Solved Having Trouble Running "System File Checker (SFC)"!

[Layback Bear]

rubyrubyroo could you increase your font size on your post. It would make them a lot easier to read.

After all the members help and things that have been done and checked make me think that this from my post #30 applies.

Well your down to a Clean Install unless someone else has some more ideas.

 

[rubyrubyroo]

...my sanity is trying to fly away, I do believe....

rubyrubyroo could you increase your font size on your post. It would make them a lot easier to read.

Yes, of course, Layback Bear! I will gladly do my best to comply with any reasonable request made by any of my helpful friends here at SF!

The explanation for my nagging text-size problem is deeply rooted in just plain old bad habits! It goes something like this: I usually start to type my replies using the SF editor(s) in the associated text-area, and then at some point, since I'm absolutely terrible at spelling, esp. when I'm trying to write quickly from my internal thoughts, I copy the text to MSWord or a similar knock-off to run a spell-check. Then I C/P it all back to the online editor text-area and quickly preview it and hen post it. (The built in spell option has a tendency to cause what I will call "crazy-talk" where it really messes with the text to say the least lately for me anyway!) Anyway, doing it this way I find that it adds a set of [.FONT=Times New Roman][./FONT] (minus the periods of course) that encapsulate every line of text separately. TimesNR is not an available font in the font's window, and thus it reads as an empty/null font name and size when I click on it. It becomes problematic when I try to adjust this (smaller text) from the advanced online reply editor area though. For example, if I set the (empty) text size to four point it places [.SIZE=3][./SIZE] around every line of text AND often breaks quotes up because of where the BB-Code is placed relative to the quote tags, etc. The same goes for “fixing” the font by changing it to, say, "Verdana". It also makes further editing really more difficult because of similar nestled-BB code w/in other BB code..."it starts getting rather deep, as I find myself in brackets up to my knees!"

I realize that I should be either starting off by typing my answer in Word using the proper font and size to alleviate the problem before it gains any momentum like that, but I just keep forgetting in my haste (even though it probably doesn't qualify as "Hasty" by most anyone else’s standards! I realize I'm just not a very good typist in the speed department either!) Still, you are absolutely right, ease of legibility is as important as spelling, actually more important in most cases, and it's all caused by a bad habit that I could, should and WILL be correcting now that you've drawn my attention to it! Thank you, Layback Bear, for pointing it out, I'll truly make every effort to discontinue this poor habit that I've developed with this font/size issue, fair enough?!

By the way, I think the numerical sizes available here at SF using the advanced options drop-down selection-box, which includes only two (2) through five (5), must be related to something like HTML "+" or relative size values possibly? I'm not quite sure, but this post should be equivalent to "Verdana, 12-point" which is what I changed it all to using MSWord, just prior to C/P-ing it back and it looks like it’s right in the "preview post" portion of my browser window anyway. If it ends up looking correct, then I'll know for future reference...

Thanks again for making the suggestion as I'm sure it IS rather annoying for people to constantly read tiny-big-tiny-big-tiny...squinting and everything!:shock:





((ACTUALLY...SCRATCH THAT!!... ...UPDATE!!!)): This way sucks even worse (on my end for sure)! Look at what I'm trying to fix a few subtle errors in! It's like it's going tag-crazy by trying set the font or size after-the-fact and put them everywhere when were almost none before I tried to fix the problem!

I realize I can use "replace" and so forth, but that shouldn't have to be something that I'm having to hassle with for most of my posts! And you can see where it messes up the quotations like in the second quote that’s coming-up next from Layback Bear and similar "encapsulated" BB-code tags (like I had to fix the [.CODE][./CODE] at the bottom of the page, which was just part of a joke anyway; but, because a pair of [.FONT] tags started before the first [.CODE] and the “ended” or “closed” before the [./CODE] was encountered, it closed the code and reopened it by inserting a new pair around the closed one in reverse order.... It's clearly, really hard to explain, but it's just a major hassle I can't deal with, or only partially for now! I wish the stupid inline spell check software wasn't about equally as bad in it’s final product! I’ve tried updating that too, but maybe I should uninstall it and try to install it again. I dunno!...I’m really getting irritated now (Sorry!)

After all the members help and things that have been done and checked make me think that this from my post #30 applies.

Well your down to a Clean Install unless someone else has some more ideas.

I feel quite obligated to point out that since post #30, which you referenced, a number of considerably intelligent and excellent problem-solving "someone else’s" HAVE actually had many more important ideas to try, and banged their heads together back-and-forth behind-the-scenes as well with other highly competent members of various "specialties". I simply feel that your statement insinuates (albeit unintentionally) that their subsequent work and time-invested has been somewhat insulted and/or diminished to some degree by the way it might come across to some people. I'm not trying to make something out of nothing, here, please understand that, but my respect for these members makes me feel it was necessary to point this out - I'm hoping you understand what I'm saying, and realize that I mean no disrespect to you! I absolutely DO appreciate everything that you've done within this thread (and behind-the-scenes as well)! I would have added that no matter who said it, out of that very respect for everyone that invested their time, including on your behalf! Hopefully that makes some type of sense.

That said, I do agree that a Clean Install is the way I want to go at this point, with an emphasis on the "CLEAN" part. I hate to have something lingering behind after a fix, unbeknownst to me, that will cause future problems! I will also make the similar point, once again, that I'm a little trepidatiousabout not completely knowing what the source of the whole problem really was with much certainty, since it could reoccur if it's cause is of some particular origins (e.g. an update that is incompatible with some S/W or H/W in my system or something, you know what I mean? I want to know if there's something to avoid on the "NEXT TIME AROUND"!)
Irregardless of this, I've also just suggested that I'm leaning towards a Clean (Re)Install as recent as a few posts back, too:

If you think it's time to "call it" I'll go for a clean install, don't worry! I will need a little bit of help with that though, but I've salvaged all the serial numbers and installation programs I can, so I am willing to cut my S/W losses. If that's your suggestion, I'll elaborate on what I might need some help with, but I'll let you make that call. I'm honestly at peace either way as long as I can pull off the clean install.

So Now that I have had a day or two to work on the Material that Steve suggested working my way through (Greg’s tutorial) and I have been working on as much as I possibly could with several unrelated interruptions (including a broken home windows pane that I just had a friend fix to TRY to save time, and only then learned that he (really) wanted to “barter” a trade of services rather than cash, having me fix his laptop’s problem - and it HAD TO BE DONE QICKLY OF COURSE! So I've been disassembling that and soldering on a new marginally similar “power socket” to plug in his AC for a DELL Vostro - the usual DELL 19V Weird socket with the center pin and that plastic separator ring part, etc!) And I’m still working on finishing my IV antibiotics “at home” using a weekly home nursing service to bring me supplies and make sure I know what I’m doing and so forth, so there’s that several times a day and plus there’s still the PICC line hanging out of my upper arm (pretty well secured with bandage material, but it’s not exactly a small thing) makes it all the more problematic to do anything like work on a computer easily! My Uncle and Aunt were in a serious car accident a week ago where the airbags didn't deploy (in a new 2015 Ford Explorer) so he broke is neck and my aunt is recovering from more minor cracked ribs and related injuries! So I’m trying to visit him in the Hospital (a one hour commute each way) every day or two! (When it rains, it pours!) But I know you all have many a external things pulling at you as well, but I guess I’m the only whiner right now!

I certainly don’t mean to suggest anyone should feel obliged in any way to console me or anything like that! I just wan’t you to know that I’m right in the middle of a lot of stuff, apparently (which I've already explained a lot of to John and Steve! Sorry if you have to read this again buddy, assuming you’re still checking-up on this thread from time to time!!) Ergo, I am very slow at times and may seem agitated sometime’s even when I’m not - But, I don’t mean to! I’m also not fishing for Sympathy, I’m sure you all actually do feel for me , which many of you have already expressed in some form or another! My brain is not properly multitasking at the moment...consider it more like a linear program stream at the moment than a multitasking OS!

I’m sorry for all the ranting off-topic on my (indirectly-related) tangential issues for this whole post now! I am fine, I just wanted you to know that, like most of you probably do too, I've got a lot on my plate, and I’m truly trying, but I’m off my game! I ran a highly stressful computer repair shop for over five years, selling it just a few years back, so I should remember more than I do, and I have most any type of parts and software still (EVERYWHERE and DISORGANIZED at the moment though.) I probably have 100 remaining systems 90% of which are missing something, usually the HDD! Some are pretty old some much newer than the current system I’m working on- which is my personal main system. I just ran across a fully functional 386SX (i.e. no CPU coprocessor) system the other day! It’s an amazing sight to see! And to imagine that it’s so much more advanced that the single-board Commodore 64 - several of which (five I think) were onboard Apollo-11, did you know?! (or the older still, (Commodore) VIC-20, on which I first learned to program before moving up to the Apple II e/c and Amiga 128!) So I’m not a stranger to a wide-range of computers in any way. I rarely ask for help (probably far less often then I actually should), but this IS one time that I have done so. I find it quite difficult to do, strangely enough, I’m not used to being on this end I guess, and I am used to working alone, so I’m not great at communicating in a manner consistent with my actual skill-level! Furthermore, I've distanced myself in the past few years as much as possible from repairs - AND the newest technologies! Maybe that fills in some more of my story so you get where I’m coming from a little bit better (assuming you’re interested.) If not you could have easily skipped reading that part, so you should be none the worse for wear!


Just in case you do have a Commodore sitting around, Here’s my offering to you:

10 REM ** My Gift To You **
15 PRINT "Thanks for bearing with me! "
20 GOTO 15

RUN

Enjoy! LOL!




So, with all that stuff out of the way and my decision pretty much made up, I’ll follow this up with my questions and thoughts regarding that part, which is also my “proper” reply to Steve...(Technically)....

 

[rubyrubyroo]

To Steve, and anyone else that cares to join in, I have followed much of Greg’s ideas (many for the second time now, like you said. I’m not making progress and I’m ready to change this from a “rescue” mission to a “recovery” one! I have sufficient product ID’s and installation programs for most of my important software now, and am willing to drop any of those that I could not for now (I’ll have backups that will allow me to search further later. As Layback Bear has suggested, I should just do a CLEAN INSTALL/REINSTALL. I am ready. It’s time to put the old dog down, metaphorically of course!

I won’t waste you, anyone else, or my own time going over what I did, unless you happen to have a specific question, I’m always willing to answer whatever... The details just seem to be largely unproductive to explain if I’m going to take THIS direction. And you were right that I've been through most of it before, although I did try to repeat most of it in the order he layed it out - for whatever reason...

Now Let me explain my questions/concerns about the Clean (Re)Install.

First, is the problem that I do not have the Product Key. I found an old speccy “print-out” from 2012 that lists the Product ID. Is there any way for me to retrieve the Product Key that you’re aware of?

Second, I have always used “UPDATE” versions of the DVD/CD to install Windows 7 (in a fully legal manner in accordance with MS’s EULA, of course.) And this system is no exception. This changes the process a little bit, but should not be a issue really in of itself.

Third, It is the RETAIL (non-OEM) version of Windows 7 that was used to install it initially. I don’t know if I used the actual “Home Premium” version or more likely the Family-Pack (3-license) “Home Premium” version when I installed it initially. I have both DVD’s in the proper (64-bit) format. I know when I install what I’ll call HP for just the plain Home Premium Upgrade of Windows 7, I can always use the Product Key located IN the retail box (on the sticker that I neglected to use for MY personal system), I have no problems activating it and so forth. When I use the Family-Pack, (which I suspect is what used in this case @ 1/3 the price!) it has ALWAYS required me to call MS to complete the installation/activation process. I actually have the number written down in every Family-pack box I can find, and there are MANY! (1-800-936-5700: M-F 5am-9pm PST, S-S 6am-3pm PST) I actually don’t remember how it works exactly, since there is a single Prod-Key with each Family-pack. Do you know/remember anything about this part wich might prove to be a little bit more of a road-bump?



So I’m thinking about doing a Clean Install Using an Upgrade Windows 7 Version and I’m wondering if option four (4) might be the best choice to use in my case. Of course, this is all predicated on me having/getting my Product Key somehow first.

Can I retrieve this somehow (Windows 7 Product Key)?





BTW: I wrote a quick script that cleans up the text for me quite easily and thoroughly, however I have to manually enter in each exception, like so far I have it keep the URL, QUOTE, and SMILILES integrity intact, but really cleans out everything else nicely. I'll have to add the other BB-code type items as I get to them...I'm just coding it according to a "need-to-use" timeline! (which is related to "need-to-know" security I guess, in case that was unclear! Since I did just make it up, too!) But it seems to be working nicely!

 

[essenbe]

Try this ProduKey - Recover lost product key (CD-Key) of Windows/MS-Office/SQL Server

 

[Layback Bear]

I'm not sure what post #82 is all about but I do thank you for the Font change and my eyes thank you.

Steve, Noel, John and Rick and others know me well enough to know that in post #81 I was not degrading other members contribution to your thread. Exactly the opposite.

What I was trying to say was: Even after my request for other members to join in and help and all the many suggestion given by these members you are still down to a Clean Install in my opinion. It is not intended that anybody else suggestion were not worthy of you trying them.

My asking for help was done to make sure to the best of my ability that many eyes would look a your problem. Many times when help is asked for as I did other members knowledge and suggestions get the troubled computer repaired. I want to make sure with your problem no stones were left unturned.

I respect other members suggestions and recommendations, that is why I requested them to come and take a look at your thread and troubled computer.

We work as a team on this forum when necessary and through time in my opinion team work has solved many problems.

 

[rubyrubyroo]

I entirely understand, Layback Bear, or Jack if I may call you that. As I mentioned I just "felt quite obligated to say something" since I would feel that not doing so would be like "turning away" in a sense (even though I was quite sure you didn't mean it in any other way). I have a high internal-standard for my moral compass, and just w/don't stand idly-by when I feel that people are unfairly being dishonored/disrespected or shown less than appropriate courtesy, even if just as an oversight made by someone when they have gone to such extremes. I know it's not easy to fullly understand, because the word sometimes associated with it is often said to be dead (or NOT dead when used sarcastically) and few people go to such lengths to point out such a seemingly trivial point. But some visible and other less universally known people have contributed in so many ways with all but nothing to be gained (from most peoples perspective anyway). So maybe I mentioned it in part or my conscience,or maybe in part to let them know how deeply appreciative I am of their time, or whatever... Your trailing line in your "sig" tells me that you are interested in cooperation, and while you probably don't remember me, I know you in passing from several years back, and I know you are good people. The sort of it is that the post could easily come across (i.e. indirectly implying) as someone saying that they could have told me THAT (which includes anyone that has helped me since then too) a long time ago, and DID so in post #30! I knew John, Noel and you, Jack (in passing) from 3-5 years ago (somehow I never remember meeting Steve - but, It's clearly MY loss!) and I know you're all still around because you care about helping, and none of you have been banned so your not all that bad in the bedside manners department either!
I know you all have gone beyond my post itself to get help, advocating for my best interests, I've seen it physically on public message posts between other members, from other members I've spoken to via PM that mentioned it, and just by who has cohabited this thread with other members at noticeably specific periods relativeto their skillsets! I am quite observant!
No harm was intended, and I hope none was taken, Jack, or anyone else. While SF has shrunken over the years, since I was here last (~3 years ago) and become less active to some degree, It's sill he oe f any type (not just computer related by any means) that is so generally friendly and involved in teamwork that has naturally fallen into place like e free market system or Life's evolution with it's many niches! I very honestly refer people here for that very reason all of the time!
So I saw something that I thought I should point out and it was, like I expected, nothing! Everyone should be and hopefully is happy...with the exception of me and my PC! J/K....well, actually I'm not completely kidding!

Okay, and John, I’ll get back to YOU in a few “MOMENTS” (how many moments in a minute now, I forget?! :sarc IOW, I’m not ignoring you by any stretch of the imagination, quite the contrary actually,...I need sufficient time to get back to you properly, K?!

So, I'm going to try Steve's suggestion for the Win7-P-KEY retrieval S/W, I'm reading through the info right now. If I can get that part out of the way, home will actually be within sight, or so I do believe!...


Thanks all!
Mike

 

[essenbe]

rubyrubyroo, you stated you have a Speccy report. I believe you may have your OS key in that report.

 

[Layback Bear]

You are correct Steve the OEM/Builder COA key should be in the Speccy report.
I don't have anything but OEM/Builders but I think Speccy will show on all Windows 7's but maybe not.

 

[rubyrubyroo]

Thank you Master Steve, the wise-one! Part of a wise-team, of course!

Well... “Produkey.exe” and any “trustable” software I could locate online or in my archived as programs/apps (anywhere and everywhere) can’t retrieve the Product Key! ProduKey.exe just barked back at me with the action can’t be carried out since the system volume is corrupt (once again). Sometimes, I could execute it through the quasi-Windows 7 OS (WinRE) environment (by typing “notepad.exe.”at the command prompt”, then opening the directory structure (via “open file) and locating the the flash drive (J:\) containing the file Produkey.exe on it then (SHFT)+Rt-Click on the file, and selecting “open as admin” I could get the GUI to open and seemed like I was making headway! It couldn’t find any Product ID’s/Keys/SNs/etc... It really only looked nicer! I know, who cares!

I learned some interesting ways to use “PowerShell” to write a pretty simple script that would work to retrieve a Product Key,.....assuming I could get into Windows, of course! I was trying to mimic the aforementioned script using something more primitive language-wise, even a batch file at one point. It just relies on too many.NET resources that I would have to practically write from scratch, plus things that are necessarily integrated into the Windows OS to get the whole thing to work correctly!! All a huge (seemingly) worthless mess! “Seemingly”, because each step got me (or you / us) one step closer to the right direction inn the end...Ergo, it has value!

So I grabbed the backup registries whilst I was on the computer and saved them to a flash drive (turns out they were “last altered” in 2011”!!! Wow, that’s pretty near time, t=0, for this system!! I’ll just put them aside for a minute to read what you guys have posted since I was last online/awake/home last....

......oh really...the “Serial Number” is the same thing as the “Product Key”! Yes, I do have the so called “SERIAL NUMBER” from AT LEAST a Speccy report dated “10-28-2011”. YEP, five (5) groups of five (5) alphanumeric-digits, separated by four dashes, sure enough looks like the Product-Key to me!

Here I was thinking the S/N was the Product ID or something, and sure enough it was right there all along!! I’m really having a hard time realizing that I almost missed that one, BRILLIANT SAVE STEVE , and everyone for that matter! Nice connecting-up all of the seemingly random pieces into my most sought after object. The only things I should lose now are a few minor programs here and there that I probably don’t even need, the rest I have either before or have now found all the codes and IDs they will need unless they just try to say the S/W is outdated or something! But I can do a clean “UPGRADE” install now I think!

Funny how it was a “typed report” from Speccy I happened to save when I set up the system, PLANNING ON adding all such reports and appropriate materials (even back-up DVDs during my most ambitious moments) to the binder, slowly, over time.....all these years later...one (1) faded Speccy report remains in the binder one shelf up from the computer area! One solitary hero, ....unwaning ...unwavering!

The “installation date” for the Win7 Home Prem 64-bit SP1 was 10-18-2011, 12:00 (so, I was pretty close with it being a 5-years old system - off by one year- and this is the first actual problem I've ever had with it, so, that’s pretty good! It’s been one of those “Set it and Forget it” type of systems! At least up until 09/20/2015 anyway!

I’m going to try to do the “UPGRADE” clean install >> Option Four, from the previous post’s link(s). Anyone foresee any problems (it’s going to be installed directly onto a brand new WD 1TB HDD

The fact that the PRODUCT KEY doesn't MATCH any keys from any otherwise identical DVD’s that I have here to install it from doesn’t make any difference , or does it? It came from a “family pack (3-licenses)” DVD (retail) (upgrade) version of Windows 7 64-bit Home Premium (which I now know had SP1 installed at that time, too, thanks to Speccy! But The “family packs” come with a single Product KEY and in my experience you always have to call them up to be given a specific “activation code” from your boxed "product key" during the set-up process. I’m hoping it will not cause a problem when I try to deselect the check-box “Automatically Activate Windows Online” (both times - in option four at least!)

Any thoughts before I take a stab at the whole thing and report back the details (I’ll never leave anyone hanging...for too long anyway!) What’da’chou’ think? Any final comments before I do it?!

Mike

 

[essenbe]

I believe you are going to have to do a clean install not an upgrade. You could do the upgrade if you could boot your system.

 

[rubyrubyroo]

Do I?

The "Upgrade" does a FULL entirely normal Clean Install using that option (rather than custom) and will install on a fully empty, unformatted HDD without any problems. The "UPGRADE" part should ONLY involve the matter of licensing/activation. You need to have a previous qualifying version of windows that is either being copied over or you are legally bound to insure is destroyed and not reuse on another or the same system. This is a legal scenario that I'm preforming, in that the quantity of windows copies I own or have available in any way (i.e. to give away or sell or whatever),are not increasing, nor are the quality, or version of the software that I am installing.

it physically works within the software or should at least, because I'm following the pre word out set of steps that people, including myself, have found t work. I've not tried it using a "family pack license" before though. That is what I'm concerned about. But I'm thinking that as long as I'm not doing anything illegal, the worst that I really imagine happening is that the activation process will not work. Then I'll hae to call MS and try to get them to help me fix it or give me a new number or something - and they actually might (optimist), but if not, then I’ll probably need a non-"UPGRADE" disc or ISO or whatever I guess. And ,while, I don’t know much on the the finer details, I’m under the understanding that MS once opened a door to “fairness” towards ISOs ~ 3-4 years back, but this lately gone my the waste-side, where it actually began, ironically, when Win7 was brand new! I just get that from all the broken links to ISOs and things I sort of recall reading not that far back. I’ve ALWAYS used upgrades and Family licenses in my business interactions, but oddly not in this particular way together! I don’t want to do anything wrong, by any stretch of the imagination, but I also don't believe that you are right that I need a working Windows OS to do an Upgrade Clean Install onto a new HDD (several methods are described by Shawn in the Following tutorial:

How to Do a Clean Install with an Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Are you sure you’re not mixing it up with a Custom install or a repair install or something, there are so many types of confusingly names, and worded things, especially when you consider the evolution of the various version of window, (repair install, system repair, restore point, system restore, recovery panel, Windows reinstall, system recovery, factory reimage, sometimes I wonder if MS collects royalties on the letter “R” is that possible?!) No, but maybe in the chaos I’ve made a mistake or you understood something differently or whatever. Just look at the included tutorial - I just did so, myself - and possibly point out the part that you think is not possible or so easily done and explain what you mean by it if you would be so kind!

 

[rubyrubyroo]

I was thinking, and I may understand what I was saying that's not exactly jiving with what I had meant, and causing some of the confusion when last we spoke! When I run the whole process the way I think I prefer/should, namely, using ‘option four’ in the tutorial I gave you a link to the other day, I will be running an installation from the same disc a total of two times. The disc is always the "upgrade" version of the Windows 7 installation disc, but the first run I will be using it to preform a "Clean Install" to the blank HDD via the "Custom (Advanced)" selection from the "Upgrade" DVD. Then aside from a few details, The clean installation provides the very Windows 7 OS platform that I need to start over again, using the same "Upgrade" DVD, only this time I preform a "upgrade" installation by selecting that option during the Windows installation process, and still using the "Upgrade" Windows 7 DVD, only this time from inside of windows. Hazing over a few more details about the activation options and so forth, I will then have a Fresh installation of Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) and my activation code will hopefully not offer an problems, being a "family pack, 3-license version" and all. But, hopefully (fingers-crossed) it will be fine. It’s obviously very difficult to find someone similar to my problem that meets ALL of my criteria that can definitively help answer my questions, i.e.....(can’t boot Win OS) (can't fix files) (can't unlock ability to fix files) (had Win 7 64-bit HP w/FamPck ProdKey) (need to reinstall but only have upgrade versions) (Upgrade versions are all famPcks lics) (usually fampcks req calling MS for activation code...but that may be my, previously located S/N!) It's just not your garden variety situation, I realize that!

 

[rubyrubyroo]

I just realized my previously activated and genuinely validated Product Key (a.k.a. serial number) that was pulled-from this system, which was built BY ME, four years back, piece by piece - and I can only presume must have installed windows on the HDD at the time, was a Default product key, unusable for activation, especially considering my previously mentioned installation method! Is there any chance something can be "ironed-out":sarc: to allow it to work or have I reached a final end-pass at this point!

The only change(s) that have occurred to my system was that I just swapped out a 500GBWD drive for a 1TB WD drive, whee the sam version of windows was installed. Everything else is just as it has been for four years (H/W-wise at least). I'm not interested in going illegal on my own system for a few hundred (more) bucks though! It's running great aside from not being able to activate it! Is there really NO more chance of fixing this part by someone "in the know?"

(It seem the "big guy has it out for me at the moment!)

Thank you!

 

[essenbe]

Have you tried using the key from the Family Pack you have? In the Tutorial you linked to, have you tried the file in option 3 #2? Other than that, I don't know.

 

[rubyrubyroo]

That's fine, they are both solid suggestions, and you've done plenty already to get me here! I'll try those and finish looking at a couple similar posts and see if I get lucky! It just seems like there wold be a way to reuse it since it's the same system, set aside the drive (still same model though!)It's not like I've changed manufacturers or something with respect to the branding of the system! I just want to replace the nearly identical "fixed HDD on the same system with the same version and everything! Well The family pack will be the cheapest route at ~$50/license. So I'll see what happens.


Thanks Steve!

Mike

 

[essenbe]

I thought you already had a Family Pack. Use the phone option to call Microsoft. They can activate it for you. You do not have a problem of hardware changes.

 

[Layback Bear]

I'm sure hope that the call to Microsoft works.

 

[rubyrubyroo]

I swear!....Some days! And then sometimes it just goes non-stop for weeks on end! ERRR!

OK, I did send this post last night (it was still residing on the clipboard, so I'm not going completely crazy!) I sent it and then both the last posts (which it looks like were posted in <1 second of each other) were posted above my post, so I read them, and then called it a night! Anyway, whatever! Here it "was", in all it's glory (remember, our posts crossed (or they should have anyway.):





I tried the Registry-edit batch-file, and no difference was found after a reboot, just as described....

So I activated with the single product key that is included w/ the Family Pack ‘Upgrade’ and it just took it! So it's activated, and I have the “Genuine” seal and everything in the System Properties window! Wow! .......Next, I decided to try to validate it online...I guess I was getting too swollen of a head at this point snce something went my way for once! It could NOT validate the activation. It didn’t say there was a problem, but it didn't say I necessarily will have my activation validated either! It mentioned to me to download a tool and probe the issue more deeply. I decided to hold off on that one, at least until business hours tomorrow (P.S.T.) and call MS to see if it’s going to be problematic. I truly hope not at this point! But I’ll do whatever...I’ll reply with the results ASAP!

Thanks again!
Mike

 

[rubyrubyroo]

Well thank you one and all, my system is up and running once again - albeit somewhat lighter at the moment (10-12GB)! Windows is absolutely, verifiably, unquestionably, certifiably and genuinely activated and validated. I don't know what to say aside from thank you for sticking it out with me (and, you're free to go now! J/K)

I know I preformed extensive testing of the HDD in many ways and using decent-to-high-quality tools, at the direction of John, much earlier in the post and prior to it's inception. But I still think that it's the HDD (gut-feeling) however it may be non-physical corruption in the file-system or something, making it potentially usable after extensive stress-testing, formatting, etc.. However, while I really hope it's not the case, I can’t help but question if it’s a possibility that t’s the MOBO. Maybe some solder joints on the two SATA ports or a failing component! It might be a bad SATA cord, I will rule that out too, because like I said before, I hate to get too far just to learn that the problem repeats! It was just such a repeatable problem and these seem like intermittent issues (w/the exception of the HDD.)

Well, I do have a lot of updating and installing to get on, and I'm sure you all have things too, so I thank you and will close the thread and distribute my thanks in every way I know how! Have a great day and thank you for being there when I needed some competent help!

Bye, For the time being anyway, Steve, John, Jack, Noel, and everyone that contributed in some part to helping me get through this LONG, LONG issue, even those that remained in the shadows!

I wish you all a very Happy and Safe Halloween tomorrow night!


Sincerely appreciative,

Mike

 

[Layback Bear]

Yes sometimes post get criss crossed when posted at the same time.

I would be thankful if you could post this tutorial by Brink here.
I would like to see, if I can how Microsoft Activation straightened out this mess they have been running you through.

Was it one of your Family Packs that did get the final Okay?
I don't believe I have ever seen a Family Pack log. Could be a learning experience for me.

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...ne-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html