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MUIs Render Win7 Pro, Home OS ''Non-genuine''

By - Source: Tom's Hardware UK

The Multilingual User Interface packs are causing Genuine errors in Windows 7 Home and Professional editions.

Microsoft has issued a warning for Windows 7 users that want to download the Multilingual User Interface (MUI) packs. According to the company, the MUIs are only meant for Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise editions. Those who download and install the packs on any other version of Windows 7 will receive a non-genuine warning when trying to install updates or files from the Microsoft Download Center, even though the OS is actually legit.

"Multilingual User Interface (MUI) packs require a license to be used and are available only for Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise editions," Microsoft said. "If these language files are present on another edition of Windows 7, genuine technologies will detect tampering on the system and display the non-genuine warnings."

In essence, your OS is now deemed as pirated despite your expensive license keys. Typically the warning will say: "this copy of Windows is not Genuine." To fix the problem, Microsoft said that customers must either remove the MUI packs, or format the HDD and re-install Windows 7. While the former option sound less troublesome, users will need to uninstall the packs using the same 3rd-party program initially used to install the MUIs in the first place.

Ultimately, consumers using Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium, and Windows 7 Professional should steer clear of the MUI packs.

There are 6 Comments. B
Other Comments
  • 0
    bv90andy , May 26, 2010 2:11 PM
    Does this happen if one doesn't install update KB971033?
  • 0
    tulx , May 26, 2010 7:01 PM
    Yeah - actually, why did MS allow the update NOT to be installed? If someone is "smart" enough to download a pirated copy of Windows, won't he be smart enough to skip the update as well? 0_o
  • 0
    ksampanna , May 26, 2010 10:06 PM
    That kinda sucks
  • 0
    taiso , May 27, 2010 12:56 AM
    tulxYeah - actually, why did MS allow the update NOT to be installed? If someone is "smart" enough to download a pirated copy of Windows, won't he be smart enough to skip the update as well? 0_o


    shhh don't give them ideas! hahaha
  • 0
    Silmarunya , May 27, 2010 2:09 AM
    tulxYeah - actually, why did MS allow the update NOT to be installed? If someone is "smart" enough to download a pirated copy of Windows, won't he be smart enough to skip the update as well? 0_o


    Because it could cause issues with privacy when a company forces users to install software that contacts the company every month and sends information. I think that, like they did with a similar sort of update in Vista, they'll make the installation completely voluntary, but prevent people refusing to install it from downloading updates.
  • 0
    tulx , May 27, 2010 2:52 AM
    Makes sense.