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Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854654
12/08/12 10:47 AM
12/08/12 10:47 AM
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It means you've got 32bit Windows installed but your CPU is 64bit and can run either 32bit or 64bit Windows.

Notice where it says instruction set
http://ark.intel.com/products/37147/Intel-Core-i7-920-Processor-8M-Cache-2_66-GHz-4_80-GTs-Intel-QPI

Last edited by mj2c; 12/08/12 10:59 AM.
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854662
12/08/12 11:34 AM
12/08/12 11:34 AM
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mj2c is correct - what you're looking at is what the guy installed as an operating system. What you need to be looking at is your processor - that Intel Core i7 920. Your processor can run either 32-bit or 64-bit. The advantage of 64-bit is that you can always upgrade your RAM to 8 GB and the operating system will recognize and use it. If you put in a 32-bit operating system, you can put all the RAM in the world in your computer and the operating system will not be able to see it or use it.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854689
12/08/12 01:31 PM
12/08/12 01:31 PM
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Lexxy,
You should try to find out what type of motherboard you have before buying more memory.
It's possible that a utility like CPU-Z can identify your motherboard for you.
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

In case you're confused, mainboard and motherboard are the same thing.

You can download CPU-Z directly from here
http://www.cpuid.com/downloads/cpu-z/1.62-setup-en.exe

One thing you should consider is how much longer you're going to keep this computer. If you're going to buy another one in a couple of years, you may not need to upgrade it (beyond getting a valid copy of Windows). It's unlikely that any adventure games will require more than 4GB of system memory in the next two years -- or that they'd need more than a Radeon HD 4800. I'm not so sure about Darkside games though.

Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854690
12/08/12 01:42 PM
12/08/12 01:42 PM
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Good advice - knowing what motherboard this guy used will help a lot.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854744
12/08/12 05:41 PM
12/08/12 05:41 PM
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Jenny100 ,
That link was very helpful as it showed me what motherbaord this system has. The read out said Manufacturer is ASUSTek,Computer Inc,Model P6t. It had all sorts of info concerning the memory, Bios etc but thank God for all who have helped me make a informed decision and a 64bit is what I will go for now. I don't plan on buying another computer within the next couple of years so this will probably be my swan song. One last silly question to anyone who is still listening to my woes, do I buy a full Windows7 Home Premium as oposed to an up grade. I ask this question because the tech told me he will have to completely reformat my hard drive and do a complete new install as though the fake one never existed. I hope what I said makes sense, After I buy the software I put it in his hands and hope for the best. You people are the best and I thank each and everyone who has come to my aid.


carol
It doesn't cost a dime to be kind
----------------------------
Currently playing The Moment Of Silence
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854755
12/08/12 06:45 PM
12/08/12 06:45 PM
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Quote:
I ask this question because the tech told me he will have to completely reformat my hard drive and do a complete new install as though the fake one never existed.


That's not exactly true - If you purchase a copy of Windows (the same version you currently have) all you have to do is change and activate the new Product Code.

Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854758
12/08/12 07:15 PM
12/08/12 07:15 PM
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I'm not sure what tech told you this, but that's not true whether you actually install the new OS or do as Inland says.

I think you should be able to get the OEM version of Windows 7. It runs about $90 - $100 and is a full version which is what you should have gotten in the first place. Technically, the license says the installer will sell the system. But that's what this idiot who built your system should have installed to begin with. So I think you are safely within the license requirements.

That actually wasn't a bad motherboard - 4 years ago. It doesn't have any of the newer technology on it such as USB 3.0 and is an older RAM standard. But then it appears all the components he put in your computer are at least from 2007 - 2008. I just hope they're new and not used.

You said you got some "boxes." I don't know if that means you got some disks? Could you take a look at them and see if there is a Windows 7 disk before you go out and spend more money?


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854792
12/08/12 10:53 PM
12/08/12 10:53 PM
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Originally Posted By: lexxy
do I buy a full Windows7 Home Premium as opposed to an up grade. I ask this question because the tech told me he will have to completely reformat my hard drive and do a complete new install as though the fake one never existed.

You'll need the full version -- either an OEM (System Builder) version or a retail version because you don't have a valid, licensed copy of Windows on the computer to upgrade.

But according to ***this article at ZDNET***, the OEM version
Quote:
is extremely attractive, because it's significantly less expensive than a full retail license. The installation media works almost exactly like a full retail copy of Windows, except that it can't be used to perform upgrades, only a custom (clean) install. After installation, an OEM copy is essentially indistinguishable from a retail copy.

That may be what your tech is thinking of.

Also, if you have a 32-bit Windows 7 and want 64-bit Windows 7, I think there's a little more to it than just putting in the new product code. If you got a new 32-bit Windows 7, you could probably just put in the product code like Inland says.

Originally Posted By: Draclvr

You said you got some "boxes." I don't know if that means you got some disks? Could you take a look at them and see if there is a Windows 7 disk before you go out and spend more money?

Yes, what are the "boxes" you mentioned?

Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854794
12/08/12 11:00 PM
12/08/12 11:00 PM
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Good you caught that, Jenny. You're right about the 32-bit vs. the 64-bit. But with the OEM version, it would be simply a matter of inserting the disk and letting it do its thing. I would definitely select Custom installation - this will format and reinstall Windows 7 with a fresh new version. And I believe she will still be within the license requirements for the OEM version as this is exactly what the guy should have done to begin with.

I'd still like to know what's in those "boxes" before lexxy goes out and spends more money.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854826
12/09/12 01:55 AM
12/09/12 01:55 AM
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Questions for the gurus:

Since the guy installed older hardware on the system, before lexxy buys a 64-bit version of Windows 7, shouldn't she first determine if there are 64-bit drivers for that hardware?

In this article Woody Leonhard addresses that question. Scroll down to "Make the move from 32-bit Vista to 64-bit Win7".

However, since the guy apparently did not install a valid copy of Windows 7, can lexxy still use the Windows 7 Update Advisor?

Also, in another article Leonhard says the upgrade version of Windows 7 can be used for a clean install and gives instructions for doing so. If the upgrade version is substantially less than the OEM and retail full versions, it might be worth looking into.

wave12


Wouldn't that jar your mustard!
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854828
12/09/12 02:19 AM
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Good points all, Jema. The hardware all appears to be roughly from 2008. One of the things 64-bit Windows 7 was really good at was driver support especially compared to previous versions of Windows. All the hardware should be fine with 64-bit Windows 7, but that's also one of the reasons I'm asking her to check to see exactly what is in these "boxes" she mentions.

I'm running 64-bit Windows 7 and 64-bit Windows 8 on the computer I built four years ago and there have been no issues at all with my hardware. But it's still good to consider potential issues.

Unfortunately, the upgrade version of Windows 7 is no cheaper that the OEM version which is still her best bet and within the license requirements.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854880
12/09/12 09:56 AM
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She could also use Windows 7 rearm facility which will turn her windows into a valid version for another 30 days while she sorts herself out. I think you get 3 rearms and it's all perfectly legal.

Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854912
12/09/12 11:36 AM
12/09/12 11:36 AM
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I have put off answering the question concerning the boxes due to the fact that I feel like a fool and I don't want you all to laugh at me but the truth of the matter is that due to the fact that I have a small den in which I keep my games ect I had no room for the boxes so ...wait for it... I threw them out w/o looking into them. OK go ahead and say it, she is too dumb to even have a computer. Alright it's out there and I will go into a corner and put on my dunce hat.


carol
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Currently playing The Moment Of Silence
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854917
12/09/12 11:49 AM
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mj2c, I didn't know about the rearm option. That's good to know.

Lexxy, if they were indeed just boxes, I can understand that perfectly!! Actually, if they were boxes that the components came in that's a good sign that at least they weren't used components. I had asked if he gave you any disks. Hopefully, they weren't inside any of the boxes!

You can always download drivers for your motherboard, the video card etc. No biggie. What you are missing is a Windows 7 disk. But we don't even know if there ever was one to begin with.

So, let's see what the others think because I'm far from an expert. But I would suggest getting an OEM version of 64-bit Windows 7. At least you have the option of adding more RAM in the future - with 32-bit you won't even have the option. All you do is pop the disk in and follow the prompts to do a custom installation of Windows 7. Activate it with the new code and you're good to go. Newegg has it for $100 right now. The retail version (not an OEM system builder) runs about $170. If you go that route, NEVER, EVER throw away that disk or anything that comes with it! Without that activation code, it is only useful as a drink coaster!

OEM Windows 7 at Newegg

Amazon has it for $92.

OEM Windows 7 at Amazon

I also would NOT give up on contacting the initial friend who gave you this guy's name to see if you can't get him to contact you about this issue. If nothing else, the first friend needs to know this guy commited fraud against you.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: Draclvr] #854949
12/09/12 12:58 PM
12/09/12 12:58 PM
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Originally Posted By: Draclvr
I also would NOT give up on contacting the initial friend who gave you this guy's name to see if you can't get him to contact you about this issue. If nothing else, the first friend needs to know this guy commited fraud against you.


Exactly what I was going to suggest. Others need to know what this guy does in order to keep him from doing it again.

Oh, and if someone asks you if you know someone who can build them a computer, make sure you tell them who not to go to.


If something gets your goat, it just proves you have a goat to get.
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #854992
12/09/12 02:34 PM
12/09/12 02:34 PM
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Entering
slmgr -rearm
at the command line (in a command window with Administrative privileges) will not turn your Windows into a registered copy -- it will just give you more time before Windows turns your screen black again with the "Windows not genuine" message. You still have to activate eventually, and an unactivated version of Windows is not considered to be a valid copy of Windows that can be used with Windows upgrade. Although it may be possible to use a Windows upgrade disc to install Windows over an unactivated or counterfeit version of Windows, it's not something you want to ask a tech to do for you because it isn't following Microsoft's rules. It's better just to get the OEM (System builder) version.

Originally Posted By: Draclvr
So, let's see what the others think because I'm far from an expert.

Draclvr,
If you're not an expert, you're pretty close, and you know more about game-specific problems than many techs who don't play adventure games. Getting the OEM (System builder) version of Windows 7 is probably the best solution since Lexxy doesn't want to get a new computer any time soon.

Lexxy,
At least you have a computer that will be able to play all or most of your recent games (once you get a valid OS on it). That's better than what some people have done -- spent money on a computer with no video card and limited upgrade potential because a salesman assured them it would play their games.

Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #855031
12/09/12 04:05 PM
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I just want to chime in here and say:

Lexxy, please quit beating yourself up and take your dunce hat off. Nobody is laughing at you and nobody thinks you're dumb!

Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #855048
12/09/12 05:25 PM
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Thanks all for you input. I like the idea of ream but I don't know how to set up an administrative account as I never had to do that with my WXP.


carol
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Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #855060
12/09/12 06:27 PM
12/09/12 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted By: lexxy
Thanks all for you input. I like the idea of ream but I don't know how to set up an administrative account as I never had to do that with my WXP.


Just open an elevated command prompt -

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories and then right click the Command Prompt. Select Run as Administrator from the menu.

From that point enter the command posted above.

Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #855088
12/09/12 09:21 PM
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And remember this is just a temporary fix until you get a valid copy of Windows 7 installed. Unless you want to pursue getting this guy to give you the operating system you have already paid for, I would just purchase an OEM version of Windows 7 and install it and be done with it.

And Jenny is correct - you have way more computer than many people who come here having purchased a computer some salesman who knows nothing about games has assured them will work. It may all be 4 year old hardware, but then it will be 4 years since I built my computer too.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #855166
12/10/12 06:33 AM
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Also couldnt she just phone Microsoft and get an activation code from them? I thought I read you could do that in the US (maybe other places as well). Not sure how much it costs though.

And also are you sure the activation code isnt on a sticker somewhere on the machine (like laptops have).

Last edited by mj2c; 12/10/12 06:46 AM.
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #855170
12/10/12 07:47 AM
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http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-64...=I2W7YWLNEH630X

This is the one I have finally decided to buy.

Last edited by lexxy; 12/10/12 07:48 AM.

carol
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Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #855206
12/10/12 10:29 AM
12/10/12 10:29 AM
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Looks fine, Lexxy.

Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #855210
12/10/12 10:35 AM
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By the time you try to call Microsoft and go through that rigamarole, you might as well just buy a copy. Since someone built this computer for lexxy, there won't be a sticker on the case unless she put it there. I never put my stickers on my cases either - although I probably should. And since this guy put on a pirated version, there probably isn't a valid number anyway.

That will be fine, lexxy. mj2c has a good suggestion - put the validation code sticker on the case so you will never lose it.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Fake Windows7 software [Re: lexxy] #855225
12/10/12 10:59 AM
12/10/12 10:59 AM
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I tried to find a Microsoft site where they're selling product keys, but all I could find was one for Windows 8. The "Shop" link on this site
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Get-a-new-Windows-7-product-key
simply takes you here
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/buy

No mention of Windows 7 that I see.
You'd have to phone them up, like Draclvr says.

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