most obvious reason would be that the key that was used, is not a Windows genuine key. Maybe PCS accidentally installed your Windows with a dummy key or something like that, even though it seems rather strange. Nevertheless, I can take a closer look at the key issue + the update issue if you provide me with 3 logs. I've created a small script that would generate the stuff logs I need, you can find it here: [Link removed] - Extract the .zip file, and run the .bat file. Give it 2-3 minutes to complete. When it's done it will create 3 files on the root of your C:\ drive.

Have these 3 files attached to this thread, and I'll take a look at it, if you still need help. Otherwise, I would recommend contacting PCS directly to sort it out.

 

[Rakk]

Nevertheless, I can take a closer look at the key issue + the update issue if you provide me with 3 logs. I've created a small script that would generate the stuff logs I need, you can find it here: [Link removed] - Extract the .zip file, and run the .bat file. Give it 2-3 minutes to complete. When it's done it will create 3 files on the root of your C:\ drive.

Thisisevilevil, please do not attach links to bat files (whether they are in zip files or not) to the forums, whilst you are just trying to be helpful, we can't really allow bat files - they could have anything in them
If you could explain how to get the relevant info (without using bat files or applications/software that wouldn't normally be found within windows) I'm sure the OP can provide you with said info.

 

[thisisevilevil]

Thisisevilevil, please do not attach links to bat files (whether they are in zip files or not) to the forums, whilst you are just trying to be helpful, we can't really allow bat files - they could have anything in them
If you could explain how to get the relevant info (without using bat files or applications/software that wouldn't normally be found within windows) I'm sure the OP can provide you with said info.

Sure, I understand

So basically you can also do this manually. Simply open a CMD prompt with elevated privileges and type the following:
"cd.."
"cd.."

Now it should say "C:\ "

Type in the following commands (without the ""):
"start /wait msinfo32 /report msinfo32.log" <-- This will take 1-2 minutes
"copy C:\windows\windowsupdate.log C:\ "
"cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /dlv >> activation.log"
"cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /ato >> activation.log"

When this is done, fetch the following files from your C drive, and attach them here to this thread:
View attachment 7875

 

[micben]

Thanks ubuysa,
No, I haven't installed any other OS or gone to Windows 10, still running 7. When the pop-up occurs and it gives a link to validate, the publisher box which should say Microsoft Corporation says "Publisher Unknown". I therefore suspect it is a scam.

What I have done, is validated Windows with Microsoft by re-entering my Product Key and it is correctly validated as genuine by Microsoft - yet I am still getting this pop-up. And when I shut down get "do not power off, 1 Update is Installing". But checking my Update History I find this has been going on since last August. The Security Updated are successful but all others are Failed.

thisisevilwvil - thanks for your help, some of it is beyond my knowledge I'm afraid. But tomorrow I'm having my local Tech Man come and look so I'll show him what you say and get back to you afterwards.

One other question, supposing I DID upgrade to Windows 10 do you think it would wipe out these problems?

I did read on the Web that Microsoft were allowing free 10 Upgrades even to illegal copies (though I know mine is genuine) BUT perhaps only as a 30-day trial after which (presumably) you would have to buy it. I am wary of upgrading until these issues are sorted.

 

[ubuysa]

Thanks ubuysa,
No, I haven't installed any other OS or gone to Windows 10, still running 7. When the pop-up occurs and it gives a link to validate, the publisher box which should say Microsoft Corporation says "Publisher Unknown". I therefore suspect it is a scam.

What I have done, is validated Windows with Microsoft by re-entering my Product Key and it is correctly validated as genuine by Microsoft - yet I am still getting this pop-up. And when I shut down get "do not power off, 1 Update is Installing". But checking my Update History I find this has been going on since last August. The Security Updated are successful but all others are Failed.

thisisevilwvil - thanks for your help, some of it is beyond my knowledge I'm afraid. But tomorrow I'm having my local Tech Man come and look so I'll show him what you say and get back to you afterwards.

One other question, supposing I DID upgrade to Windows 10 do you think it would wipe out these problems?

I did read on the Web that Microsoft were allowing free 10 Upgrades even to illegal copies (though I know mine is genuine) BUT perhaps only as a 30-day trial after which (presumably) you would have to buy it. I am wary of upgrading until these issues are sorted.

If you go to Control Panel > System does Windows show as Activated there? If it does then Microsoft think you are running genuine Windows. That said, the script that Thisisevil has given you isn't too difficult to follow if you take it one step at a time. All he's doing there is collecting log data and he'll use his special skills to analyse those logs for you. But, as I mentioned, if Windows shows as being active you don't have a Windows validation problem, what you probably do have is a malware problem. This now smells of malware posing as Windows validation, so don't click on the validation link.

If you're not that technically savvy then it's wise to get someone you trust who is to take a look.

I would never advise upgrading to Windows 10 unless the existing Windows system is running perfectly. In addition, my personal advice is to think very carefully before upgrading. Windows 7 is a very stable operating system, Windows 10 is very much a work in progress. If you feel you need the features of Windows 10 and you're prepared to accept that there may be the odd glitch or issue then upgrade. But if Windows 7 is working well for you I would not upgrade.

If your copy of Windows 7 is shown as activated then you will have no difficulty upgrading. You can either skip the product key entry on Windows 10 install or you can use your existing Windows 7 product key with Windows 10. If your existing copy of Windows 7 is legal (and if PCS installed it for you then it is) then there are no licensing issues for you at all with Windows 10.

 

[micben]

Thanks for your help ubuysa. I wish I'd read your post before my Tech Man came this morning, for he did advise me to upgrade to Windows 10 so I did. Probably a mistake because as you say, 7 was working perfectly apart from the glitches mentioned. Anyway it's done now and sure enough the problems on my first post have disappeared. Have been playing with 10 all day, didn't like it at first but getting used to it.

But now I have another problem, everytime on Start Up I get the message REBOOT AND SELECT PROPER BOOT DEVICE. Which I do, go into Boot and select the first device listed on top as the TECH Man advised. Thought that was a once-only step, but it's on every boot up. Anyway if anyone can help on this I would be grateful.

By the way I did enter the Product Key for 10 and it validated OK so the copy is genuine.

Thanks guys for your help, very much appreciated.

 

[ubuysa]

Glad it's sorted.

If you enter the BIOS setup (probably the F2 key or Del key on boot) and navigate to the BOOT section you'll find the default boot menu in there. The boot order you typically want is your DVD drive first (so you can boot installation disks) and then your internal hard drive where Windows is installed, after that the order is immaterial because you'll always boot from either the DVD or HDD and nowhere else. When you come to exit from the BIOS setup be sure to choose save and exit so your default boot order is retained.

 

[micben]

Still getting this problem, needing to REBOOT AND SELECT PROPER BOOT DEVICE, which I do, but there is no option to save. I can press Enter on the keyboard but it is a nuisance to have to do this every time. Any ideas?

 

[paul1224]

Once you have correctly amended the boot section you should be able to navigate to 'Save & Exit screen' (headings normally at top of the screen) and then you can then navigate to the 'save and exit' (or something similar) option and then it should remember those settings.