New
#1
An upgrade activation problem.
I went from XP Pro 32 bit to Windows 7 Pro 64 bit when I bought the MS discount pre-release offer.
I did not save my old copy of XP nor do I have any key numbers or other info from it.
The original install of Windows 7 went without a hitch.
The other night I had to install Windows 7 as a clean install on a new hard drive. The old one quite on me.
I was unable to activate using the key on the box from MS so I clicked next leaving the info box blank.
I installed a legal free copy of Office 2010 that my wife's employer, Child Protection Services, lets it employees use while they are employed by the state.
This was the second time for installing Office. It was on the drive that's shot. She's new there and doesn't need any negative attention.
I tried tonight to activate Windows 7 again and get nowhere. I followed the links for troubleshooting and am told I need to buy a new license key or pay somebody at MS to help me, which probably means they will tell me to buy a new license.
I tried to follow a link for the paid help to find out how much it would cost but it doesn't take me anywhere.
The XP license I had was an OEM license and I never had any problems with it. This Windows 7 license is not an OEM.
I haven't seen any phone number to call to get help.
I don't have much money. I'm disabled and live on a small fixed income.
Any advice on how I can fix this will be appreciated.
Thanks.
H.