Changing product key on cloned installation: activation problem?


  1. Posts : 1,025
    Linux Lite 3.2 x64; Windows 7, 8.1
       #1

    Changing product key on cloned installation: activation problem?


    Hi,

    I had a hard drive fail on a netbook, and I put in a drive from another of the same brand that had died for other reasons. The new drive took like fish to water - no blue screens, etc. And Windows even updated, as did MSE.

    But I'd like to make this machine honest by entering the Win7 product key that's associated with the motherboard, so the next owner will never have a problem. Will I have a problem doing that? I don't want to lose what I already have.

    Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Paul,

    You shouldn't if you use the product key on it's COA sticker. If you do for some reason, a phone activation should sort it. :)

    Product Key Number - Change
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,025
    Linux Lite 3.2 x64; Windows 7, 8.1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Ok, I'm going to tell MS that you said it's ok, Brink.. :)

    Thanks.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,025
    Linux Lite 3.2 x64; Windows 7, 8.1
    Thread Starter
       #4

    The odd thing though is that there is no "change produck key" on System. I'll try the slmgr thing.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,025
    Linux Lite 3.2 x64; Windows 7, 8.1
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Worked out fine. Took a while via command line, with no feedback, and the System applet lagged the process and had to be refreshed. But now it's activated again, with a different Product ID, and the Change Product Key command is now there.

    Thanks again.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #6

    You're most welcome. :)

    Since it was already activated, you should have used OPTION TWO instead.

    If you still have the "Change Product Key" link there like under step 3 in OPTION ONE, then it's not activated.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 21,482
    Win 7 x64 Home Premium (and x86 VirtualBox VM)/Win10
       #7

    Please post an MGADiag report - then we can see what the status really is.


    Please follow this tutorial and post an MGADiag report - then we can see what the problem is.

    https://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/234159-windows-genuine-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html


    Please also state the Version and Edition of Windows quoted on your COA sticker (if you have one) on the case of your machine (or inside the battery compartment), but do NOT quote the Key on the sticker!
    http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Hardware.aspx

    Ignore errors produced when clicking on the Copy button - they simply mean that the tool could not create the backup files for some reason. The data is still copied to the clipboard for pasting to your response.

      My Computer


 

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