How to Fix 'This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine' Errors

Many other things beyonderror messagesmight happen if you don’t fix the “Windows is not genuine” problem.

Enter a Valid Product Key.

Changing the Windows XP product key is done through the registry.

Another way to enter a different product key in Windows is through the Run dialog box.

Reset the License Information.

This fix for Windows is not genuine errors resets the information used to activate Windows.

If the information is valid but somehow corrupted, this should remove the error.

kill the Plug and Play Policy.

This method only applies to some versions of Windows.

You might be able to fix the not genuine error by disabling the Plug and Play Group Policy object.

Apply the Proper Registry Permissions.

We recommendbacking up the registryat this point,beforemaking any changes.

you’re able to back up just theHKEY_USER hivesince thats the only area youll be working in.

Delete the KB971033 Update.

This method applies to Windows 7 only.

If you know that your product key is genuine, removing and reinstalling this update could solve this problem.

Check your system for Malware.

Another option is abootable antivirus tool.

These are useful if you cant evenbootinto Windows to run a scan because they work before Windows starts.

Youll need aflash driveor disc to use a bootable malware cleaner.

SeeHow to Properly Delete and Reinstall Windowsfor help.

Here are some examples:

The error is different depending on the Windows version.

Windows cant verify the authenticity of your copy of Windows.