is this a virus? Windows genuine validation?

Question

when i turn on my computer it said i have to buy a new code or enter a new code or do something with my phone, i pressed cancel and my computer was back to normal except the screen was plain black, and there is writing on the bottom left no matter what background wallpaper i use. It says "Windows 7 Build 7600 This copy of Windows is not genuine" in white font.
My Windows security essentials says "windows did not pass genuine validation. Security essentials will become disabled if you do not resolve this issue. To continue using security essentials click resolve now and get genuine windows."
Lastly, there is a pop up that says "Optional update delivery is not working, You may be a victim of software counterfeiting, To use all Microsoft Windows features such as all updates from Windows Update; get the latest updates; and receive product support, you copy of Microsoft Windows must be validated as genuine" with a link that says "Go online and resolve now"

Im not sure if this is a virus or not, because if it is i dont want to make things worse.

Answer 1

I've been with Y.A. and seen questions regarding that message. You can call Microsoft for a fix. That is a known bug. The operating system is real BUT something just isn't right in the computer. Type slui.exe in your "run" box or call Microsoft and activate by phone



http://www.kodyaz.com/articles/how-to-activate-windows-7-by-phone.aspx



http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929

Answer 2

Windows Genuine Validation

Answer 3

there was an issue when sp1 was first released but that didn't show as "build 7200"

It typically came up as "Build 1702" and misidentified Legitimate windows 7 installations

as expired "Windows 7 Beta"





Ok, from what you've already provided this sounds like the following:



1) Sometime in the last 30days or more you installed windows 7

2)Automatic activation failed.

3)You did not manually activate.



Turn your computer back on when it offers you the option to "activate windows now" choose it.



It may offer you a change to enter your "Product Code" (also known as "a CoA or "certificate of authenticity" which is five blocks of five characters, a combination of numerals and capitol letters.



Your windows installation disc should have come with a sticker OR is this is a recently purchased computer the sticker will be stuck to the case.



Re-enter the number carefully (or check the number that's already entered)



If this attempt at "activation fails" you will be presented with an option to enter another product code

BUY another product code or call an automated phone line, choose this last option



you then get to choose your country, after doing so you get another page where there is the phone number and at the bottom there are eight blocks of six numerals each and below that eight empty blocks.



follow the voice prompts and enter the numbers with the keypad of your phone

it may then ask a verification question (example: How many computers have been installed with this copy of windows? (generally you answer "One")) and after it pauses a minute the voice will say "verified" then read you eight blocks of six numbers each that you must type into the empty blocks.



I've found that if you enter a number wrong it'll stop you, unless you enter a number wrong in the last block and then you really do need to start over.



But you have an option to "start over" and I usually do this to hear the numbers over again to verify I typed them correctly



If you don't get an error message after pressing "next" you are golden...



Basically follow the instructions and avoid human intervention at their end

the automated system works, the humans will always insist that you need to buy something....



You Do have a CoA/Product code... right?



You DID buy your windows legitimately... right?



AD

Answer 4

2

Answer 5

This question is common about being not genuine. Windows 7 had glitches in the operating system files. They have release some hot fixes to resolve this issue. After they are installed you need to run Windows Update and allow it to update the system files. The other option is to call the telephone number they use for Windows Activation and explain to them what is happening. I don't have any better answer for this issue.



Have you tried Windows Update yet would be the first thing I would try. I try not to make my answers long winded and confusing for the person asking the question.

Answer 6

That sounds like the valid microsoft warning. If this IS a virus, and it probably isn't, you're already infected. Clicking the "go online" link won't add to the problem, but if you choose to do this be wary of any solution which requires you to spend money.



To be properly paranoid, I would suggest you resolve this by phone, because a sufficiently clever virus would mimic Microsoft's alert. Still, going online isn't likely to escalate the problem unless you are asked for a credit card number etc.



This happens, and usually it's not your fault. You'll need to provide your license key (usually attached to your computer case) as well as your computer model and supplier. If everything checks out, they'll issue you a valid license key.

Answer 7

This is because you are running a copy of windows and not the real thing. You can only stop this by paying for a real one. You can get in serious trouble for this as it is copyright theft and your computer will be at risk as you will never beable to get any updates for it. You could always format your computer and it will last a couple more months but in the end you will still have to pay either way.