Windows 7: Repair Installation & Product Key Issues

Hey, so i have run a repair installation of Windows 7 on my Dell Laptop.

The reason i ran it has now been solved; however its asking for my product key to activate windows now, and as i bought the laptop from Dell i do not have it.

I phoned Dell who told me that they would charge me 59 quid to help me; which is pathetic, and something i cant afford

Is there any way for me to figure out my product key so i can re-activate my windows. This is driving me crazy, the sad thing is; if i cant find a solution im going to have to find a generic product key from online to activate a product i have paid for!!!



Ridiculous situation, but if anybody can help please do; im not sure if the product key is hidden somewhere in the computer from before the install; but i cannot restore before that point.

Welcome
Look at the computer carefully, the key is on the computer. In the USA the number is comprised of numbers and letters. Yours should have the letters OEM, in the arrangement.
If you find it and it does not work, but I think that it should. Download and use magic Jelly bean to find the number that is included on the software. As a rule the number on the computer is the number to use

59 quid for that information, thats a laugh.

Unfortunately all i have written on mine is a service tag and express service code, nothing OEM' ish

This jellybean software, it seems the paid version is the only one that might do anything like that

Hello Tomination, welcome to Seven Forums!



The Windows activation key should be on the COA sticker attached to the PC somewhere, look around for the sticker; once entered you may have to do a robo-call to MS to sort the batch-key to get it activated; have a look at these 2 tutorials at the links below.

The letters "OEM" are not in the key.


How to Change the Product Key Number in Windows 7

How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone

I sincerely hope your not talking about those annoying stickers on the device near the touchpad!?!?

They started to peel off and began grating my arm so i took them off and binned them (leaving a huge discolourment :P)

Take off the battery cover and see if the sticker is there, maybe under the battery.

Unless it came off, the number will be somewhere on the computer. As Ted said it may be hidden. Keep looking you will find it.

Good News!

Thanks for all of your answers, the one that helped me with the solution was Bare Foot Kid

The product key was listed underneath the battery!

The moral of the story, always store your product keys somewhere incase things go wrong

Glad that Ted could help you out. Take care and good luck

I have to say; does anybody else think that legitimate purchasers are being treated like criminals?

Why couldnt dell has just told me the key was listed there; instead of trying to get some easy cash (good thing i have none)