Win7 CD & key stolen after install: will replacement CD work?

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  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
       #1

    Win7 CD & key stolen after install: will replacement CD work?


    Hi guys,

    I posted here a few weeks ago after my retail copy of Windows 7 Pro stolen out of my car, but this occurred after I had already had the software sucessfully installed, an I called Microsoft and explained my situation. I was advised to contact Microsoft, which I did. I was referred to the "parts" department, and I was asked for my product ID which I provided. He verified it and said everything seems to be fine. I asked if the thief would be able to install Windows using my CD & key thereby degenuinating my original install which sofar is fine, and he reluctantly said it would not. He then offered me a replacement disk for $30. I said okay. So I get the replacement Windows 7 CD in the mail which has a new 25 digit product key with it, but it says "requires original purchase of Windows 7". When it comes time to reinstall Windows 7 on the computer which I will probably do in a year or so, will I be able to use this replacement CD? (That is, assuming my software does not become degenuinated by the thief when he/she installs Windows 7, which I still haven't got a straight answer from anyone on whether or not that will happen)

    Thanks for any advice,
    Dave
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 851
    Windows 8 Professional x64
       #2

    Any disk will work as long as you have the genuine product key.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,379
    Win7 Pro 32-bit, Win8 Pro 32-bit
       #3

    Since MS now has info that the old product key was stolen, and have provided you with a replacement product key. they will likely blacklist the old key -- which will frustrate the "piracy" community to no end when they discover, should your old key end up in P2P networks, that shortly after install, all those other installation become "invalid"!

    IF it was me, I would go into Win7 and use the feature to change the product key and enter the new one they provided you. That will prevent your PC from becoming deactivated, should MS blacklist the original key.
      My Computer


  4. NoN
    Posts : 4,166
    Windows 7 Professional SP1 - x64 [Non-UEFI Boot]
       #4

    You can enter the new key directly from Control Panel=>System=>Product Key (bottom of the page), then MS will check if it's genuine Windows 7. Therefore you'll have between 3 days up to 30 days to activate.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 936
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit, Mac OS X 10.6
       #5

    dlomax said:
    Hi guys,

    ...but it says "requires original purchase of Windows 7". When it comes time to reinstall Windows 7 on the computer which I will probably do in a year or so, will I be able to use this replacement CD? ...
    Yes.
      My Computer


  6. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #6

    If I were you, I would image the current system and use that image for a later reinstallation. You can image to an external disk (recommended) or DVDs (about 4 or 5). Then you do not have to worry about anything and it will be a lot faster. Use free Macrium, Paragon or Acronis - but not the Win7 native imaging. That will give you nothing but headaches. Example: Imaging with free Macrium
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 2,164
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit
       #7

    Why was your disc & key in your car?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 58
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1
       #8

    whs said:
    If I were you, I would image the current system and use that image for a later reinstallation. You can image to an external disk (recommended) or DVDs (about 4 or 5). Then you do not have to worry about anything and it will be a lot faster. Use free Macrium, Paragon or Acronis - but not the Win7 native imaging. That will give you nothing but headaches. Example: Imaging with free Macrium
    As a new user for backups,
    using the native Windows 7 image backup might be easier,
    just simply backup all the things you want,select it and let it go.
    My image worth 200+ GB,which already contains the image and the important files

    Considered that other backup softwares are mostly shareware,
    to the one who don't want to pay for backup,using the native imaging isn't a bad idea

    Also,I recommend the image would store in an external hard disk,
    it accesses the files faster,which means you can restore your Windows faster
      My Computer


  9. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #9

    Considered that other backup softwares are mostly shareware,
    to the one who don't want to pay for backup,using the native imaging isn't a bad idea
    What are you talking about - shareware. The programs I quoted are for free. And using the native win7 imaging is a VERY bad idea - nothing but trouble. Believe me, I have used them all and found free Macrium to be the easiest and most reliable.
      My Computer

  10.    #10

    What is the MS "Parts Dept?" Never heard of it.

    Are you sure you spoke with MS Customer Service and not some other service line? This is who deals with these kinds of problems, including Keys which won't activate.

    Were they the ones who issued you a replacement DVD with key? Did they tell you they were invalidating your old key for reinstall, as it seems this would put your current install at risk.

    MS Customer Service alone should have handled this, so if you have further questions they should be directed to them.

    Imaging is the modern replacement for most reinstalls but cannot be counted on to always hold activation, so you want certainty that what you received is exactly what you need for your dilemna.
      My Computer


 
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