Solved WIN7 7601 error on GENUINE WIN7

[realeyes]

PLEASE CAN SOMEONE HELP?


GENUINE WIN7 NO LONGER GENUINE.

My genuine win7 now has the error code 7601, with annoying pop-ups saying it isn't genuine any more and some months later the updates stopped too.


Win7 was installed Jan 2010 part of the sales promotion with my new Acer Aspire 2920. This had to be a clean installed as Acer cocked up, my laptop wasn't win7 happy, lost all Acer programs and extras on the keyboard and it corrupted my Factory reset that had Vista Home Premium, and cannot reinstall it. Anyway after help on this forum a clean install of win7 all worked fine until last year.


I started getting annoying pop ups saying my windows was not genuine. I wrote to Microsoft, because I was still getting updates okay. Problem was not solved, tossed backwards and forwards between Acer and Microsoft. Anyway, updates now blocked also. Totally fed up and shoved laptop in a cubard.



Acer say they do not sell counterfeits. Telephoned Acer but they want £139 to fix it by installing a different anti virus - that I see is free from Microsoft with a valid win7 code!!! (I use AVG) :shock:

I am so depressed by this ongoing situation, I hid my now newish laptop in a cuboard and been using my old 2006 snail laptop for the last 8 months. It took me two years to save up and buy this, and so far it is one bad story of tech issues after another.

I am not really technically minded, yet hopefully managed to do the copy bit right of my info. I would so appreciate it if I had an answer to this and stop the nagging pop up saying it isn't genuine coming up every 2 mins.

If this doesn't work, I still have my receipt from the people Acer used and will send it in to Microsoft for them to check if it is a counterfeit - which I very much doubt. Between Microsoft and Acer methinks there is money to be made with all these issues. I have just read another thread with the same problem, so if ever I need to reinstall these issues may arise again....... sigh....


If anyone can help, I would so appreciate it and be ever so grateful.

Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 50
Cached Online Validation Code: 0xc004c4a7
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-J2TFH-8GWMV-2XQ7B
Windows Product Key Hash: ufXmNjGkE+Ee94ZJOQqh2ae8tTs=
Windows Product ID: 00359-OEM-8882286-09095
Windows Product ID Type: 3
Windows License Type: OEM System Builder
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003
ID: {096B844C-5108-4CC1-BA27-1E6ECB7A39E0}(1)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Home Premium
Architecture: 0x00000000
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.110408-1631
TTS Error: 
Validation Diagnostic: 
Resolution Status: N/A

Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: 2.0.48.0
OGAExec.exe Signed By: Microsoft
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: Microsoft

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 109 N/A
OGA Version: Registered, 2.0.48.0
Signed By: Microsoft
Office Diagnostics: B4D0AA8B-604-645_B4D0AA8B-604-645_025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{096B844C-5108-4CC1-BA27-1E6ECB7A39E0}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003</OS><Architecture>x32</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-2XQ7B</PKey><PID>00359-OEM-8882286-09095</PID><PIDType>3</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-2803302366-1490296234-1289157665</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>Acer           </Manufacturer><Model>Aspire 2920                    </Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>Phoenix Technologies LTD</Manufacturer><Version>V1.13          </Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="4"/><Date>20080214000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>B5993F07018400FA</HWID><UserLCID>0809</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>GMT Standard Time(GMT+00:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>ACRSYS</OEMID><OEMTableID>ACRPRDCT</OEMTableID></OEM><GANotification><File Name="OGAAddin.dll" Version="2.0.48.0"/></GANotification></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>109</Result><Products/><Applications/></Office></Software></GenuineResults>  

Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002

Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514

Name: Windows(R) 7, HomePremium edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, OEM_COA_NSLP channel
Activation ID: 9f83d90f-a151-4665-ae69-30b3f63ec659
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00359-00176-822-809095-02-2057-7601.0000-1682012
Installation ID: 014696672311882961389365560693962462341822369612419643
Processor Certificate URL: [URL]http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338[/URL]
Machine Certificate URL: [URL]http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339[/URL]
Use License URL: [URL]http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341[/URL]
Product Key Certificate URL: [URL]http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340[/URL]
Partial Product Key: 2XQ7B
License Status: Notification
Notification Reason: 0xC004F200 (non-genuine).
Remaining Windows rearm count: 4
Trusted time: 16/06/2012 17:27:37

Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0x80072EFD
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 6:16:2012 16:57
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:


HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: MgAAAAEABAABAAIAAAABAAAAAQABAAEAJJRwlPim/JBGg8Sp7vM+2TI49DVetgKCKoU=

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes
Windows marker version: 0x0
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: yes
BIOS Information: 
  ACPI Table Name    OEMID Value    OEMTableID Value
  APIC            PTLTD              APIC  
  FACP            INTEL         CRESTLNE
  HPET            INTEL         CRESTLNE
  BOOT            PTLTD         $SBFTBL$
  MCFG            INTEL         CRESTLNE
  TCPA            Intel          CRESTLN
  TMOR            PTLTD                 
  SLIC            ACRSYS        ACRPRDCT
  SSDT            SataRe        SataPri
  SSDT            SataRe        SataPri
  SSDT            SataRe        SataPri
  SSDT            SataRe        SataPri
  SSDT            SataRe        SataPri
  SSDT            SataRe        SataPri

 

[realeyes]

Good morning - Happy Fathers Day to all the dads that may be reading this.

I was so hoping someone would reply to my thread.

Please can someone explain to me what the diagnostic data means that I have pasted above yesterday?

Does anyone have any solutions as to how I can reinstate my genuine win7 back to being genuine again?

Has this got anything to do with it being an Acer upgrade from Vista? Should I be using my old Vista Product Key for Win 7? I am highly confused.

 

[Britton30]

You should have been supplied a Windows 7 Key from Acer when they installed it, the Vista key won't work. Have you tried going through the activation process that is presented?

 

[realeyes]

You should have been supplied a Windows 7 Key from Acer when they installed it, the Vista key won't work. Have you tried going through the activation process that is presented?

Thanks for replying back. Yes I used the new key from Acer, all worked well for over a year, then suddenly microsoft decided it was no longer genuine?

I have been on microsoft website, and if I have understood them right, they say I had to have vista overlaid with win7 rather than a clean install of win7. I cannot do this because my Vista is totally corrupt due to Acer not realising my laptop was not compatible and should not have had the Win7 promotion with it when I purchased it.

Acer were meant to send me new Vista discs to correct the corruption, but didn't. They did finally send me another disc for win7 that was most unhelpful. I have even tried this product key that has not been used or opened, yet microsoft refuses to see this key as genuine either.

I found on a forum that Acer have some sort of patch to stop the irritating messages that win7 is not genuine - but all it does is hide the problem from sight rather than fix the real problem.

I wonder if microsoft have decided to invalidate all win7 sp1 upgrades? As I said earlier, all was well for over a year. I am the only one using this product key to my knowledge and Acer have assured me they do not sell counterfeits.

I seem to be stuck in a no mans land, left with a useless laptop that cost me £400!

Can anyone see on the diagnostics what the problem is? This would be most helpful before I once again go to microsoft. If you could highlight from the diagnostics what the problem is, this would be great, as all these tech readings mean nothing to me.

Many thanks.

 

[NoelDP]

The installation is counterfeit, I'm afraid -
you have a machine manufactured in 2008 using an OEM_SLP Key for Windows 7.
Such Keys require a BIOS SLIC table which is inserted by teh manufacturer - yours is valid only for Vista.
You will have to either purchase a legal Retail copy of WIndows 7 or revert back to the original OS with which teh machine shipped, preferably using the manufacturer's Recovery Media.

 

[realeyes]

The installation is counterfeit, I'm afraid -
you have a machine manufactured in 2008 using an OEM_SLP Key for Windows 7.
Such Keys require a BIOS SLIC table which is inserted by teh manufacturer - yours is valid only for Vista.
You will have to either purchase a legal Retail copy of WIndows 7 or revert back to the original OS with which teh machine shipped, preferably using the manufacturer's Recovery Media.

Thank you so much for reply and this isn't personal to you, but I am quite close to tears with absolute frustration.

My computer was sold to me with a promotion for Win7 as soon as it was to be released via a deal Acer did with microsoft. My disc came from Acer and included in original price of purchase of the laptop (£400).

I have paid for this plus extra for postage. I do not understand how this is counterfeit????

I cannot reinstall Vista, my discs do not work any longer. Factory reset (hidden patition) also corrupt due to loading win7 Acer's specific way. I was told I had to clean install - which I did that made the laptop work perfectly for a year.

So, please forgive me for being stupid - but how can any of the above be counterfeit? This sounds like a blooming big commercial financial gain for microsoft and Acer. So, it would seem I have a laptop that is totally stuffed and useless, as Vista isn't accepted nor is my win7 - both genuine products from the manufacter.

You mention I need a different BIOS - ACER demands I pay £139 for a quick fix but on other forums it still doesn't solve the problem.

How do I change the BIOS?????

Would I be better sending my disc in to microsoft as a counterfeit? Please advise. I feel completely robbed of £400. I am having to use my old snail laptop, this really isn't fair and bad buisness pratice from Acer and Microsoft.

 

[realeyes]

If you have read this thread and are knowlegable with either consumer laws, Microsoft or Acer, can you please give me some advice as to how I go about getting this win7 problem resolved - like 'who' do I contact????

I have no money spare to pay high tech fees - nor morally should I have to pay more as this was all in the purchase price I paid in good faith.

I really repect your advice on this forum.

I suppose what I am getting at, who is responsible for the 'promotion' I was sold too?

 

[NoelDP]

Your only real solution is to revert back to the original OS provided by Acer - Vista.
The disk you have used is not a legitimate upgrade disk, it's a Recovery disk for Windows 7.
The proper Upgrade disks from all manufacturers for machines which qualified were OEM System Builder disks with the appropriate Keys on COA stickers which were supposed to be attached to the machine when installed.

If you never had such a sticker and Key, then you did not get the proper upgrade disk, but merely a Recovery disk for the WIn7 model of your machine - which cannot properly be activated.

In such cases you can try complaining to Acer about it - but it's only worthwhile doing so if you have records of your orders and other correspondence regarding the upgrade offer.

 

[realeyes]

Hello NoelIDP,
Thank you for replying. I do have all the reciepts and letters dated when the problem arose and then escalated.

I have just been on the telephone with Acer who inform me my drivers are all out of date (due to corrupting my original vista on the laptop) and regardless if I get another disc from microsoft it will not resolve the problem. Acer charge for these remote driver updates.

I have now been advised from a sympathetic tech at Acer to telephone a number tomorrow, as this problem arose while still under warrenty. It is not in warrenty now.

I was sent two discs from ACER, the first with all the OEM's etc as you state, is what crashed the machine and took 40 hours to load. I was then told to reload with the other disc that didn't have the tags. This, I am now learning is where all the problems have arisen to.

ACER did send me another disc last year of win7 - Acer tech just tried this number (package unopened) yet still reads not genuine. I suspect this is not an uncommon issue. I am thinking of writing a complaint to the consumers departments.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I will update IF I get any success.

Please, if anyone has any other advise, post it here, I will keep checking to see.

 

[NoelDP]

Please post a new MGADiag report - if the tech attempted to change teh Key, then it should show.

 

[realeyes]

Well I thought I was getting somewhere with my last post. Today has not started well.

Just spoke to Acer (another department) and have been catagorically told this is not their problem but Microsoft.

Due to upgrading to Win7 I invalidated any help from Acer, and invalidated my Vista windows. I was never told when I purchased this laptop that all warrentys were invalid if I upgraded.

The bummer of this story, I have three genuine windows discs (1 Vista & 2 Win7) all now invalidated by Microsoft and being told I need to purchase again another one!!!!

Acer says the BIOS (that reads Vista) is nothing to do with them. The moment one upgrades all manufacturer support finishes.

QUESTION: Will a new win7 disc rectify the BIOS vista reading? I was told yesterday by tech it wouldn't without a manufacterer's tech and Acer is refusing to help. Also the Acer drivers that don't work anymore due to win7, there are no upgrades for these as this laptop was never compatible with win7, so only Vista version drives available. Tech yesterday told me I will still encounter problems while the drivers are not working.

Is it time to throw my 400 pound unused laptop in the bin???? and save for another 2 years until I can purchase another laptop. I feel totally robbed.

I will never purchase a computer that offers upgrades ever again. Please take note and save yourself from ending up with a computer that is absolutely useless.

Any suggestions would be great.

 

[NoelDP]

I'm not at all surprised by Acer's response - but I am disappointed by it.
It's also possibly illegal, depending on your country's comsumer protection laws.
Lets sort out exactly what disks you have.
Your computer came with Vista installed - and presumably a Vista Recovery partition.

Is the Vista disk one that came with the machine, or what?

You say you have two Windows 7 disks.
All Windows 7 retail packs (both Upgrade and Full) include 2 disks - the 32-bit and 64-bit install disks. The Key is on a POL sticker on a card inside the packaging
Windows 7 OEM System Builder packs come with only one disk. (with phrasing 'Only for installation on a new PC' or words to that efect). The Key is on a COA sticker intended to be stuck on the computer case
Manufacturer's disks will only have the one 'bitness', but could comprise a number of disks, and will/should state the manufacturer's name on the disk. There is not usually any Key, but the Free Upgrade offer ones do have a COA sticker for attaching to the case.

look here for details of the MS disks.... How to Tell - What to look for


Exactly which category do each of your install disks and Keys fall into?

 

[realeyes]

I'm not at all surprised by Acer's response - but I am disappointed by it.
It's also possibly illegal, depending on your country's comsumer protection laws.
Lets sort out exactly what disks you have.
Your computer came with Vista installed - and presumably a Vista Recovery partition.

Is the Vista disk one that came with the machine, or what?

You say you have two Windows 7 disks.
All Windows 7 retail packs (both Upgrade and Full) include 2 disks - the 32-bit and 64-bit install disks. The Key is on a POL sticker on a card inside the packaging
Windows 7 OEM System Builder packs come with only one disk. (with phrasing 'Only for installation on a new PC' or words to that efect). The Key is on a COA sticker intended to be stuck on the computer case
Manufacturer's disks will only have the one 'bitness', but could comprise a number of disks, and will/should state the manufacturer's name on the disk. There is not usually any Key, but the Free Upgrade offer ones do have a COA sticker for attaching to the case.

look here for details of the MS disks.... How to Tell - What to look for


Exactly which category do each of your install disks and Keys fall into?

Hello Noel - bless you for replying.

Vista was pre-installed. I made back-up DVD copies when activating. I have Vista product key on back of laptop. My Vista disc will not work due to upgrading to Win7 (Vista recovery partition corrupt due to upgrade and does not work).

Acer today told me it is illegal to go back to Vista because it was upgraded to Win7 and it is illegal for them to send me the original discs to reinstall allowing me to then follow Microsofts tech info on how to resolve the upgrade problem. Vista key product is apparently no longer valid. (Have not tried)

Win7 discs HmPrm UPG fulfill. I have two individual packages, both with COA stickers on the cardboard packaging. 1 has been used (for laptop), other still unopen.

Each packet came with two discs both with Acer printed on them.

DISC 1 contains: 'Acer Upgrade DVD', 'acer upgrade wizard', 'Applications, drivers for Win7. Please note: This is the disc that was to overlay win7 over Vista - that would have corrected the BIOS to now Win7 (I believe). My Acer laptop was not compatible for this upgrade (Acer big cock-up) that corrupted Recovery section.

DISC 2 contains: 'Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Media 32 bit software only'. This is the 'boot disc' with a clean install of Win7.

Due to laptop not being compatible disc 1 didn't install properly. To rectify this, I was told to just use disc 2 to create a clean install of Win7 loosing all programs, webcam and some port settings that belonged to Acer. Win7 Activation accepted by Microsoft. Months later due to a windows update, it suddenly told me it was no longer genuine.

My second Win 7 that has never been used. I typed in product key yesterday yet also comes up as not genuine.

I have reciepts for all the above. As well as copies of emails, letters etc to Acer and Microsoft re this problem spanning a year!

If you need anymore info, please let me know.

Thank you so much for helping.

 

[NoelDP]

Acer today told me it is illegal to go back to Vista because it was upgraded to Win7 and it is illegal for them to send me the original discs to reinstall allowing me to then follow Microsofts tech info on how to resolve the upgrade problem. Vista key product is apparently no longer valid. (Have not tried)
.

Acer are not only wrong they are lying.
Your Vista Key is permanently attached to your computer and permanently valid for it.
It is NOT illegal for them to send you the recovery disk for your PC - but it is inconvenient, and they may have run out of stock.

Win7 discs HmPrm UPG fulfill.
OK - this is the important one.
These appear to be the proper disks for the Win7 Free Upgrade program.

Check the sticker on the packs - the Keys should be different (Did you ever get the one for the laptop to activate, or not? If so, then you can not use that Key for this purpose)

They should also be different to the one in the report.

Try recreating the Licensing store, installing the Key, and then activating by phone.


Please first try recreating the Licensing Store.
Recreate the Licensing Store
1) Click Start button.
2) Type: CMD.exe into the 'Search programs and files' field
3) Right-Click on CMD.exe and select Run as Administrator
4) Type: net stop sppsvc (It may ask you if you are sure, select yes)
Note: the Software Protection service may not be running, this is ok.
5) Type: cd %windir%\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SoftwareProtectionPlatform
6) Type: rename tokens.dat tokens.bar
7) Type: cd %windir%\system32
8) Type: net start sppsvc
9) Type: slui.exe
10) After a couple of seconds Windows Activation dialog will appear. You may be asked to re-activate and/or re-enter your product key or Activation may occur automatically.
If you are asked for your Key, use the one on the COA sticker on the appropriate Win7 pack
Try internt activation first - if that fails, try Telephone activation.


telephone activation (operator calls)
Click on the Start button
in the Search box, type
SLUI 4
and hit the Enter key
follow the instructions - but when asked which service you require by the
telephone ansafone, do NOT reply - this should force an operator to respond, who can deal with you

Reboot and Post back with a new MGADiag report

 

[realeyes]

Thank you Noel so much for this info - most useful.

Quick question, when following the below instructions do I need to put in the unopened Win7 disc while doing the instructions?

Also, yesterday, we tried using the product key in the licensing section in system properties - Microsoft refused this product key saying it wasn't genuine. I was sent this disc a year ago - so maybe it is too old to work????

OR Will the below instructions do something different?

Ps. Yes my above diagnostics was for the other Win7 disc that is presently installed.

Acer today told me it is illegal to go back to Vista because it was upgraded to Win7 and it is illegal for them to send me the original discs to reinstall allowing me to then follow Microsofts tech info on how to resolve the upgrade problem. Vista key product is apparently no longer valid. (Have not tried)
.

Acer are not only wrong they are lying.
Your Vista Key is permanently attached to your computer and permanently valid for it.
It is NOT illegal for them to send you the recovery disk for your PC - but it is inconvenient, and they may have run out of stock.

Win7 discs HmPrm UPG fulfill.
OK - this is the important one.
These appear to be the proper disks for the Win7 Free Upgrade program.

Check the sticker on the packs - the Keys should be different (Did you ever get the one for the laptop to activate, or not? If so, then you can not use that Key for this purpose)

They should also be different to the one in the report.

Try recreating the Licensing store, installing the Key, and then activating by phone.


Please first try recreating the Licensing Store.
Recreate the Licensing Store
1) Click Start button.
2) Type: CMD.exe into the 'Search programs and files' field
3) Right-Click on CMD.exe and select Run as Administrator
4) Type: net stop sppsvc (It may ask you if you are sure, select yes)
Note: the Software Protection service may not be running, this is ok.
5) Type: cd %windir%\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SoftwareProtectionPlatform
6) Type: rename tokens.dat tokens.bar
7) Type: cd %windir%\system32
8) Type: net start sppsvc
9) Type: slui.exe
10) After a couple of seconds Windows Activation dialog will appear. You may be asked to re-activate and/or re-enter your product key or Activation may occur automatically.
If you are asked for your Key, use the one on the COA sticker on the appropriate Win7 pack
Try internt activation first - if that fails, try Telephone activation.


telephone activation (operator calls)
Click on the Start button
in the Search box, type
SLUI 4
and hit the Enter key
follow the instructions - but when asked which service you require by the
telephone ansafone, do NOT reply - this should force an operator to respond, who can deal with you

Reboot and Post back with a new MGADiag report

 

[realeyes]

Hi Noel,
Just noticed your asked another question. The Win7 was activated and worked well last year. Then I got an updated one day and it was deemed no longer valid, the message was saying something like there was one user already on this product key. This person was me! This has to do with something in the BIOS readout, where the muck is. My Bios is still reading Vista.

I tried activating yesterday the Win7 already installed in my laptop over the telephone punching in lots of numbers - but it came back not genuine.

Would it be an idea just to send this installed disc back to microsoft under counterfeit and they send me another one? I say this, because if I ever have to reboot the laptop, will I get all these problems again?

 

[NoelDP]

The BIOS has NOTHING to do with any problems experienced by a genuine COA Key. It only causes problems with the OEM_SLP Key.
Yes, internet activation frequently fails because the Key is 'in use' - this usually merely means that you have to activate by telephone and speak to an operator.

No, you don't need to put the disk in the machine - all the rebuild does is extract the various licenses required from storage, and perform some verification routines and algorithms on then to construct the data required for activation.
DO NOT use the same Key that was activated on the laptop for this machine - that one is now locked forever to the laptop.

 

[realeyes]

DO NOT use the same Key that was activated on the laptop for this machine - that one is now locked forever to the laptop.

Hi Noel,

(1) I Just want to be crystal clear before I follow the instructions. Which key are you referring to, to NOT use? The old Vista Key, or the present Win7 key which have both been activated in the past.

(2) Shall I use the brand new key that has never been activated or loaded? (Yet was refused yesterday as being genuine when doing the internet activation) not via the method of instructions you have since supplied.

(3) Which one is locked forever on the laptop? The Vista or Win7?

Sorry if these are silly questions, I am not a techy and want to make things absolutely clear so I can follow your instructions to the 'T'. Smile.

Thanks again for all this help! I blow a big kiss to you.

 

[NoelDP]

Your Vista Key can only be used with the Vista OS on that machine.
The Key you activated on the laptop can only be used on the laptop.
You should use the Key from the other upgrade package.

 

[realeyes]

Thank you Noel!

Do I put the new key into the system properties before following your instructions? Or wait till it asks?