need to delete OS off recovery drive!

Bare Foot Kid said:

So you got it all installed OK?

Well... I thought I did, until I just ran into a problem: it's not accepting my Windows product key for my Windows 7 OS.

I've installed it several times before (obviously) in this saga, so I don't know what the deal is. I've scrutinized the typing to make sure I'm entering it correctly, and I've tried twice now to no avail...

thoughts? suggestions?

restart the install, & use the key on your PC case.

Use the key on the rainbow COA sticker on the bottom of your Laptop.

It doesn't matter what disk you use to install Win7 as long as it is the same version - retail or OEM are the same installer since Vista.

If it will not take the key upfront, then install anyway and insert the key after install at Computer>Properties activation link.

You may need to make a quick call to MS to activate it which sorts out the specific key since the stickers nowadays contain a batch key.

gregrocker said:

Use the key on the rainbow COA sticker on the bottom of your Laptop.

It doesn't matter what disk you use to install Win7 as long as it is the same version - retail or OEM are the same installer since Vista.

If it will not take the key upfront, then install anyway and insert the key after install at Computer>Properties activation link.

You may need to make a quick call to MS to activate it which sorts out the specific key since the stickers nowadays contain a batch key.

I see no rainbow COA sticker on the bottom of the laptop? Unless I don't know what I'm looking for... there is a thin white strip of a sticker that reads: Express Service Code, but it doesn't look in the same format as the product key.

Somehow though... I've backed out of the install or something and got it to load... not sure if it accepted the product key by backing out of it or if it just didn't take. It appears as if Windows is loaded now, though. If I go to Control Panel>System and Security>System, it says I have Windows 7 Home Premium and all the corresponding information is correct.. so it must have took somehow?

On a Dell you will find it under the battery.

Cool. Thanks.

But I guess there's no need to now since all appears ok?

Does System say it is activated?

If not, click activation link, insert Product Key from the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity on the bottom of the laptop, then see if it will activate. If not, there will be a phone option which shouldn't take more than a quick call to sort out the specific key from batch.

If you activated using the retail Product key you purchased, change the key to the OEM key from the sticker to avoid wasting the $100+ license tied to the machine. Use "Change Product Key" link on System page or run "slmgr -ipk" to reset activation and start with correct key.

Right next to "Change Product Key."