Introduction
If you’re using Windows 7 and suddenly get an error message that says “Windows is not genuine”, don’t panic. This is a common problem that can be easily fixed. In this article, we’ll discuss a few methods to help you solve the Windows 7 not genuine problem.
Uninstalling Windows Update
Sometimes, a recent Windows update can cause the issue. To determine which update is causing the issue, try uninstalling each update one by one until the problem is solved. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the Control Panel in Windows 7.
2. Click on Programs and Features.
3. Select View installed updates from the left side bar.
4. Scroll down to find the problematic update.
5. Right click on the update and select Uninstall.
Download and Install a Genuine Version of Windows 7
If uninstalling the update doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to download and install a genuine version of Windows 7. You can purchase a valid copy of Windows 7 online, or borrow a copy from a friend who already has it. Once you have the valid copy, follow these steps to download and install it:
1. Insert the Windows 7 installation disc into your computer.
2. Reboot your computer and let the installation process begin.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
Turn Off Automatic Updates in Windows 7
To prevent future issues, you should turn off automatic updates in Windows 7. Here’s how to do it:
1. Go to Start > Control Panel > System and Security.
2. Click on Windows Update.
3. Select Change Settings from the left side bar.
4. Select Never check for updates (not recommended) from the drop down menu.
By turning off automatic updates, you won’t receive any new updates and will avoid any potential problems with your Windows installation in the future.
Check BIOS Settings
BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. It is the first program that runs when you start your computer, and is responsible for initializing all the hardware components. Sometimes, a faulty BIOS setting can lead to the Windows 7 not genuine problem. To check the BIOS settings, follow these steps:
1. Reboot your computer and press the F2 key repeatedly during startup.
2. When you see the BIOS screen, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Security tab.
3. Make sure the Secure Boot option is set to Disabled.
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
Change Product Key
If the above methods don’t solve the problem, you may need to change the product key. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.
2. Type in slui 3 and press Enter.
3. Enter a valid product key and click OK.
Once you’ve entered a valid product key, the issue should be solved.
Run System File Checker
Another possible fix is to run the System File Checker (SFC). This tool scans your system files and repairs any corrupted files. To run SFC, follow these steps:
1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type in sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Let the scan finish and wait for it to finish.
Re-download and Reinstall Windows 7
If all else fails, you may need to re-download and reinstall Windows 7. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Download a valid copy of Windows 7 from an official source.
2. Insert the installation disc into your computer.
3. Reboot your computer and let the installation process begin.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed several methods to help you solve the Windows 7 not genuine problem. We covered uninstalling Windows Updates, downloading and installing a genuine version, turning off automatic updates, checking BIOS settings, changing the product key and running System File Checker. If these methods don’t work, you may need to re-download and reinstall Windows 7. For more help, contact Microsoft Support or consult an IT professional.
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