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How do I fix Windows 7 Pro validation error after I have deleted fntcache.dat file to fix crashed laptop after bad recent MS Windows update

My laptop was one of the systems adversely affected by Microsoft's bad, mid-August update. As I read on several forums, I was only able to get Windows to even load after I had manually deleted the file "fntcache.dat" through a system prompt command.

Unfortunately, when Windows finally reloaded, it is not telling me that my copy of Windows is not genuine. This seems absurd to me as I have been running this version of Windows for about two years without any problems. When I try to follow the prompts in the various Windows pop-ups that arise to alert me to the issue, I am unable to actually reach anyone at Microsoft support to submit the diagnostic file that it prompts me to create

To the extent that it impacts the analysis, I truly do believe that the copy of Windows 7 Pro I am using is legitimate. I believe the laptop came preloaded with Windows 7 Home that I upgraded through the control panel and web to Windows 7 Pro.

What is the most efficient way to go about getting the validation error cleared?

Thanks.

strivoli

Can't you re-validate once again just using the wizard provided in Computer Properties?

Todd Werts

ASKER

I tried that. Unfortunately, I get the same pop-up that, "This copy of Windows is not genuine."

Semper Phi

there are articles that KB971033 can cause this on the net. try uninstalling that patch.

go to windows update
click installed updates
view update history
click installed updates
find KB971033
uninstall it
reboot
revalidate
reboot

Todd Werts

ASKER

Semperphi,

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, I do not seem to have KB971033 in the update log.

☠ MASQ ☠

Have you tried pushing it through the online validation check?
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=203870

If that doesn't kick it back into action can you post the WGADiag log you get from running the tool after you've been through that check (as a textfile attachment). I'm assuming you have the WGADiag tool already from your question.

Todd Werts

ASKER

Masq,

Thanks for your suggestion, Sorry for the slow response -- I missed your note when you posted it.

Here is the textfile.

Please let me know if this makes any sense to you.
Diag.txt

☠ MASQ ☠

Your Licensing Store data is damaged. Otherwise this looks like a valid OEM installation. The BIOS string for the manufacturer matches the OEM version of Windows.

There are usually two ways of fixing this.

A) enter the CoA key in the Change Product Key part of System Information

Or

B) delete and rebuild the Licence store

1) Open an Internet Browser IE) window.
2) Type: %windir%\system32 into the browser address bar.
3) Find the file CMD.exe
4) Right-Click on CMD.exe and select 'Run as Administrator'
5) Type: net stop slsvc (it may ask you if you are sure, select yes)
6) Type: cd %windir%\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SoftwareLicensing
7) Type: rename tokens.dat tokens.bar
8) Type: cd %windir%\system32
9) Type: net start slsvc
10) Type: cscript slmgr.vbs -rilc (It may take a long time for this to complete, please be patient)
11) Restart your computer twice.

Open in new window

In both cases you'll probably have to go through online activation.

Todd Werts

ASKER

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, the activation key that I have did not work as a re-entry because the computer came preloaded with Windows 7 Home. I upgraded to Windows 7 Pro through anytime upgrade. When I tried to use the upgrade key, it did not work.

I tried the second solution, but it did not work either.

The net stop slsvc command returned, "The service name is invalid."

On that, I did not find the file tokens.bat in the location you suggested. Rather, it was in the folder:

C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SoftwareProtectionPlatform

I tried to rename the tokens.dat folder and it would not let me. So, since the tokens.dat file was in the SoftwareProtectionPlatform folder, I stopped the Software Protection service. It let me rename Tokens.dat. Unfortunately, the cscript command ran, but did not work.

I really appreciate the suggestions you gave. Any other ideas?

Thanks

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

☠ MASQ ☠

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