Deactivating Windows?

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 26
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit
       #1

    Deactivating Windows?


    I'm migrating from VMware to VirtualBox for my virtual Windows needs. I'm in the process of reinstalling Windows.

    I got this Dutch error during install:



    This translates roughly to "The product code does not match the current Windows version". I assume this is because my VMware install is relatively recent, so I can't reuse my product key in VirtualBox yet. Can I deactivate my VMware Windows install so that I can reuse the key?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 112
    7x64 SP1
       #2

    Make sure you're using the right key, as that message would only show up if you tried to say, use a Professional key in an Ultimate install or other similar scenarios. If the key can't be re-activated yet, it'd simply give you an activation failed message when you tried to Activate.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,800
    Windows 7 Pro x64 SP1
       #3

    Sorry but I don't think so. De-Activating windows is not an option. The only way to move a copy of windows to another environment/equipment is via microsoft and then if you had a catastrophic failure of your hard disk. MS does have a heart in these cases.

    And as Stormkitty replied, you might have an incorrect key code which works on a different version that you installed.

    rich
    Last edited by richnrockville; 17 Mar 2011 at 06:28. Reason: spelling.. <G>
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5,056
    Windows 7 x64 pro/ Windows 7 x86 Pro/ XP SP3 x86
       #4

    I would assume different hardware is being seen. As a rule of thumb, a retail key can be moved as long as it is used on a single computer (real/virtual) at a time, so you should be OK if you remove the vmware bit and use the product key (you should have a retail key) on the virtualbox. In case of issues, phone activation can be used. For specifics about the virtual parts, post this question in the Virtualization sub-forum.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 26
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Stormkitty said:
    Make sure you're using the right key, as that message would only show up if you tried to say, use a Professional key in an Ultimate install or other similar scenarios. If the key can't be re-activated yet, it'd simply give you an activation failed message when you tried to Activate.
    I have a legitimately obtained Ultimate install disc and I wanted to use a Home Premium key, but I read somewhere that all Windows 7 install discs are the same (except for the architecture) so I figured it was fine. Are you sure?

    richnrockville said:
    The only way to move a copy of windows to another environment/equipment is via microsoft and then if you had a catastrophic failure of your hard disk. MS does have a heart in these cases.
    So I'm stuck with VMware?

    Bill2 said:
    As a rule of thumb, a retail key can be moved as long as it is used on a single computer (real/virtual) at a time, so you should be OK if you remove the vmware bit and use the product key (you should have a retail key) on the virtualbox.
    Wouldn't that require Microsoft to be able to detect that I deleted the VMware hard disk?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,056
    Windows 7 x64 pro/ Windows 7 x86 Pro/ XP SP3 x86
       #6

    Wouldn't that require Microsoft to be able to detect that I deleted the VMware hard disk?
    Removal of an OS by formatting the hard disk or otherwise overwriting is a local event, theres no corresponding reset of activation data in the MS servers till you activate a new install. If your key is retail, its fine to transfer it another physical/virtual install as long as its used on only one PC at a time.

    I have a legitimately obtained Ultimate install disc and I wanted to use a Home Premium key, but I read somewhere that all Windows 7 install discs are the same (except for the architecture) so I figured it was fine. Are you sure?
    Product keys are edition specific so no, a home premium key cant be used to activate an Ultimate install if thats what you are trying to do. But win7 install disks are same in the sense that all disks contain all images, if you have an Ultimate disk you can turn it into a universal installer this way.

    Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create

    Then just install home premium and activate with the home premium key.
      My Computer

  7.    #7

    Extract the Ultimate ISO using ImgBurn, run the ei.cfg removal tool on it, burn an all-versions DVD using ImgBurn at 4x speed.

    ImgBurn - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
    ei.cfg removal tool to unlock all versions in ISO
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #8

    Hello.


    A product activation key can be deactivated in a Windows 7 OS if you like, run this command in an elevated command window and hit the <enter> key.


    click to enlarge
    Deactivating Windows?-uninstallkey.jpg
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2,606
    Windows 7 Pro X64 SP1
       #9

    Bare Foot Kid said:
    Hello.


    A product activation key can be deactivated in a Windows 7 OS if you like, run this command in an elevated command window and hit the <enter> key.


    click to enlarge
    Deactivating Windows?-uninstallkey.jpg
    That deactivates Windows on the machine, but doesn't do anything as regards the Microsoft activation servers. Right?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #10

    bobkn said:
    Bare Foot Kid said:
    Hello.


    A product activation key can be deactivated in a Windows 7 OS if you like, run this command in an elevated command window and hit the <enter> key.
    click to enlarge
    Deactivating Windows?-uninstallkey.jpg
    That deactivates Windows on the machine, but doesn't do anything as regards the Microsoft activation servers. Right?
    That's a good question though if it's not activated, when the OS boots it would 'show' that to the MS servers wouldn't it; I'm now curious myself?
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 15:36.
Find Us