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Windows 7 suddenly started telling me that my copy is not genuine, need help activating

Anonymous
2022-05-21T17:00:36+00:00

Hi all,

When I turned on my computer this morning, it informed me that my copy of Windows is not genuine. I tried to reactivate Windows and re-entered my product key, and it told me my product key is blocked. When I contacted Microsoft support they refused to help me reactivate it, stating that it's out-of-support. They said that I had to post to answers.microsoft.com in order to get it activated.

Can someone please help me with this?

Thanks,

  • Adam
Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Licensing and activation

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Ron-6928 4,991 Reputation points
    2022-05-23T22:19:15+00:00

    The same thing happens to my Windows 7 Pro that I've been using for 7+ years without problems. A few weeks ago while uninstalling some software, Windows tells me it isn't genuine after rebooting.

    So I re-entered the product keys found on the sticker attached to the PC but couldn't activate it (invalid key or something). I called the 800 number and got the activation codes over the phone and was able to activate it with that codes. This is an automated service. There is no real person on their end.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-05-21T23:52:05+00:00

    Keys can be blocked for a variety of reasons; installed on more than one device, pirated, etc.

    Blocked keys is a problem for Microsoft to explain to you.

    You contact them back again and tell them from us that they are wrong. They have to help you with activation.

    We don't work for Microsoft and Microsoft Agents never look at these Windows 7 forums.

    We can't activate it for you or explain why it is blocked.

    @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

    We can only give you Microsoft's advice about Activation problems, not BLOCKED Product Keys:

    How to See Your Windows 7 Licence Information

    https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19921-license-information-windows-7-a.html

    ____________________________________________________

    List of Activation error codes and what to do about them:

    Error message when you try to activate Windows 7 or Windows Vista: "An error has occurred"

    Contact Microsoft:

    The COA sticker, which has the Product Key on it, is either on the underside of the Laptop or in the Battery Compartment.

    With a Desktop it is either on the side, rear or top of the Computer Case.

    Image

    Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 - Windows Help - Microsoft Support

    When you begin activation, Windows will try to use your Internet connection to activate online. If you have problems activating online, you can activate using the phone.

    ___________________________________________________

    If you have to use Phone Activation, read this detailed information about using that method:

    "How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone"

    http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html

    _________________________________________________

    If you have problems using that method contact Microsoft Support:

    To contact Microsoft Support:

    Contact support        

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/contact-support

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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