HP OEM

Hi,

I work in a relatively small company consisting of 250 people. The IT dept consists of 3 people. I am new here and I previously came from a company that had images for their windows. Now this company doesn't have images for their PC's/Laptops. Its always 1 certain model for PC and 1 certain model for Laptop. So when we configure a desktop that comes right of the box it takes like 2-3 hrs to setup with the "For Distribution only with a new HP PC" cd's. Uninstall certain stuff and install company apps. I tried using the win7 key on the side of the desktop but it doesn't auth. How can I create a image for this desktop when I can't even use the cd key provided by HP which is located on the side of the PC? This company will also not buy a Microsoft volume license.

Thanks,

In regard to the individual key, I would contact HP to get that issue sorted out. As far as the image, you'd probably have to create it based off of one then change the product key on each one individually as there's no volume key to deal with. Alternatively, you could setup an image with Windows Deployment Services and that should let you enter the key at install each time from what I understand and have tested.

So tried to change the product key on the win 7 after doing the OEM CD installation.

"Error - 0xc004f050 The software licensing service reported that the product key is invalid"

The key that I am trying to use is the COA sticker... Should I contact HP?

Also, on the COA sticker it says "Windows 7 Pro OA" what is the OA?

tried searching for the meaning of OA no exact answers.

pparks1 said:

Well, COA stands for Certificate Of Authenticity. But Windows 7 Pro Of Authenticity doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.

Edit: I did find a couple of web posts talking about similar errors using OEM keys
Product Key Invalid for Activation, Failure Code: 0xC004F050

This second thread is the most interesting in my opinion. It states that this is expected and when you reinstall your OEM software, you have to go through the process of activating by phone. Only when you use the "restore DVD" or restore from the hard drive partition does the system automatically install and activate itself using an appropriate key to do so.
Dell pre-installed vista invalid?

So I should call HP and tell them I want to use the product key on the sticker and they would have to "activate" the key on their system so I can use it? That's what I understood from the 2nd thread. Cause they said enter the COA then call for activation, I tried to enter the COA and got an error.

Also, I believe the OA stands for "Only Academic"

pparks1 said:

No, you aren't calling HP in this case, your call would be to Microsoft to explain to them that you are starting over with the OEM software and reinstalled it clean and they are going to have to authorize you to do so per key. This is a real pain for what you are trying to accomplish.

If that's what I have to do, that's what I gotta do. It's better than 3-4hr setup per PC. One phone call 20 mins just to activate a key > 3-4hr setup.

Thanks for the help pparks1 much appreciated.