Article ID: 937474 - Last Review: January 7, 2008 - Revision: 2.1

Error message when you try to validate a copy of Windows Vista: "The Validation service is unable to determine whether this copy of Windows Vista is genuine"

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SYMPTOMS

When you try to validate a copy of Windows Vista, you may receive an error message that resembles the following:
The Validation service is unable to determine whether this copy of Windows Vista is genuine.
You may receive this error message even though you were able to activate Windows Vista as expected.

Note Typically, this issue occurs when Windows Vista was preinstalled on a computer by an OEM.
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CAUSE

This issue may occur if the licensing data in the BIOS is incorrect.
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RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, visit the following Microsoft Web site, and then click Validate Windows:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine (http://www.microsoft.com/genuine)
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APPLIES TO
  • Windows Vista Ultimate
  • Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Enterprise
  • Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Business
  • Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Home Premium
  • Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Home Basic
  • Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Starter
  • Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage
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Keywords: 
kbvalidation kbactivation kbtshoot kberrmsg kbprb KB937474
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