Error message when you start a Windows Vista-based computer for the first time after Windows Vista was installed by a computer manufacturer or is recovered: "This copy of Windows is not genuine"

This step-by-step article is prepared for beginner-to-intermediate users.

You may want to print this article first because you will be requested to restart your computer to resolve this problem.

When you start the computer, you may receive the following error message: This problem may occur when you start the computer for the first time after one of the following events:

• Windows Vista is first installed by a computer manufacturer.
• You recover Windows Vista.

Note This problem may occur only when you start the computer for the first time. If you do not receive the error message after you restart your computer, your computer has recognized Windows Vista as a genuine version.

To work around this problem, restart your computer and determine whether the problem still exists. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start.
2. Point to the arrow next to the Lock button.
3. Click Restart.
4. After you return to the Windows Vista desktop, examine the lower-right corner of the screen where you found the error message.
5. If you do not receive the following error message, the computer has recognized Windows Vista as the genuine version:
   This copy of Windows is not genuine.

If you still receive the same error message after you restart the computer, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support for help. To do this, visit the following Web site: