Genuine Problems--Windows is not genuine.

[Gage Willson]

I re-installed Windows 7 home premium on my refurbished optiplex 745.
Whenever I entered my product key it froze, knowing i could enter it later, i skipped that step, hear are a few snapshots of the problem:










So, if the product code on the sticker on my computer doesn't work, am i screwed into buying a new one?

 

[AddRAM]

Check the code with the online ID checker, make sure you are reading it correctly, there should be no reason it doesn`t work.

Online PIDChecker

Where did you get the 7 HP disc from ?

Did it come with the pc ?

 

[gregrocker]

If you are using the Product Key on the COA sticker and installed the same exact version then it will always activate as long as you type the correct characters. It is easy to confuse a B and 8 as well as other letters so use a magnifying glass if necessary. Taking a closeup pic with your cell phone can often help, too.

You should be following the steps to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

 

[Gage Willson]

Check the code with the online ID checker, make sure you are reading it correctly, there should be no reason it doesn`t work.

Online PIDChecker

Where did you get the 7 HP disc from ?

Did it come with the pc ?

The instalation disc came with the computer, and, ill try the code checker.

 

[Gage Willson]

Ive re-installed windows xp on my laptop just fine with a disc that didnot come with it, i bought a refurbished one for latitude but the disc that came with my win7 seems a little wonky.

 

[Gage Willson]

Hm. Maybe i am misreading it. The code is on the side of my computer because it was refurbished, not on the cd.

Is it cap sensitive?

 

[gregrocker]

Ive re-installed windows xp on my laptop just fine with a disc that didnot come with it, i bought a refurbished one for latitude but the disc that came with my win7 seems a little wonky.

The latest official installer with SP1 is provided in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 . I suggest you start over and follow the steps in tutorial, examine the Product Key under a magnifying glass before or after taking a close-up picture to be certain of the characters.

Win7 is not installed the same as XP at all, so be sure to read about the differences.

 

[AddRAM]

It`s saying the key is invalid, so you must be entering or reading it wrong.

And use capitol letters. You have to enter it exactly how it is on the COA

I also agree with Greg, download the Windows 7 Home Premium iso, burn to disc and use that to install windows

How are you activating XP ?

What operating system is listed on the COA ?

Windows 7 or XP ?

 

[lffoar]

Maybe too simple but I know zero and the letter O can be confused easily.

 

[Gage Willson]

Oh. the coa sticker says windwos vista, why did my computer come with 7 then?
An i certainly dont have enough money to get a new copy,

 

[gregrocker]

You may have a legal copy which key can be retrieved using the method in http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164 if you still have Win7 on the drive or in a backup image you can apply.

Are you using the Vista key or a Win 7 product key which was otherwise provided?

You can ask the seller for the key since it is a crime to sell pirated software. He may have a replacement key.

Otherwise you'd need to buy a Win7 Home Prem key which runs about $89 on Tiger Direct. Don't buy it from any lesser retailer.

Or you can reinstall Vista with that key using the Same steps but with the Vista ISO - Download and Create Installation DVD or USB. With such a perfect install it is a tolerable OS.

 

[Gage Willson]

The computer even came with a win7 licensed refurbisher only reinstall disc.

 

[AddRAM]

No wonder the key shows as invalid, you are entering a Vista key to try and activate Windows 7.

You need the windows 7 key that goes with your disc, the seller should have provided it, can you contact them ?

If not you may have to re install Vista

Check your key again with the PID Checker and make sure you change the Product Type to Vista