Thread: Counterfeit Windows 7 fix.

This info is not really a tutorial, just some good information regarding the pop up in windows 7 that says you have a counterfeit operating system.
This may or may not apply to everybody but its what happened to me today. I kept getting a pop up on the desktop that said i am using a counterfeit windows. This is a windows update that finds pirate operating systems.
The update from Microsoft is - KB971033.



If you are getting the warning then you need to reinstall windows 7 but do not choose automatic updates when it asks,do not install any updates at all until you have completed your fresh install. After install go to updates and view them and just uncheck KB971033 then install all the other updates.
The KB971033 update is a license checker that finds pirated copies.
Some of you may know about this but i wanted to post this information for people that are getting the Microsoft warning,your desktop will also go completely black until you fix it. Uninstalling the update does not work,you have to do a clean system install,i don't think there is another fix right now but if you know of one then feel free to post it here.

T-P

If you don't want to "accidentally" install that version check, be sure to careful read the description of that update (it says something about Windows Activation Tool), right click on it and select "Hide this update." This ensures you won't accidentally download it if you have a non-legit version. Since it an important but "suggested" update, the checkbox is never marked so this method is an option.

That is correct harcubed,just check your windows update settings to make sure you are not automatically downloading updates,make sure you have the option to download the updates your self.

Ya i actually just had to fix two of my friends computers that got this, but i just downloaded the Windows 7 Activator RemoveWAT v2.1 by Hazar and that also works so you dont have to rollback or reinstall windows.

T-pirate, I'm assuming your a member of BCG... if you want an official copy of windows 7, check their forums they offer unique keys for around US$20-30, I payed US$20 for a win 7 ultimate key and it authenticated genuine, I also pmed other members who got a key and asked them for the last digits of their keys, all who replied were different so the keys are unique.

This fix may work for now, however, they will bundle this update with service pack 1 and you guys will be back to square one.

Do you have a source that mentions it will be included with SP1? Out of curiosity, I want to read about it.

Thanks Dan,this will do for me for now as a temporary fix. If they catch this fix i will go to BCG.