Fix Genuine Advantage Notification

From time to time clients of mine have had issues with this ‘Genuine Advantage’ message popping up after updates.   This is most often due to a mismatch with the Windows product key.  When windows was installed, it could have had an embedded key as with many Dell CDs or an improper key was used.  There is an easy way to fix this using a downloadable tool from Microsoft.

Here is the link to the Microsoft Downloadable Tool:

Windows XP   

Windows Vista and Windows 7 has built in tools to accomplish this.  Microsoft provides detailed instructions on how to use them:

  Windows Vista     Windows 7

The product key is located on your Certificate of Authenticity (COA) which is most likely located on your PC somewhere.  On Laptops, it is often located on the bottom and desktop PCs it can be virtually anywhere on the case. 

If you do not have a COA, you will most likely have to purchase a new product key from Microsoft.

If changing the key does not work, try contacting Microsoft Support.  Support for issues related to validation is available at no charge.

When the Windows Genuine Advantage Notification shows up, it will prohibit you from downloading updates and other important Microsoft Applications.