Why am I now being told my copy of Windows 7 may not be genuine

I installed Windows 7 Home Premium on my laptop and used it for 2 months. I then went abroad for 2 months without my laptop. I have just returned to find I cannot use the laptop because it says my copy may not be genuine. I followed the instructions to go online to resolve the problem and download something to validate my copy. I was then directed to a page that said Windows validation was in progress and not to navigate away from that page. With nothing happening, after about an hour I tried refreshing the page and was directed to a page that said my product key was being used on another PC. This is not true so I went to contact support which involved typing in my product key. Upon clicking continue, it said there was a problem with the product key and gave me the option to go ahead without it. However, it turned out they wanted me to pay £46 for this option.

Can anyone help me get over this problem.

I am 100% convinced that my sealed copy of Windows 7 Home Premium is genuine.

You may need to contact MS support via telephone to get the situation resolved.

Your Windows 7 you purchased has the MS Genuine sticker with it? It should have had a C.O.A. sticker also enclosed with the 25 character product key on the sticker too.

The install DVDs have the holographic borders?

It was a sealed copy complete with the holographic borders, MS Genuine sticker and C.O.A. but I will try and find a number to call and do as you say. Thanks

Follow these instructions to get connected to a Microsoft activation agent over the phone: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929

You didn't state where you got it but I will warm you, and others, that that happens a lot if you buy off ebay. Personally I think it's sad how Microsoft's security can declare your installation as valid for 90-120 days and then suddenly tell you, oh hey, now it isn't. Often too late for an attempt to recover your money.