Vista - "This copy of Windows is not genuine"

I've had this problem before, but it went away when I installed the latest service pack update. I got it again about a week ago, though, and there were no new service packs to install, so I'm not quite sure how to go about fixing it. The message at the bottom of the screen is:

"Build 6002, This copy of Windows is not genuine." I also get a pop-up box saying "you may be a victim of product counterfitting" when I start up my computer.

I tried looking at some of the other threads here relating to this subject, but they didn't seem to work for me.

I've tried two main solutions so far, neither of which worked. The first was to restore the licensing file through the cmd prompt, then rebooting twice (found that solution THIS COPY OF WINDOWS IS NOT GENUINE - WHY? there), the second was to type slui.exe 4 into the search bar and hope for a telephone number to activate by phone, which seems to work for some people. I can't get the telephone number to show up, though. It just gives me the screen to buy a new product key online, try a different one, or a link to the Help box on validation.

My copy came with my computer, and I tried the code on the bottom of my laptop, but it says that code isn't valid, so...help please!

I'm running on Vista Home Premium 32 bit, if that's relevant.

you have downloaded a malware from an unfriendly and untrusted site... believe it!

You can try to restore back to a couple of days ago or before you downloaded the malware. If that does not work, Disable your System Restore for the time being since chances are the malware is already in a systeme restore instance anyways... do this:

Restart with Safe Mode and run your MalwareBytes app,. If you don't have it, download it, install it and update it, then run it.

You can also try Spybot Search & Destroy.

Good Luck

I tried Spybot Search & Destroy, but it didn't find any bad files except for one, which seemed minor and was fixed. I can't seem to get System Restore to work, though, which makes me think you're right about malware, I just don't know why Spybot's not picking it up. :\ I chose two dates about 2 weeks ago for System Restore and once it finishes restoring (sometimes even before), it does a blue screen and I have to go to safe mode and undo the system restore before my computer starts working again. Should I try more dates or...?

Thanks so much for your help so far, really appreciate it!

Did you run Malwarebytes in safe mode? [as suggested by AstaLaVista]
Download free version - Malwarebytes.org

I would aslo recommend SuperAntiSpyware to see if it flushes anything out.
Download free version- SUPERAntiSpyware.com - Downloads

Post back & let us know how you go.

I think you need to do a clean install again. If still doesn't work, call up MS and may be they will offer you a different product key or perhaps a replacement Vista DVD with a new key.

Thanks guys for the suggestion! I just ran MalwareBytes in Safe Mode and came up with nothing. :\ Also turned off System Restore as AstaLaVista recommended as another safeguard but unsure what to do next.

Kavita, by clean install, do you mean reinstall Vista?

Yes.