Before I would go through all that I would remove Norton for testing and install MSE. See if things start working again as they should. Check if Windows Updates and MSE Updates work properly. Could you use the Windows flag key and the Pause key and post that complete screen here.
You may have bought a Technet key which was illegally sold on eBay and Amazon a few years back. Let's hope it was a recognized seller with too much reputation to risk selling bootleg Win7. FOllow the steps given then if it proves illegit appeal it to MS Customer Service which can help you make it right.
MS customer service accepted the key and activated my copy of Seven, but sadly the computer still did not work right, so I am in the process of reinstalling Windows Vista Ultimate with the recovery discs that came with my HP computer. Once that is done I will upgrade the computer with my Windows Seven Ultimate disc. The lady I spoke to at MS said that if the key is again not recognized to call them back and they will re-activate the OS.
The only thing I am unsure about at the moment is whether or not I have to add the Vista service packs before upgrading to Windows Seven. It's been so long since I installed Seven (about 2 years) that I really can't remember what I did back then.
I would not reinstall Vista to upgrade to Win7. Had you asked us we could have told you before you started that this is unnecessary because you can follow these steps to Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
I used the HP Vista recovery discs so I could get back some of the programs I originally paid for (e.g., Word 2007, etc.). Now I just have to figure out if I need to install all the Vista updates and service packs before upgrading to Seven.
Put the Win7 DVD in the drive and run the Upgrade install from Vista. It will tell you what you need.
This excellent guide can also help you prepare:
A simple guide to a successful in-place upgrade - Windows 7 Forums
Hopefullly you saved your Office Product Key when you bought it. Again, had you asked before jumping into the reinstall we could have advised you to back up the Product Keys of all installed software with Belarc Advisor.
Take another read of my last post #21. The Window Flag key and the Pause key and post here. This would be of great help.
I want to thank everyone for their help and for the "how to" links. I have the computer up and running Windows 7 again, and was able to restore all the programs I had when the computer was brand new.
The only problem I have experienced so far is with Sleep Mode. When the computer goes into Sleep Mode it never comes out of it successfully. My approach to the problem so far as been to turn off Sleep Mode, which I did earlier this morning, and I have my fingers crossed that that will correct the problem (only time will tell).
P.S. - This time when I upgraded to Windows 7 the activation key was recognized without having to call MS's automated phone number.
Upgrade your display driver. Check optional windows updates, then the computer or device maker's Support Downloads webpage.
Then test Sleep again.
I updated my graphics card through Windows Update, and it seems to have corrected the display problem. I have not turned "sleep mode" back on, but I have been able to activate the "turn off display" function (and set it for 30 minutes) and it seems to be working fine.
Thanks for the helpful suggestion.
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