Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

My windows vista is not genuine

by entela.leka Jul 3, 2008 9:48PM PDT

I have installed on my PC windows vista ultimate. and this copy of windows is not genuine. How can i make it genuine?

Discussion is locked

8 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
You will need to call microsoft to purchase a licence for it
by Basket628 Jul 3, 2008 10:53PM PDT

or go out purchase a license one.

- Collapse -
you will need to purchase a valid copy
by Basket628 Jul 3, 2008 10:55PM PDT

you will need to purchase a valid copy

- Collapse -
try
by Dango517 Jul 4, 2008 1:10AM PDT

1) Active, path is ... Start>control panel>system> at the bottom is a button. (Do this step after validation, 2)>>>&gtWink If no button is present you might also attempt to change the key.

2) Validate on this site:

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/VistaDisclosure.aspx?displaylang=en&sGuid=04400ff5-1c50-455a-a4f2-c428555ca9d8&Page=%2fgenuine%2fdownloads%2fValidate.aspx

3) If these fails you will need to buy a copy as suggested in this thread.

This thread is untracked. Sorry, that's all the suggestions I have for you.

- Collapse -
I have the watermark, but my copy IS genuine!
by soportesv Nov 30, 2009 10:51PM PST

I did the validation test, it was successful, but I still have the watermark declaring the copy as not genuine!

Now, I installed this Vista Ultimate version myself from media that come with my Dell XPS M1710 Laptop -- it is definitely genuine, what gives?

- Collapse -
There is some malware out there.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Nov 30, 2009 11:07PM PST

That does that. So if you pass the test take a screen shot and pester the company that sold you this OS for a fix. Some call MSFT when they didn't get the OS from them. Make the call to the right company.

- Collapse -
All good now, water mark gone.
by soportesv Nov 30, 2009 11:31PM PST

I validated without a problem, but I had to reboot to get rid of the water mark, let's hope it doesn't return.

- Collapse -
If you see it again, an idea.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Nov 30, 2009 11:44PM PST

Even the desktop picture could be refreshed by a boot or maybe the old F5 key. How to? Left Click on an empty desktop spot then tap F5.

Rebooting works but even in 7 I reboot every few days.
Bob

- Collapse -
I tried F5
by soportesv Dec 1, 2009 9:18AM PST

I didn't try killing the explorer process though. I also tried simply locking the session and unlocking it, then I thought I may as well try a reboot.

Back to Windows Vista forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info