Possible Windows Activation Scam

[Thaddeus89]

http://imgur.com/aLGwjrQ (screenshot of message)

I have recently started getting this message every hour or so but I think it may be a scam. I have a legitimate OEM copy of WIN7 Pro 64bit which I purchased 4 years ago and I still have the disc and the product key (it is not installed on any other computer and never has been) I have ran a virus/spyware scan but it has not reported anything. Wondering how I should proceed?

Thanks in advance

 

[Darkbreeze]

Have you recently changed any hardware, like the motherboard or CPU?

What virus and malware scanners are you using?

Are there numbers on the desktop background in the lower right hand corner indicating a windows version?

Go to control panel, system and on the main window does it show as activated?

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

Have you checked under Control Panel, System and Security, System. (you can also right click "this PC" in file explorer and select properties)? What does it say there? If it says you windows is not activated or shows any other problem then it's likely not a scam.

 

[Thaddeus89]

It is activated, I reformatted about 6 months ago and the activation was done that day successfully (no hardware changes before or after reinstall)

I run SpyBot Professional (Paid Version/not pirated)

There has been no hardware changes on any level for over 18 months (proper format and reinstall was done as I am aware of the hardware ID's that attached to the product key.

There are no numbers at the bottom of the screen either.

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

If it says it's activated under computer properties. Then your PC is activated and you have some kinda new spyware/Trojan. Usually a unactivated computer will be locked out in 30 days. if that happens then you'll have to call Microsoft. They'll have you verify your key and reactivate you.

 

[Thaddeus89]

If it says it's activated under computer properties. Then your PC is activated and you have some kinda new spyware/Trojan. Usually a unactivated computer will be locked out in 30 days. if that happens then you'll have to call Microsoft. They'll have you verify your key and reactivate you.

Thanks, have you or anyone every seen this sort of virus/scam before???

 

[yanta]

Never seen a virus or scam like this.

But in my travels with friends, family and customers I have seen windows fail activation out of the blue more than a few dozen times since Windows 7 was released. In most cases a reboot fixed it. But in some cases the only way it could be fixed was a re-install of Windows (Not that I'm suggesting you do that).

I have spoken with Microsoft on occasion when this has happened and they told me there is no problem. Never did track down a cause. All I'm saying is it happens. But your problem seems to be way over the top.

I know my reply is of little to no value, was just sharing some experiences. Hopefully you will get it sorted.

 

[Thaddeus89]

Never seen a virus or scam like this.

But in my travels with friends, family and customers I have seen windows fail activation out of the blue more than a few dozen times since Windows 7 was released. In most cases a reboot fixed it. But in some cases the only way it could be fixed was a re-install of Windows (Not that I'm suggesting you do that).

I have spoken with Microsoft on occasion when this has happened and they told me there is no problem. Never did track down a cause. All I'm saying is it happens. But your problem seems to be way over the top.

I know my reply is of little to no value, was just sharing some experiences. Hopefully you will get it sorted.

It is of great value, I am more concerned that it is a virus and that releaves some of my concern knowing that its possible to just be a fault with Windows and not a vulnerability with my computer haha I just started using a new torrent (RIP piratebay haha) so thought it may have come through from there.

Thanks again

 

[Wile E Coyote]

If you think there is a virus or malware on your system.I would do my list be low.It may take a long time but effective.

Ok first thing here is to empty out your Temp folder.This folder tends to hold nasty's stuff when you download some thing.To open go to start menu search for this --> %temp% open this folder in the list.Then in this folder highlight every thing and remove every thing that can be removed there might be one or two items that will not delete.

Now for the list.
cwshredder
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/cwshredder_%28l...
esetsmartinstaller_enu
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=149856&hi...
Hitman Pro
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/hitman_pro.html
Junkware Removal Tool
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/junkware_remova...
RogueKillerX64
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/roguekiller.htm...
Sophos Virus Removal Tool
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/sophos_virus_re...
McAfee Stinger & Raptor
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/mcafee_stinger.
tdsskiller
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/kaspersky_tdssk...

These are the tools i use to fully clean my system.Some run slower then others some all might have a custom option make sure to check that to make sure that there are no ad's being installed.

There have been viruses know-en to effect the windows activation have not seen one in a long time.

 

[Thaddeus89]

Thanks bud, I will run through them this weekend and let you know how it went