Laptop problems: help

Beanzy · 04-30-2009, 08:24 AM

They threw away some laptops at my job today and I was able to keep one.

Anyways, when I turn it on I end up with this message: The windows product key installed on this computer was not assigned by Microsoft. You may be a victim of counterfeit software.

How do I fix this issue or just make it go away.

Also, I added wireless internet to my laptop. I only have one router though and normally my mother uses this router for her cpu. Someone said that laptops came with a router already inside of them. I don't know much about laptops so I wouldn't know. When I typed in my wireless key in the box (before the router was installed) the internet did not work. Why? How would I fix that?

daisymtc · 04-30-2009, 02:12 PM

If the PC with legal copy of windows, you should find a sticker somewhere at the laptop ot for the key.
If it is not a legal copy, buy a new copy of windows. Or run Linux.

**bomberboysk** · 04-30-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daisymtc

If the PC with legal copy of windows, you should find a sticker somewhere at the laptop ot for the key.
If it is not a legal copy, buy a new copy of windows. Or run Linux.

Yup, if its saying it wasnt a legal copy then thats what youll need to do, if there is a sticker it is usually located on the bottom of the laptop. For new users to linux i would recommend ubuntu.

gamblingman · 05-01-2009, 01:45 AM

I would go with Ubuntu if I had a bad copy of windows.I have been dying to try Ubuntu after seeing my friends use it and Linux. Though Ubuntu can be a bit of a bear to install. Since its a (rescued) junk PC, why not wipe the HDD and go with something different like Linux or Ubuntu?

But if you arent great with computers I would just wait on win 7. Can you wait a few months? Or just stick XP or Vista OS on there. Couldn't hurt to put windows, especially if you play to sell that computer to a noob.

What are you planning on doing with it in the long run?

jamescordrey · 05-01-2009, 04:41 PM

you could also try a distro of linux called pclinux...its geared to have the interface of a pc (for people who aren't familiar with linux) with the shell of a linux os...

Beanzy · 05-02-2009, 05:49 AM

could I put that on a flash drive and install it?
I'm confused by what it is though

fender71 · 05-02-2009, 08:33 AM

hi there, i hope this helps. format the hard drive, re-install whatever windows version it says on the sticker underneath your computer laptop and put that serial number, it should fix that "victim of counterfeit software" message. you can also drop by your local computer repairs and have them checkout for you... cheers.

04-30-2009, 08:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
Beanzy Bronze Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 29	Laptop problems: help They threw away some laptops at my job today and I was able to keep one. Anyways, when I turn it on I end up with this message: The windows product key installed on this computer was not assigned by Microsoft. You may be a victim of counterfeit software. How do I fix this issue or just make it go away. Also, I added wireless internet to my laptop. I only have one router though and normally my mother uses this router for her cpu. Someone said that laptops came with a router already inside of them. I don't know much about laptops so I wouldn't know. When I typed in my wireless key in the box (before the router was installed) the internet did not work. Why? How would I fix that? Last edited by Beanzy; 04-30-2009 at 08:27 AM.

05-01-2009, 01:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
gamblingman Silver Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Huntsville, Texas Age: 31 Posts: 199	Switch! I would go with Ubuntu if I had a bad copy of windows.I have been dying to try Ubuntu after seeing my friends use it and Linux. Though Ubuntu can be a bit of a bear to install. Since its a (rescued) junk PC, why not wipe the HDD and go with something different like Linux or Ubuntu? But if you arent great with computers I would just wait on win 7. Can you wait a few months? Or just stick XP or Vista OS on there. Couldn't hurt to put windows, especially if you play to sell that computer to a noob. What are you planning on doing with it in the long run?

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04-30-2009, 02:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
daisymtc Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: UK Posts: 3,924	If the PC with legal copy of windows, you should find a sticker somewhere at the laptop ot for the key. If it is not a legal copy, buy a new copy of windows. Or run Linux.

05-01-2009, 04:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
jamescordrey New Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 11	you could also try a distro of linux called pclinux...its geared to have the interface of a pc (for people who aren't familiar with linux) with the shell of a linux os...

05-02-2009, 05:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
Beanzy Bronze Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 29	could I put that on a flash drive and install it? I'm confused by what it is though

05-02-2009, 08:33 AM	#7 (permalink)
fender71 New Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 1	hi there, i hope this helps. format the hard drive, re-install whatever windows version it says on the sticker underneath your computer laptop and put that serial number, it should fix that "victim of counterfeit software" message. you can also drop by your local computer repairs and have them checkout for you... cheers.