Windows 7: What can I do

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.

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?

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!

What brand computer?

HP Pavillion DV7 3165DX

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.

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?

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.

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

1) If your computer came with Windows 7 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.

Activate Windows 7 by Phone

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.