Windows 7 - I can't activate my 3rd copy of a 3 license pack

I am new to this forum so please forgive me if I violate any forum protocols. I have a 3 license Win 7 Home Premium upgrade pack and have been running it on two computers for some time. On one of these computers, Win 7 failed and I had to reinstall it. On the other, the motherboard failed but Win 7 worked OK with the new motherboard after it checked itself to see if it was valid.

Now I am trying to upgrade a third computer from XP to my 3rd copy of Win 7. Installation is no problem but activation fails on-line and the automated telephone system tells me I am trying to exceed the number of copies on my license.

Where can I go for a solution to this problem? I want to use this computer as a media center in conjunction with a large screen TV and I don't really want to buy a new Windows license. I could use Linux but there are certain aspects of playing HD videos with Media Player that suit me better.

Jerry

Hello Jerry,

I'm assuming that this is a Family Pack version of Windows 7.

Are you able to get a operator to help you get it activated when doing the phone activation?

This is the family pack version. I have not been able to get to a live person during phone activation. I get the message that I can't activate multiple copies and get no further options. I have done a lot of Windows installs, starting with Windows 3.0, and I haven't had a problem like this before.

Added information: All copies of Win XP used for upgrade of my computers to Win 7 are completely legitimate.

Depending on what activation error you got, you might see if you may be able to use from step 2 on in OPTION THREE in the tutorial below to activate it.

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

When I try to activate on-line, I get the message that my key cannot be used to activate this product. When I try to activate with the automated telephone system, I am informed that my license does not allow any additional activations, although only two of copies in my 3 license pack have been activated. I can't find any way to get to a person, either by phone or by e-mail. My installation is an upgrade from Win XP so I think that the information in the tutorial does not apply in this case.

Jerry

I was finally able to talke to a real Microsoft person and got the activation numbers. The secret is to call the toll-free activation number and just sit and say absolutely nothing until a person finally answers. This takes a while.

Jerry

Try the telephone activation wizard again, but don't input any information when prompted and you should then get through to someone you can talk to.

It seems that what you are experiencing is a common problem that is triggered by answering with the figure 2 when asked how many computers you've installed the software on.

Edit: just seen your post.

That's great news Jerry.