Resolved Your copy of Windows is not legitimate

My computer runs very well and is a joy to use. However, a few days ago I turned it on and it was having problems. It was saying that some system files were missing and that some applications couldn't start. It also popped up with a message that my copy of Windows was not legitimate. The background display turned black, but I still had sufficient functionality to access my emails and also to browse the internet. System restore failed, but after a few manual reboots things returned to normal - except that the warning that my copy of Windows was not legitimate remained permanently in the bottom right corner of my screen - which still had the black background. Fortunately I had the key for my copy of Windows 7 Professional, so when I rebooted again I was able to insert it into the validation box which popped up during each reboot.

All is well now and the computer is running as fast and as stable as ever. I'm just wondering what might have happened to give me such a fright?

 

Software Protection is set to 'Automatic (Delayed Start)'.

The very first error in Event Viewer at that time was:
The Windows logon process has failed to spawn a user application. Application name: .Command line parameters: atbroker.exe

Another warning later: The system has been tampered 0xc0040301 data reset

 

Hi Lugwalker,
here some answers,
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...rokerexe/8921785c-d081-46c6-99c6-e91380d83d99

 

Yes, Evan. Windows is activated.

I've not had any further difficulties since my initial problem. Everything is working fine now.

Fingers crossed.