Using Windows 7 update fails ~ Help

I have a valid copy of Windows 7 family pack. I have used for a while. Worked just fine until I recently had a HD failure, replaced HD and cloned it and had to reload Windows 7 from my valid Windows 7 install disk. I have a "confirmed" Genuine logo on my System page and have confirmed with Windows online that the product key is valid.

Issues: ~Windows update will not work. No update come in and updates errors out, saying the service is not running, when I check with the Windows Servcies, Windows update IS running
~Windows homegroup networking will not work, even though Windows "sees" the network..it will not join the homegroup with my password
~Today Windows online validation is saying my Product ID has expired? Why...my System page says I have a valid copy with a Windows Logo.
~ Again I have a valid "Family Pack" used on only 2 computers, even though I could have a thrid I do not. I reload from the valid install disk. Thats when my problems statred. I use Mcfee firewall. Turning off the firewall seemed NOT to help either.

I have no idea what to do. Asking if anyone has some help.

Thanks....

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

You may need to re-activate your Windows licence.

This tutorial explains how to use the automated telephone activation service.

Activate Windows 7 by Phone

This article may also be of help.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...ation-problems

seavixem32...thank you for invite and reply. I already did the "on" line Windows 7 reactivation AND then also by phone (when it appeared the on line would not help)... I keyed in the many numbers. All though I did not write the MANY numbers down as they were repeated to me quite fast... but the "activation" appeared sucessful as the program said everything worked OK and Windows 7 was valid. I am still have problems with updating and home networking. Still need help, as I have tried these suggestions.

Your licence is good for three computers and you say you have only installed Windows on two computers so I'm just wondering whether it would be better to carry out a clean install rather than trying to clone the new hard drive.

It's worth considering I feel, and if you still have activation problems after a clean install you can always call Microsoft and explain what's happening.

Their activation support people are normally very helpful.

I did a clone first...then when that messed up I did do a new clean install of Windows 7. Twice. Still no go. Getting real tired of reloading over and over all my stuff. Really do not want to keep reintalling. So who may I call at MS to help. Phone? Numbers. Thanks.

You need this link for Microsoft support options: https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...3&gsaid=598988

Microsoft Help & Support: Support for Microsoft Product Activation problems

Microsoft Activation Telephone Numbers: Microsoft Volume Licensing - Activation Centers

Thanks...
1st link I have already tried. Responds from MS is my product ID has expired. Then the other choice on this link wishes to charge for help. For a product I have already paid for the product. Not fair. All I had was a HD crash and die. Why should MS charge me to get going again.
2nd link is only showing me how to find my Product ID. I know this already.
3rd link is for volume license key help. Did not think I had a volume license. Maybe I give this a try.

OK I call and got in with MS volume license. Result is my warrenty is expired and MS wishes to charge me about 1/2 the cost of a new purchase of Windows 7 for "tech" support to fix me and make it work. Got to be kidding me. I did nothen wrong, just lost my HD. So I am still not getting fixed and updated. Any other help? Would be nice. Thanks...

I am thinking I have a valid product (with an expired warranty)...just something under the "hood" is not working to allow Updates to come in. Services program tells me Update is turned on, I run Updates and it says it is not turned on and will not run.