Windows 7 corrupted after a disk clone

Hello, I recently had to change my Parckard Bell Easynote's failing hard disk and as I am not a computer expert, I chose to clone it after I read this was the best and easiest option. Everything seemed fine after the clone except for Windows Update which reported errors. Now, I am getting warnings that my copy of Windows is not being recognised as authentic. I still have the original hard disk and some rescue disks, but I have a lot of personalised files, music and programs that I am really nervous of losing if I reinstall Windows.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

If Windows says it is not authentic, first check your time and date. Make sure it is correct, and try activating it again.

 

Hi Kosti. It worked fine for a few weeks without any Windows warning. The time and date are fine. I activated nothing. I simply bought a new hard drive, downloaded the software to clone it , did the clone, swapped the drives and it seemed to work fine. Until now...

 

Try opening up the system part of the control panel and click to change the product key. Reenter the product then chose to activate it again. I had a similar problem and this sorted it out fine. Worst case scenario you can phone up an automated number at Microsoft to sort it but it shouldn't be necessary.

 

Hi Bennni. Thanks for your response. Unfortunately, as is often the case, the laptop came with Windows 7 pre-installed, so I do not have a disk or product/validation key. I will play with the system settings of the control panel. Many thanks.

 

Back up the important personal data to an external drive, and then clean install with the rescue disks?

 

Hi Bennni & Alex.
I used Keyfinder to verify the product key installed and it differs from the windows product sticker. Anyway, I went change the product key and that option was blank, showing Windows was already activated. I found a way to do it and so I registered the number found by Keyfinder and it was accepted. I rebooted and tried Windows update and also Windows validation tool and they remains the same. So I then registered the other product key, and again no success. My Windows copy is seen as pirated. I can live with getting the warnings, but I do not want my computer to crash.

 

It's strange that you have a different key than the one printed on the COA sticker. Did you buy the system new?

I previously thought that Windows 7 could not be repaired and required a fresh install but I found a guide that suggests that it can be restored:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

Get an official Windows 7 ISO disk image here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

Write it with an application such as Rufus to a USB stick or burn it to a DVD. Follow the guide - it's quite well explained

*BUT SEE BELOW*

The only thing I'm unsure of is whether or not your personalized applications will be left intact - I would guess so but I'm hoping that someone else can confirm this to save you any headaches... TBH, you may just have to bite the bullet and do a fresh install after you have backed up all of your data - but perhaps a restore will be sufficient.

 

Hi Bennni.
Yes, I bought it new, 5 years ago from a major store. I downloaded "Keyfinder" to verify some things on the computer and I was amazed that the product key it found was different to the sticker outside.

Sincere thanks for your suggestions and time. I will try the links you gave me.

Hi Benni. Update. I went to the links you suggested and then to the Microsoft download site. As luck would have it, because my copy of windows was pre-installed, Microsoft will not accept my product key for any support downloads! I will keep trying and will use the rescue disks or even the old failing disk drive if necessary, but will risk a loss of some settings and files etc. Many thanks for your help.

 

So what's so hard about just using a good-old phone and giving Microsoft a call? They'll sort this out for you within less than five minutes, most likely. Why would you waste hours and hours when the solution is so simple?

 

Hi Pirx. Thanks for your so helpful and supportive message. I have tried Microsoft. As Windows 7 came pre-installed, without a disk, Microsoft will not help. They have referred me to the manufacturer, who in turn say I must use the recovery disks I made at the start, which naturally did not work also. I have now tried several things, some with some success, but I have not managed to achieve a full install as yet.