Windows Not genuine

[AugRounds]

Hello,

 I purchased this laptop years ago and had issues that required someone to fix it. When I got it back I believe they installed windows 7 professional and the product key on my pc says windows 7 home. Right now  I have black screen that says "Windows 7 Build 7601 This copy of windows is not genuine." I've tried going to microsoft and entering my product key and was advised on their site to contact my manufacturer. Could someone please help me to resolve?  Thank you! 

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @AugRounds 

Thank you for posting in the HP Support Community.

• Based on your description, the Windows they have installed may have been pirated/not genuine or not properly licensed. If your Windows COA sticker says Windows 7 Home, you need this version to be able to activate it successfully.
• Additionally, Windows versions are coming in many different variants based on type of licensing. Windows which comes preinstalled by OEM vendors like HP need OEM version of Windows. The one you tried to download from Microsoft's website is not OEM version, it is FPP version.

Below I will post instructions on how to reinstall your Windows 7 with the proper version and then activate it. The procedure is free of charge but may take a couple of hours. If you do not wish to reinstall Windows, you need to buy a Get Genuine Kit (GGK) from some Microsoft partner or online retailer, and use it to activate your existing copy of Windows (costs a lot).

* Note - make sure you copy all of your files and back them up on external device (like external USB device)  before you start the procedure *

You can use this free utility

>> https://www.heidoc.net/php/Windows%20ISO%20Downloader.exe

>> https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-downl...

• The tool will download ISO images from Microsoft and has lots of options for many Windows versions including OEM. If you use it, be careful to select the correct Windows ISO for the OEM, x86 or x64 edition, Home/Pro/Ultimate, etc...

• When download completes, you will need to write the ISO image and boot from a bootable media. You need to use either 1 empty/blank USB pendrive (4 GB capacity or more). Use Rufus and choose BIOS Target System / MBR partition scheme

** Detailed instructions how to use Heidoc and Rufus are attached below as a PDF file **

When ready with the USB drive:

Please, shutdown the computer using the power button.

Insert the Windows USB thumdrive prepared previously

Power on the PC.

As soon as you press the power-on button, start hitting the Esc button repeatedly (like tap-tap-tap).

This should open a HP Startup Menu >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSN0qzXayUY

Choose F9 to open Boot options. Select the USB thumb drive  as a boot option.

- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 7. Perform clean installation/custom installation (not repair).

Delete all existing partitions and install Windows on Disc 0 Unallocated space

- After successful Windows installation, install drivers taken from HP web site

- Make sure Windows is Activated by going to Start > Control Panel > System

- You may restore your files and reinstall apps

Let me know if this helps. Provide your feedback/update and let me know if you face difficulties