Well, I'm stumped

[[LaW]Maverick]

OK, here is the short story:

 

1.) Went to upgrade my Mom's computer to Windows 7 a while back (before Christmas). She was running XP

-System: 3.6 ghz P4, 1 GB RAM, P5WD2 Premium ASUS mobo, GeForce 8600 video

-Went to install, got a Windows Genuine Advantage Error when 7 was loaded. Said that she may have been the victim of software counterfeiting and says it needs to validate Windows

-I say "poop" a lot, and try to resolve. Changed out the HDD twice, didn't fix the problem

-Ended up buying a new computer, used SAME copy of Windows 7, no problems at all--smooth as silk

 

2.) Aunt needed a computer, Mom donated some of her old parts--basically the same system as before, but with a replacement mobo. We thought there must have been something wrong with the mobo before that wasn't allowing Windows to check the hardware. Aunt Leida doesn't have much money, so I figured I'd Frankenstein her a computer using the old processor, memory, HDD, and optic drive.

-Installed Windows 7 (it's a family copy with 3 licenses currently running fine on 2 computers)

-Got the same stupid validation error!

-Tested the older HDD using Seagate tools, turns out to be bad. So I replaced the HDD with one I was using

-installed Windows 7, worked fine! I did it without the key, intending to write it in later. That should mean it would work fine for 30 days.

-Got a validation error today (after 3 days or so of normal operation)

 

OK, here's the skinny--the ONLY original part from the original validation error computer in there is the processor...well, that and the optic drive. It has new RAM, new MOBO, and a new HDD. Ah, almost forgot, I'm still using the 8600 video card, but I can't see that causing the problem.

 

My question is this: It's an old 3.6 ghz Pentium 4 that always ran REALLY hot...could a damaged processor possibly be incorrectly reporting back to windows its WGA information (serial number and what not)? Do you think that a damaged processor could cause this problem!? I mean, I honestly can't think of anything else that could be causing the issue . . .

 

any ideas? thoughts? Any help would be greatly appreciated. She needs this computer--she's going back to school using online classes, and without it, she's kinda screwed.

[Preacher]

I think the answer is more simple than that, I think it's simply a W7 bug. Try calling MS to validate by phone.

[[LaW]Maverick]

I forgot to add this Preach:

 

I spent a total of about 16 hours on the phone with MS and have tried 4 CD keys..it's not a bug. I've tried clean installs, and even forensically wiped the drive using DoD (Department of Defense) standards prior to install. I have tried different media, but I know this copy works on 2 other systems. One of which even has the same series mobo and processor (though the other processor is a 3.4 ghz or a 3.2 ghz--can't remember which).

 

MS had NO IDEA how to fix the problem, and I figured I'd post here to see what you guys thought of my processor hypothesis before I give up another 3 to 4 hours of my life talking to people in India that know less about Windows than I do.

[NorgmaN]

Couple of things I can think of that 'could' be the problem.

 

1- Doesn't meet Win7 Requirements? Req. Which isn't much.

 

2- OEM parts on different OS's have issues. (Any of the parts being from an original OEM computere aka Dell, HP, Sony etc.) I have the same problem with my PC at work. It originally ran Win 2k, and they put XP on it. Well, it's a Dell Computer, that meets all of the requirements of XP, but because it didn't come with it and Dell doesn't have the XP drivers on their site some things don't work properly. (But I don't have a problem with Window's)

 

I would say see if you can mix and match parts on your mom's computer that is working until you figure out which one it rejects.

[[LaW]Maverick]

it meets the requirements and none of the parts are OEM--all bought off NewEgg individually (the processor is from 2004 or so, however). 3.6 ghz Pentium 4...

 

Does anyone know if Windows 7 looks for the processor serial number or other identifying information for WGA Validation?

[NorgmaN]

Easy fix.. Put mom's Win XP on the computer that doesn't like 7...

[Preacher]

You said you had another system with same hardware. Install the windows 7 onto there using the hard drive from the other PC then pop it back in and see if it goes with it.

[boiler]

I've found the solution to your problem!!

 

It's a little tricky, but I think the picture says enough.

 

[ZeroDamage]

If all she does is surf the web and check email, put Ubuntu on her computer. No activation required. No every day modern viruses and fake anti-virus scams to be worried about.

[[LaW]Maverick]

Actually, I put Ubuntu on there before, but the software that installs for her to take her class doesn't like it. I will try a processor swap some time this weekend and let you guys know how it goes.

[[LaW]Maverick]

Quick Update: Swapped CPUs tonight--I will let you guys know what happens. I don't know i I'm the only one that finds this fascinating or not...but, if a bad CPU could be JUST bad enough to screw up validation...well, that'd be strange.

[Preacher]

I was thinking the same thing. It would actually make more sense if it was something on the mobo deflecting the scan for hardware.

[Primus]

Just to throw this out there, is it possible that it is an issue with to much hardware changes and the whole 3 pack windows that they no longer offer. I seriously don't see the CPU as being a problem. I had put W7 on a AMD 3800+ single core and it ran fine. However it did not have the visualization technology to run XP mode.

 

Try this just to see if it helps. http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=946

[[LaW]Maverick]

Actually, after switching out the processor (and two days thus far) the validation error has not re-appeared. I'm going to give it until the end of the week before I call it solved...

 

the MOBO is new, that was my first thought as well, that's why we replaced it. When I pulled the old Pentium 4 off the board, there was slight discoloration on some of the pins that could have been caused by heat damage--we shall see.

[Preacher]

Well that is an odd problem bro, surprised it came down to the CPU to be honest. I'm thinking of upgrading to a quad core CPU if you would be interested in my wolfdale E3300 duel core celly CPU. I bought it last month but crave more I'm afraid lol.

[Laz.e.rus]

upgrade = a new PC in MS eyes.

This includes CPUs

or HDD changes....no really google it or something

but really this sounds like a typical "Ignore till it goes away" windows thing.

Or burn it in a cool fire.... with hotdogs marshmallows and beer.

No really... they get blue at the right toss time ....

 

BTW Abby had it right...

Pistachios really are addicting.

Edited March 16, 2010 by Laz.e.rus

[[LaW]Maverick]

Laz...that was really confusing.

[Preacher]

Been drinking the paint thinner again me thinks

[Laz.e.rus]

Wait....

I was supposed to "DRINK" it?!?!?!

 

Well, that eschplains meh dream! (Escanaba fans only)

Edited April 1, 2010 by Laz.e.rus

[stutters]

i don't think escanaba has the interwebs, yet.

[[LaW]Maverick]

Yup, it's official, it was the CPU...that computer is still going strong.

[samurai nightling]

Every now and then laz just likes to show everyone that, indeed, he is insane.

[Laz.e.rus]

possibly.

You just never know....