How do I activate Windows 7 by phone, if I do not have the option?

[Solo123]

A couple of weeks ago I started to get messages about the windows not being genuine, but when I tried to activate the Windows 7 key, it gave me the error code 0xC004E003.
Then when I go back to activate the Windows 7 key, there is no option to activate by phone, the only options i have are: "Buy a new product key online", "Type a different key" and "Contact Dell to help resolve this problem".
By the way this is a custom built PC, I have no idea why it says to contact Dell, no part of my machine is manufactured by Dell.
If anyone knows how to fix this, please reply, I appreciate it so much.

 

[Bongo]

Welcome to the Seven Forums

Have a look at this tutorial http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html

Did you use a Dell installation disk when you installed Windows 7?

Jerry

 

[Solo123]

Hi, I just checked the disc, and yea it is a Dell installation disc, I had no idea. Does this mean it only works on Dell machines?
And I've already looked at that guide but when I follow it, it doesn't give me the same options, only the ones I stated above.

 

[Brds7t7]

When and where did you buy the disc from?

If it's a Dell OEM disc/activation key then it's only designed for a Dell system and will eventually show as Not genuine.

 

[shadow2201]

What the disc says is slightly less important than where are you getting the product key from? Did you purchase a product key for Windows 7 at some point, or are you taking the product key from an old dell computer and trying to use that key to install Windows on your new custom built computer?

 

[Solo123]

When and where did you buy the disc from?

If it's a Dell OEM disc/activation key then it's only designed for a Dell system and will eventually show as Not genuine.

I bought it off ebay almost two months ago.

 

[Solo123]

What the disc says is slightly less important than where are you getting the product key from? Did you purchase a product key for Windows 7 at some point, or are you taking the product key from an old dell computer and trying to use that key to install Windows on your new custom built computer?

I bought the CD which came with a product key off ebay almost two months ago.

 

[Bongo]

As Brds7t7 said in post #4 it will eventually show as non genuine.

You will never get it to activate.

Sorry

Jerry

 

[Brds7t7]

What the disc says is slightly less important than where are you getting the product key from? Did you purchase a product key for Windows 7 at some point, or are you taking the product key from an old dell computer and trying to use that key to install Windows on your new custom built computer?

I bought the CD which came with a product key off ebay almost two months ago.

Sorry Solo but buying licence keys from eBay is a risky business. Sounds like that key is not designed to be activated on a non Dell system.

 

[Solo123]

As Brds7t7 said in post #4 it will eventually show as non genuine.

You will never get it to activate.

Sorry

Jerry

Ok, thanks very much for your help.
Am I able to buy a product key online that will fix this issue?

 

[Solo123]

What the disc says is slightly less important than where are you getting the product key from? Did you purchase a product key for Windows 7 at some point, or are you taking the product key from an old dell computer and trying to use that key to install Windows on your new custom built computer?

I bought the CD which came with a product key off ebay almost two months ago.

Sorry Solo but buying licence keys from eBay is a risky business. Sounds like that key is not designed to be activated on a non Dell system.

Ok, thanks very much for your help.
I had no idea keys were so specific.

 

[Brds7t7]

Retail keys can be used on any system, as long as it's only activated on one system.

OEM/System builder keys can be put on a custom build PC but will be tied to that PC/Motherboard.

OEM Manufacturer keys like Dell, Acer, HP etc are only designed for those systems and usually have a COA sticker attached to the system.
There are some sellers on eBay who will sell OEM manufacturer keys that have been previously activated on other systems. They're violating the OEM licence terms and shouldn't be selling those.

I'm not sure of your options in Ireland, but you could try Amazon? Don't buy from a marketplace seller though, I would only buy if shipped directly from Amazon.

 

[Solo123]

Retail keys can be used on any system, as long as it's only activated on one system.

OEM/System builder keys can be put on a custom build PC but will be tied to that PC/Motherboard.

OEM Manufacturer keys like Dell, Acer, HP etc are only designed for those systems and usually have a COA sticker attached to the system.
There are some sellers on eBay who will sell OEM manufacturer keys that have been previously activated on other systems. They're violating the OEM licence terms and shouldn't be selling those.

I'm not sure of your options in Ireland, but for could try Amazon? Don't buy from a marketplace seller though, I would only buy if shipped directly from Amazon.

Ok, thanks. So I should look for a "Retail Key", and it should definitely work on this machine? Would I need to reinstall Windows for it to work or just enter the new key?

 

[Brds7t7]

Retail keys are very hard to come by now. They only come with a full boxed product. You could be paying a lot to find one. If you do look for one of those on eBay you'd need to make sure the listing has full photos of the box.
Make sure the seller has good a good reputation, is a long time seller. Here is a good example, as you can see it's fully boxed in shrink-wrap packaging.

Windows 7 Home premium 32 and 64 bit version | eBay

windows 7 home premium brand new unopened 32 and 64 bit | eBay

But, I won't be held responsible for anything bought from eBay. It's at your own risk.

 

[Solo123]

Retail keys are very hard to come by now. They only come with a full boxed product. You could be paying a lot to find one. If you do look for one of those on eBay you'd need to make sure the listing has full photos of the box.
Make sure the seller has good a good reputation, is a long time seller. Here is a good example, as you can see it's fully boxed in shrink-wrap packaging.

Windows 7 Home premium 32 and 64 bit version | eBay

windows 7 home premium brand new unopened 32 and 64 bit | eBay

But, I won't be held responsible for anything bought from eBay. It's at your own risk.

Ok, I understand. Whats the usual retail price for these?
If I bought a "OEM/System builder key", does that mean if I replaced my Mother Board, it wouldn't work on another?

 

[Brds7t7]

For a retail boxed product? Expensive, as they're not easy to find now. You'd have to do some searching around.
OEM/System builder packs are a lot cheaper. If the motherboard dies you may be able to phone microsoft and explain that you're replacing the board as long as it's not being transferred to a new PC . But that's entirely at MS discretion.

 

[AddRAM]

You can look at this page as an example, you can switch it to England at the top of the page and see if anything comes up.

Buy Microsoft Windows Ultimate, Professional, Home & More - Newegg.com

OEM is fine you do not need retail.

 

[Brds7t7]

Not sure why, but every time I've tried to buy software from Newegg it always comes up as "unavailable for UK" when I'm in the cart.
Not sure if this is some sort of restriction on shipping to the UK? Anyone else had any luck with this?

 

[Solo123]

You can look at this page as an example, you can switch it to England at the top of the page and see if anything comes up.

Buy Microsoft Windows Ultimate, Professional, Home & More - Newegg.com

OEM is fine you do not need retail.

https://softwaregeeks.co.uk/product...9mcI7dao7zPD47EbqCPPGVo7O8aAgMe8P8HAQ#reviews
Would this work on my PC? And do you think this seller is legitimate?

 

[NoelDP]

Definitely more than dodgy! It's certain to be blocked sooner or later. - AVOID!