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This Windows 7 copy isn't genuine - Then PC won't restart

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  • 03-09-2017 10:28pm
    #1
    Irish Stones
    Registered Users Posts: 2,307 ✭✭✭


    Today my PC showed a message that read "Build 7601 This copy of Windows is not genuine".
    The desktop was originally blue but it was black when I switched the PC on today. I restarted the PC, but after the BIOS boot the monitor stayed completely black with only the white cursor flashing top left.
    The copy of Win7 that I have was purchased some 5 years ago, was licensed and got all the updates until a few weeks ago, so I don't understand what's happened.
    Any idea on what caused this issue? A virus? And how to restore the PC that now isn't starting anymore? Is there anything I can do? Do I have to change or replace anything?
    Thanks a million!


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    #2
    degsie
    Registered Users Posts: 8,747 ✭✭✭degsie


    Do you still have the licence key?


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    #3
    dreamers75
    Registered Users Posts: 20,558 ✭✭✭✭dreamers75


    Call them and they will give you a 20 digit code and instructions on where to enter it.

    Its oddly efficient.


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    #4
    Irish Stones
    Registered Users Posts: 2,307 ✭✭✭Irish Stones


    degsie wrote: »
    Do you still have the licence key?
    Yes, I do have the licence key and the original DVD. But how can I enter that key if the PC won't start anymore?


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    #5
    Irish Stones
    Registered Users Posts: 2,307 ✭✭✭Irish Stones


    dreamers75 wrote: »
    Call them and they will give you a 20 digit code and instructions on where to enter it.

    Its oddly efficient.
    Would it work even if the PC won't start and I have a blank screen? How could I enter any code when the system isn't responding?


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    #6
    degsie
    Registered Users Posts: 8,747 ✭✭✭degsie


    Try starting in safe mode


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    #7
    Irish Stones
    Registered Users Posts: 2,307 ✭✭✭Irish Stones


    degsie wrote: »
    Try starting in safe mode
    Thanks degsie, I'll try this later today and let you know.
    Is there anything else I must do afterwards? Once the PC starts in safe mode what other steps do I have to do?


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    #8
    degsie
    Registered Users Posts: 8,747 ✭✭✭degsie


    Irish Stones wrote: »
    Thanks degsie, I'll try this later today and let you know.
    Is there anything else I must do afterwards? Once the PC starts in safe mode what other steps do I have to do?

    Run virus scanner and 'sfc /scannow'.


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