Windows 7 wrongly tells me my copy is not genuine

I have been using Windows 7 Ultimate, which I purchased about 2 years ago from Amazon.com, but recently had to do a repair install. Now when I try to activate Windows 7 it says that I can't and tells me that my copy of the OS is not genuine. But I have been using this copy for TWO YEARS. What can I do to activate Windows?

Did you buy from Amazon direct or from someone selling through Amazon?

Microsoft has a phone activation method or you could also call MS customer service and see if they are impressed when you recite your 25 character Product Key to them.

ignatzatsonic said:

Did you buy from Amazon direct or from someone selling through Amazon?

Microsoft has a phone activation method or you could also call MS customer service and see if they are impressed when you recite your 25 character Product Key to them.

Yes, through Amazon direct, about 2 years ago. How do I get the phone number?

I don't have the receipt anymore, but I can look in my Amazon account and see the date of purchase and order number, and the information related to the order.

Items Ordered Price $275.54
1 of: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate [Software]
Condition: New
Sold by: Amazon.com LLC

Assuming it's a legit version, you shouldn't have any trouble if you jump through a few hoops---phone activation with a robot, phone call to actual human at Microsoft, whatever it takes. They may even issue you a new Product Key.

You will need the existing Product Key so MS can verify it is an authorized disc.

I have the original product key and all the packaging. But I can't find any phone number to call.


This is really cruel of MS to do to people like me who are partially blind.

Are you familiar with Google?

Check this tutorial: Activate Windows 7 by Phone

seavixen32 said:

Check this tutorial: Activate Windows 7 by Phone

Thank you. I will. I wonder if I should try to do a clean install instead of a repair. Would that fix this problem?

Apotheoun said:

seavixen32 said:

Check this tutorial: Activate Windows 7 by Phone

Thank you. I will. I wonder if I should try to do a clean install instead of a repair. Would that fix this problem?

Maybe. Maybe not.

You have to compare the time and aggravation involved with a clean install (which may not solve the problem) with the time and aggravation involved in dealing with Microsoft over the phone.