Serious update to all the Windows 7 users who use the non-genuine copy. Microsoft has released a WAT (Windows Activation Technologies) update targeted to kill non-genuine/pirated copies on Windows 7.

KB971033

KB971033 update detects validation errors, activation exploits and tampering attempts made to the important Windows 7 system files. Counterfeit copies of Windows are likely to have malwares installed in them.

What does it do?

The update performs attempts to validate your copy of Windows 7 with the product key it is registered with. If it discovers a tampered system file, it tries to restore the file. Also, if the update happens to discover Activation exploits that were used to validate a non-genuine copy, you will be asked to enter a valid product key to activate your copy. If it detects no validation errors, activation exploits, or tampered files, the update process exits silently.

What do I do if I own a non-genuine copy?

If the update has been downloaded & installed, you can continue with it. However, you’ll be periodically notified that your copy of Windows 7 in non-genuine.

If you haven’t downloaded & installed the update yet, you are safe. Be sure to remove the uncheck ‘Update for Windows 7 (KB971033)’ if it’s already checked.

It is advisable to set Windows Updates off if you own a non-genuine copy.

Microsoft Knowledgebase Page for 971033.