Description of the update for Windows Activation Technologies

How to obtain the update package

This update package is available through Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center.

Windows Update

This update is available from the Windows Update Web site: To obtain this update from Windows Update, enable the Automatic Update feature in your computer. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start , type Windows Update in the Search programs and files box, and then press ENTER.
2. Click Change settings.
3. Under Important updates, select Install updates automatically (recommended), and then click OK.

Microsoft Download Center

The following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:
Update for Windows 7 for x86-based systems (KB971033)
Download the Update for Windows 7 for x86-based systems package now.

Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB971033)
Download the Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB971033) package now.

For more information about how to download Microsoft support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.


Note Installing this update does not affect the functionality of your operating system.

More information about this update

This update for Windows Activation Technologies helps detect validation errors and activation exploits. This update also detects any tampering attempts made to important Windows 7 system files. Be aware that some counterfeit copies of Windows include malware.

When this update is installed, it performs a validation process for the copy of Windows that is running on your computer. However, this validation process does not affect the functionality of Windows. The update process exits silently if it detects no validation errors, activation exploits, or tampered files.

Tampered Files
If the update discovers a tampered file, it tries to restore the file. This restore may require a restart. If this update cannot restore the tampered files, it will direct you more information on the Internet.

Validation Errors or Activation Exploits
Validation errors and activation exploits try to bypass the Windows activation process and are sometimes included with counterfeit copies of Windows. If a validation error or activation exploit is detected, you will be directed to more information on the Internet for resolution of the activation exploit or the validation error. When validation errors or activation exploits are removed, you may be asked to use a valid product key to activate the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer. If you decide not to resolve the validation error or the activation exploit at that time, you will be periodically notified that the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer is not genuine. Additionally, Windows will provide a link to more information online for resolution.