Windows 7: installed it, love it, but activation???

hi there. been running 7 sucessfully (thanks to this forum) for about a month now. i now have the 'not a genuine copy' message on my desktop.

so when the reminder bubble appeared this evening i thought i'd register it. typed the key found on the inlay in and clicked next. got an error message saying this version cannot be registered for clean installs. only upgrades.

i did a clean install so does that mean i have to stick to an unregistered version?

thanks for any help in advance

Hello,

Here's what you can do: Do a Repair Install. Seeing as it is already installed, you will effectively be doing an Upgrade, and can use your key to activate.

Also see Shawn's excellent tutorial Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Hope this helps,
~JK

Yes that is one very good solution, but there is also another, which I offer only so you may choose what is best for you.

You can use the chart that I will provide, to call and activate. It will be done with a touch tone phone. If there is a problem you will be elevated to a very cooperative rep, who will activate for you.

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/e...n-centers.aspx

Very good, Rich. I have added that link as a bookmark for future reference.

ok. i may call to activate as im freshly setup and am not comfortable with another install on top as im worried it may disrupt files etc. i'll look into this later in the week as im away until the weekend. any other suggestions let me know.

thanks
Duncan

Go ahead and follow Richard's suggestion, but if you choose to take mine instead, note that the Repair Install will not touch your files and programs. It only affects the OS, nothing else.

You have been given two very good choices. Take the one that makes you the most comfortable, they both should work.

One last thing Duncan, have a blast this weekend.

You can also use Option 3 in this tutorial which doesn't require a Repair Install or a phone call:

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version