So when I woke up this morning...

I got a message on my screen that says...

Windows 7
Build 7600
This copy of Windows is not genuine

I assume this happening because I used the copy of Windows 7 (which I bought legit) from my older laptop which no longer works. At first it told me that this copy is registered to another machine so I used a program to ignore that message and activate it. Why it is a problem is I use the Windows which I paid for on another machine? I'm not going to pay for another copy when I already purchased one. To me that makes no sense. Any ideas on how to fix this message?

By the way, I didn't do any updates if you guys are wondering.

 

Only retail and upgrade boxes/licenses are transferrable to the new computer.

OEM copies are significantly cheaper to buy and the ONLY major difference is they are meant for one computer only.

 

What do you mean by OEM?

 

OEM means original equipment manufacturer. Basically, Microsoft sells windows licenses dirt cheap to manufacturers to install on their notebooks, but that license is only usable on the computer where it was first installed. When you buy a laptop it almost always comes with an OEM windows version.

Here's a good example of the price difference
OEM copy: Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems
retail copy: Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

 

Do you know any sites where I would be able to get a copy of Windows 7 that I could use on as many machines as I want? For example, If I decide to upgrade my laptop and buy the new one without an OS.

Or do you know any way that I can just fix my current OS?

 

You can't fix your current OS as that would be a breach of the windows 7 EULA.

You're in Costa Rica so you'll have to look for a computer store in CR that carries copies if windows 7 or an online store for your country. Any boxed version of windows 7 you see in a store will be a retail version which you will be able to transfer form computer to computer as long as you deactivate it on the previous computer. An OEM version usually comes in a DVD case without a box or instructions manual and i think it clearly states it is an OEM version. I have an OEM copy at home, but i can't check since i'm at work.

 

What this be a good option?

Amazon.com: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium: Software

For example, If I sent it to my parents house in the US and my Dad opened it up and gave me the liscense key?

 

Yep, that would be a retail copy. However, depending on when you plan to change your computer, you could get an OEM copy if you plan on doing the switch to windows 8. In the mean time, as a temporary solution, maybe you could use the windows 8 consumer preview.

 

And what will happen to my computer if I do nothing about this. Will it slow down or anything like that?

 

It will explode!

 

Have you looked at a Technet subscription? For basically the cost of a full Windows license, you get licensed versions of a number of Microsoft products, and you can install them onto different machines legally.

TechNet Subscriptions: TechNet subscribers get TechNet downloads and product keys, support, and more | Subscribe to TechNet Subscriptions

 

At least here using technet stuff in production is only breach of license agreement, it has nothing to do with law... There is no set amount of prison sentence or monetary fine if you do it Of course that depends where you live.

Anyways, selectively copied from the FAQ:
" The software provided in TechNet Subscriptions can be used for evaluation purposes only. The software provided with MSDN Subscription is for design, development, testing, and demonstration of your programs. "

 

How about another OEM copy? 80 USD.

Your copy will only work with your laptop (AGAIN), but it's a lot cheaper.

7 Home Premium Oem Windows Operating System Software - Compare Prices on Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium & Other Windows (Family) - PriceGrabber

 

call Microsoft Support up - explain that the previous system blew up and needed replacing. They might walk you through a new set of activation code and registration. It's worth a (official) try.

Ever considering a family pack licence?

cheers ...

 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, but I just sucked it up and went for a new OEM version :/ But, problem solved!