What can I do

z1llverdusttt · Jul 3, 2010

Ok, So I bought this computer from Best Buy and had to reformat my computer due to some kind of software issue that was causing my router to lock up blah blah.

Anyway, I used a windows 7 disc I had for another computer and I used the key that came with the computer (I had to search the registry to find the key because I didn't buy the recovery discs...stupid me.) So I have the key and it's telling me my key isn't genuine and I called microsoft to have them help me activate and the lady told me she couldn't help me and that I need to call the tech support there which is open from certain times. Which is no biggie but If I can have this answered here I would rather do it myself.

It gives me this code when I try and activate it. error code 0xC004F063

I read a couple things about needing to update my bios and I'm not sure how to do that.

Thanks for the help.

danieladam · Jul 3, 2010

Typically means your now 7 computer isn't reading the vista-hardware license from probably the motherboard. Assuming you didn't change any hardware. I have a vista-based laptop (HP) and I installed a Retail version of Windows 7 without that error, is the disk your using an update disk from the other computer? Are you using a torrented version?

z1llverdusttt · Jul 3, 2010

It's an upgrade disc although I just used it to reformat.

I bought the laptop from best buy with windows 7 on it originally.

No it's an actual windows disc not one that was made for another computer or a torrent.

Thanks for the fast reply!

danieladam · Jul 3, 2010

What brand computer?

z1llverdusttt · Jul 3, 2010

HP Pavillion DV7 3165DX

danieladam · Jul 3, 2010

Well, you should have been able to choose what partition to install windows on, which still means that there is your Recovery Drive. In that case you should be able to restart the computer and get into recovery mode and do a factory reset instead of an upgrade, in any case, I've never did an "upgrade" install of windows 7 which could be the problem. Basically your error code means Windows Pro cannot acquire a license from your Windows Home computer. You can try upgrading the BIOS with the ones available on the HP website, but it might not work. I suggest a clean install, and that way you don't have all the crap HP puts on there. If it is a license issue I have absolutely no idea personally, at first glance I would go online chat with HP and let them remote-control and fidget with it to get a good look at whats going on. When I get frustrated with tedious problems I just let them do it sometimes. It's what they are paid for.

z1llverdusttt · Jul 3, 2010

Thanks alot danieladam, I will go ahead and try with HP first.
One more question, my recovery drive says that there are no previous versions meaning when I reformatted I didn't overwrite the first one correct?

danieladam · Jul 3, 2010

No previous versions means it has not been changed so thats correct. I check my mail every so often when I'm online so I'll wait for a reply and I'll comment back. They might suggest reformatting once again so just be aware of that but this time it would be a factory reset not upgrade.

z1llverdusttt · Jul 3, 2010

Right thanks, Factory settings is fine with me as long as it's activated.

Bill2 · Jul 3, 2010

1) If your computer came with win7 pre-installed and pre-activated, it would have a rainbow sticker at the back of the machine with a key on it. You can activate your new install by calling MS and using that key.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html

The product key is stored in the registry in encrypted form, you cannot use that.

2) Go to the HP website and under "Support and Drivers", enter your computer model no. or you can let it auto-detect. Then look for the link called "Order recovery disks". They are cheap, just $10-20.

z1llverdusttt · Jul 3, 2010

Thank you for that information also!

I tried getting information off the sticker but it seems to be a little bit destroyed

is there any other way to get it off of my computer?

merkat106 · Jul 3, 2010

Hi

Take this as my opinion, but Ive delt with mant HPs. Do HP's recovery (f11 at boot), then if you don't want their bloatware you can uninstall all of it. In this way, you will be using the 7 license you got with HP.

Use PC Decrapifier to remove the programs. But before you do read this:
Using HP Recovery Manager in Windows 7 HP Pavilion dv7-3165dx Entertainment Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

danieladam · Jul 3, 2010

You don't need to spend money for recovery with HP, whether or not you can get into recovery mode or not. It has a recovery partition for a reason, you either can at startup from on of the function buttons, or you can download recovery ISOs for each version of windows. I have both Vista and 7 recover disks (32 and 64 for both) as ISOs stored on my external hard drive and on CDs for "just in case" reasons.

Bill2 · Jul 3, 2010

z1llverdusttt said:
Thank you for that information also!

I tried getting information off the sticker but it seems to be a little bit destroyed is there any other way to get it off of my computer?

Thats strange. No, theres no way to get it off your computer. You may be able to get it from HP if you provide them with proof of ownership, serial number of the machine etc.

z1llverdusttt · Jul 3, 2010

Bill2, I assume it's from wear and tear. It's more of a hard to read kind thing and not a somebody ripped it off thing

Trying that now danieladam.

Ah I have to register.

Bill2 · Jul 3, 2010

z1llverdusttt said:
Bill2, I assume it's from wear and tear. It's more of a hard to read kind thing and not a somebody ripped it off thing

Trying that now danieladam.

Ah I have to register.

From reading danieldam's latest post, it appears this is an illegal patch /crack. Please do NOT use it, Please buy a genuine copy.

z1llverdusttt · Jul 3, 2010

Ah I see, glad I stuck to my instincts.
What I will probably do is go ahead and reformat and uninstall the things I do not need and either make my own recovery disc or purchase them.

I'll have to see what I can do about that sticker though, it's quite important.

Also, thanks for the help I really appreciate the help I get from this website

merkat106 · Jul 3, 2010

z1llverdusttt said:
Ah I see, glad I stuck to my instincts.
What I will probably do is go ahead and reformat and uninstall the things I do not need and either make my own recovery disc or purchase them.

I'll have to see what I can do about that sticker though, it's quite important.

Also, thanks for the help I really appreciate the help I get from this website

Good idea.

Refer to my earlier post

Hi

Take this as my opinion, but Ive delt with mant HPs. Do HP's recovery (f11 at boot), then if you don't want their bloatware you can uninstall all of it. In this way, you will be using the 7 license you got with HP.

Use PC Decrapifier to remove the programs. But before you do read this:
Using HP Recovery Manager in Windows 7 HP Pavilion dv7-3165dx Entertainment Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Also contact HP, like Bill2 said, and ask them about getting a key.

gregrocker · Jul 3, 2010

HP Support is required by MS to provide a readable COA sticker with Product Key for your licensed Win7 version. Have them provide it, then activate your clean install. I would hold out for this as it's in their contract with MS to use their OS.

If this fails, Have you tried to run the HP Recovery partition? Go to HP support downloads webpage for your model and read the manual to find out how to run it, or tap the key given on first boot screen.

Once you have run it, use Magical Jellybean AND Belarc Advisor to audit and cross-check the Product Key from the HD. Then make your Recovery Disks from the Recovery partition which will have the utility restored which makes Recov Disks from within Windows 7. Test to make sure they boot and are ready to restore.

Now at your leisure boot the Win7 DVD, use Diskpart from the Command Line to clean the HD, CUstom Install using Drive Options to partition and format before install. Install your licensed version waiting to insert key at Computer>Properties link. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52129-disk-clean-clean-all-diskpart-command.html

You can use this tutorial to extract favorite apps like Works from the HP Recov disks: http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...are-after-clean-win-7-install.html#post488270

z1llverdusttt · Jul 4, 2010

Got this taken care of thanks to Bill2 and his great suggestion about the key on the back of my computer.
The sticker looked messed up at night but I could see the key in the light.

Thanks for support!

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