Help!! Software problem!

Kimmrs · 04 May 2011

So here's the story, I was stupid enough to purchase a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate full version for my computer from someone on Craigslist. This copy was brand new and sealed. I thought it was legit. I completed wiped my computer clean (much thanks to help from people on here already) and installed the software. Everything went fine - until after about a month I started getting this message saying "Must Activate Computer." After talking to Microsoft, this software was legit, but it is something called a developer's copy and it blocked my activation code because I wasn't using certain features because I wasn't supposed to have a copy like this. Of course I tried contacting the person - who is now ignoring all my e-mails. In any event...I want to go purchase a legit version from a store but am not sure what I need. I can currently use my computer, but it is operating illegally from the Windows 7 Ultimate that was installed. I do not need ultimate...home premium is fine.

1) Do I need an upgrade version or a full version?

2) What can I do with this developer's copy of Ultimate? Can I sell it anywhere to someone who is allowed to use it? I"d like to get something for it to help pay for the new one.

Help!

DragonPoet · 04 May 2011

My guess would be is that you need the full version. Or at least that's what I would get. And as for selling it, that's probably not such a good idea since, if I am understanding correctly, your computer is right now running illegally and your not even suppose to have this software. Although you might want to double check that. And if you are able to sell it, just make sure the next purchaser knows exactly what it is and that they know that it's a developer's copy. Sorry to hear this happened to you, it's always crappy when you read things like this.

bobkn · 04 May 2011

I'm not an MSDN (Microsoft Developer's Network) subscriber, but it sounds like you were sold a copy of Windows with an MSDN key. I believe that there's nothing unusual about your Windows copy, but the key was spotted by Microsoft as being used illegally and has been blocked. It probably worked at one time, but it is now useless.

You dealt with a crook who may have thought that he was ripping off Microsoft. Instead, he robbed you.

I suggest that you report it to Microsoft. They may be able to help you obtain a legitimate license at a lower cost than for the full retail product.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howt...fr/Report.aspx

(I've never used this page, personally. You have the option of reporting a counterfeit anonymously, but that may not help reolve your problem.)

Britton30 · 04 May 2011

bobkn said:

I suggest that you report it to Microsoft. They may be able to help you obtain a legitimate license at a lower cost than for the full retail product.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howt...fr/Report.aspx

(I've never used this page, personally. You have the option of reporting a counterfeit anonymously, but that may not help reolve your problem.)

I have had to use this page becuase I had an OEM (Legal) copy of XP on which I'd used all the activations allowed. I got a full copy of XP for $139, which was about $100 less than the boxed retail version.

No, don't try to sell the Developers' copy. Chances are the crook who sold it to you had already used the COA from the container without opening it.

Neutron16 · 04 May 2011

I would definitely go Upgrade.
It is possible do a clean install with an Upgrade media.
Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media
The third, double-install method is fully supported by Microsoft.

Also, here is a student promotion Windows 7 Pro Upgrade for $ 30 (conditions apply)
Windows 7 Student Discount

Selling old one is not a good idea.