Solved How can I activate my Windows 7 on a non-connected computer?

[yardbird]

[FONT=&quot]I have a Windows 7 computer which I use for certain games which don't work on Windows 10 or Windows 11 plus for photo-editing music editing and storage of pictures and music files. It has no connection to the Internet and I have no intention to connect it to the Internet since I also have a Windows 10-computer for my online activities.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Due to some malfuctions, I had to take it to a firm which repairs computers. Most likely I will have to re-install Windows 7 when it's repaired.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]And there is the problem. I want an original Windows 7 on my computer in oprder to run a game which won't work with Microsoft Edge. But if I install the original OS and "pull the plug" before it starts to update newer versions of Windows 7, including Microsoft Edge, then it will be difficult to activate the computer.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Internet Explorer will take me to a link for activating which don't function anymore, I had a lot of problems with that two years ago when I had to re-install everything after a disc crash.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]So I used a telephone option. But that was also a bit complicated and took very long time and I'm not sure if this option is still available.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]So how do I do if those options fail?[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Not activating the computer will cause a lot of problems with certain functions which will not function and I don't want it that way since I've actually paid once to have a computer where everything which is supposed to function will function.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]My version of Windows 7 is 100% legal so therefore it would be somewhat ridiculous if I have to search the net for cracks and such. but I'm open for all options if necessary.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]So how do I solve this in the best possible way?[/FONT]

 

[torchwood]

Hi

Edge/IE has nothing to do with validation

when you view your system details page there is an option to input the product code
ALL updates can be processed in the "grace period" before a system is activated
(its actually SLUI.exe direct to MS servers)

Based on your specs
You should have either a Retail or System Builder product key
This should auto activate after your "repair"

Depending upon your original build

Done yourself then you would have purchased a Retail Pro key,
-- online from MS -check your old emails
-- with your OS disk key will be on the covering

Shop build
System Builder check the shops invoice, generally quoted on it
OEM sticker attached to the side of your comp

I take it you never created a system image using Macrium/Acronis etc

 

[SIW2]

back up the current activation first

:ar: Backup the activation

 

[yardbird]

Hi

Edge/IE has nothing to do with validation

when you view your system details page there is an option to input the product code
ALL updates can be processed in the "grace period" before a system is activated
(its actually SLUI.exe direct to MS servers)

Based on your specs
You should have either a Retail or System Builder product key
This should auto activate after your "repair"

Depending upon your original build

Done yourself then you would have purchased a Retail Pro key,
-- online from MS -check your old emails
-- with your OS disk key will be on the covering

Shop build
System Builder check the shops invoice, generally quoted on it
OEM sticker attached to the side of your comp

I take it you never created a system image using Macrium/Acronis etc

I'm aware of the fact that Edge/IE has nothing to do with validation itself.
The problem is that I need the original version of Windows 7 without Edge and other updates to play a certain game on my computer.

The problem is that when I install the original Windows 7 OS and "pull the plug" for updates, then when I want to activate the system, Internet Explorer leads me to a link which no longer exists. All of that is explained in my previous post.

As for Retail pro keys and old emails, it was a long time ago since I bought the OS so what may have been has disappeared in the well of time. As a matter of fact, I don't have the same mail adress as I had back then. What I have is an installation CD and the product key for the OS.

As for my computer, it has been built and re-built under a couple of years and the firm which did it is gone since 2015.

I have a system image on a rescue disc created by the Windows 7 system, I just hope that it will work if I need it. But what if the recent problem with the computer has been "imported" on that disc in some way.

Or that the option with activating via telephone still works.

But I would need more options. Is there no way to contact Microsoft about this?

- - - Updated - - -

back up the current activation first

:ar: Backup the activation

I'm not familiar with what you show me in that link. Can you explain further?

As it is now, my computer is in a shop waiting to be repaired and there's a risk that they wipe out what's there so I have to start from scratch when I get it back and then the problems with activating will start.

 

[SIW2]

There are screenshots. I can't explain it any more simply.

 

[yardbird]

There are screenshots. I can't explain it any more simply.

Is this something I can find in Windows 7 or some program? I just don't recognize any of it.

Anyway, it can be very useful for me in the future if I get my computer in order, then maybe I can avoid future installation problems.

By the way, is there anyone who knows if it's possible to replace Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer if Microsoft Edge is updated on my computer?

 

[torchwood]

Ah more info

Right
The only OFFLINE activation that can occur is an OEM version, ie Dell HP etc

you mentioned your ISO, if its prior to 2011, then its pre SP1 and certainly will not have Edge ... but IE8
if you then use it as your installation media then thats as far as you can get
....kb976932 aka SP1 is a break point.. includes IE11

Once you get to that stage TURN OFF AUTO-INSTALL windows updates
select download updates but let me choose (choose how to update)

Updates DO NOT impact activation
Pre SP1 still gives you the oppertunity to Activate your comp, as i mentioned before in System specs
it can also be done using RUN command then inputing SLUI.EXE
or
RUN then inputting SLMGR /IPK (THEN YOUR PRODUCT CODE)

 

[SIW2]

Is this something I can find in Windows 7 or some program?

Yes it is a portable program.

There is a big gold arrow pointing at Dism++ in the first post at the link. Dism++ is also linked at the bottom of all my posts.

 

[michael diemer]

I wonder if installing a different browser, like Firefox, and setting it as default, would get around this problem? Or does IE always kick in during activation? Installing Firefox is always the first thing I do when installing Windows 7. I use it download and update MS. Sec. Essentials so I have at least some functionality and protection. Then I use Simplix for updating (sometimes I first use Legacy Updates to get some of the foundations in place).

If IE always kicks in when you try to activate, perhaps disabling in msconfig might work?

 

[yardbird]

Ah more info

Right
The only OFFLINE activation that can occur is an OEM version, ie Dell HP etc

you mentioned your ISO, if its prior to 2011, then its pre SP1 and certainly will not have Edge ... but IE8
if you then use it as your installation media then thats as far as you can get
....kb976932 aka SP1 is a break point.. includes IE11

Once you get to that stage TURN OFF AUTO-INSTALL windows updates
select download updates but let me choose (choose how to update)

Updates DO NOT impact activation
Pre SP1 still gives you the oppertunity to Activate your comp, as i mentioned before in System specs
it can also be done using RUN command then inputing SLUI.EXE
or
RUN then inputting SLMGR /IPK (THEN YOUR PRODUCT CODE)

Thanks for information!

Maybe I did some mistake last time I did a re-install but I remember that I turned off auto-install, just to preserve the original OS.
The problem was that when I clicked on the automatic Activate link, the only thing which happened was that that link didn't was a dead link, most likely useful when the dinosaurs ruled the Earth (or more likely when the original Windows 7 was released).

There were no other options, no other link to activate OS.

Therefore I had to use the telephone method, which took a long time with a lot of digits and probably cost a lot of money too since I think I had to call a number in the US to use it. I never dared to look at the phone bill, so maybe it was free, I don't know!

However, that was more than two years ago and I'm not even sure if this phone activation possibility exists anymore at Microsoft.

I will also try to avoid IE 11 since it obviously don't work with my beloved NHL 2004 game which is the main reason for me to endure all the problems with installing the early version of Windows 7. What I remember, IE8 or even earlier versions of IE is what I need.

What I also remember is that I need an early version of Java from back in those days. I do think I have that file downloaded on the computer.

When it comes to using RUN and the codes you are providing, does it help me to solve the problem for good or is it only prolonging the 30 days activation period? What I know, that period is also restricted to max 120 days or so.

Anyway, I hope to get some news about what was wrong with the computer in the coming days and even get it repaired as well during the week.

If I'm lucky, then it's a minor problem and I don't have to re-install the OS.

If I'm not lucky, which often is the fact when it comes to problems like that, then I must start to solve those problems. I will follow your instructions above in your post and see what happens.

Just for your information, the problems I have had with the computer the recent week is that it "froze" four times during the week.

The first time it was during the upstart sequence, when the Microsoft flag shows up.
The second tome three days later when I was about to start Photoshop. I have an old version of that program which suits me fine.
The third time was last Monday when I was starting NHL 2004.
The second time was when I was in the middle of a game.

All those times I tried to used the Task Manager but it didn't work, then I restarted the computer instead and it ran for hours after that, just as it is supposed to do.

Anyway, thanks for help and advice and I'll keep you updated about the progress of all this.

- - - Updated - - -

Yes it is a portable program.

There is a big gold arrow pointing at Dism++ in the first post at the link. Dism++ is also linked at the bottom of all my posts.

Thanks, I will take a look at this. It might be useful in the future.

- - - Updated - - -

I wonder if installing a different browser, like Firefox, and setting it as default, would get around this problem? Or does IE always kick in during activation? Installing Firefox is always the first thing I do when installing Windows 7. I use it download and update MS. Sec. Essentials so I have at least some functionality and protection. Then I use Simplix for updating (sometimes I first use Legacy Updates to get some of the foundations in place).

If IE always kicks in when you try to activate, perhaps disabling in msconfig might work?

The problem is that IE seems essential when it comes to run NHL 2004. I don't think that installing another browser will solve that problem.

And this computer isn't supposed to be online. I have a Windows 10 computer for that for security reasons with updates and such.

However, I must state that I do find Windows 7 the best of all the Microsoft OS. They should have developed it instead of coming up with Windows 8 and 10. I don't really like them.

 

[SIW2]

phone activation still exists. It is a toll free number. For the US 1-888-725-1047

not needed if you have the sense to back up the activation before reinstall

- - - Updated - - -

I have nvme boot on my gigabyte b75. Unfortunately, I haven't found a bios that supports nvme boot for the asus b75m plus

booting nvme disk via pcie adapter on older machines

 

[Volume Z]

I will also try to avoid IE 11 since it obviously don't work with my beloved NHL 2004 game

You'll be nowhere near IE11 or Edge after reinstalling Windows 7 SP1. Windows 7 SP1 comes with IE8 SP1. Also you'll find Windows Update broken by default.

 

[michael diemer]

Yardbird said:

However, I must state that I do find Windows 7 the best of all the Microsoft OS. They should have developed it instead of coming up with Windows 8 and 10. I don't really like them.[/QUOTE]

Got that right!

I wonder if the repair shop might help out here? I once was unable to install windows 7 (it turned out it was a faulty installation disc), and I took it to Best Buy, where I had purchased it. They installed W7 and charged me 80.00 (a lot back then). That was when I was really clueless, instead of just somewhat clueless, as I am today. Although the fact that the OS is so out of support may work against you there; they might have some kind of agreement with MS about it, or just not want to get involved with what looks like it could be a very complicated installation.

I never liked calling MS either, but every time I did, it worked out, and they were very nice about it.

 

[MisterEd]

If automatic or phone activation doesn't work then there is always the option of calling Microsoft support directly. I have done this several times. Last year I even called Microsoft support so they could help me activate Windows XP Pro on two different computers.

 

[yardbird]

phone activation still exists. It is a toll free number. For the US 1-888-725-1047

not needed if you have the sense to back up the activation before reinstall

- - - Updated - - -

I have nvme boot on my gigabyte b75. Unfortunately, I haven't found a bios that supports nvme boot for the asus b75m plus

booting nvme disk via pcie adapter on older machines

I have a backup, I just hope that it works and that I haven't imported what problem it might be on that one.

As for the telephone number, I live in Europe but when I reinstalled last time I was directed to some US account.

- - - Updated - - -

You'll be nowhere near IE11 or Edge after reinstalling Windows 7 SP1. Windows 7 SP1 comes with IE8 SP1. Also you'll find Windows Update broken by default.

Last time I reinstalled, I had no problem to reinstall the original OS without IE 11.
The problems started when I was going to activate the system because IE sent me to a link which no longer exist.
Therefore I had to choose the telephone option.

But when I'm still at it, let's say that the shop I handled over the computer to for repair install the OS with all updates, is there some way to get rid of Microsoft Edge and replace it with some early version of Internet Explorer?

- - - Updated - - -

Yardbird said:

However, I must state that I do find Windows 7 the best of all the Microsoft OS. They should have developed it instead of coming up with Windows 8 and 10. I don't really like them.

Got that right!

I wonder if the repair shop might help out here? I once was unable to install windows 7 (it turned out it was a faulty installation disc), and I took it to Best Buy, where I had purchased it. They installed W7 and charged me 80.00 (a lot back then). That was when I was really clueless, instead of just somewhat clueless, as I am today. Although the fact that the OS is so out of support may work against you there; they might have some kind of agreement with MS about it, or just not want to get involved with what looks like it could be a very complicated installation.

I never liked calling MS either, but every time I did, it worked out, and they were very nice about it.[/QUOTE]

I'm gonna talk to them about that as soon as they tell me about what's wrong with the computer and if a reinstallation is necessary.

- - - Updated - - -

If automatic or phone activation doesn't work then there is always the option of calling Microsoft support directly. I have done this several times. Last year I even called Microsoft support so they could help me activate Windows XP Pro on two different computers.

A good suggestion which I will try to do.

A person on some other forum sent me a lost of telephone numbers to Microsoft which I hope can be useful.

 

[MisterEd]

When I called Microsoft I think I may have called this number.

United States: +1 (800) 642 7676

Global Customer Service phone numbers
Global Customer Service phone numbers - Microsoft Support

 

[yardbird]

If anyone wonder why I haven't replied for a couple of days, it's because I'm still waiting for definite information about the status of the computer from the firm which is going to repair it.

I got a preliminary report today while visiting the shop. They had just started to look at it, they haven't found what's wrong with it yet but due to all the old stuff in the computer, they actually recommended me to buy a new one.

They could build one for me, but it would be rather costly. A sum which I can pay but it will place me into the "red zone" when it comes to my overall economical situation.

So no vacation trips for me this year, as it looks.

 

[nt351]

If anyone wonder why

Who made the motherboard of the computer you referred to in your original post ?

The keepers of this forum don't like this kind of off-line activation method eventhough it IS perfectly microsoft legal.

download a copy of the OEM certificate of the manufacturer of your motherboard ___.xrm-ms
download the matching 25-digit COA number

open a dos window where the certificate is, and run the command:
slmgr.vbs -ilc ___.xrm-ms
wait until you get a response, then run:

slmgr.vbs -ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

The assumption is, you have a major-name motherboard that has SLIC imprinted on it (95% do)
____________________________
Vista certificates and numbers were collected and uploaded in 2009, Windows 7 certificates and numbers in 2011 (correct me if I am mistaken about the dates)

 

[yardbird]

Who made the motherboard of the computer you referred to in your original post ?

The keepers of this forum don't like this kind of off-line activation method eventhough it IS perfectly microsoft legal.

download a copy of the OEM certificate of the manufacturer of your motherboard ___.xrm-ms
download the matching 25-digit COA number

open a dos window where the certificate is, and run the command:
slmgr.vbs -ilc ___.xrm-ms
wait until you get a response, then run:

slmgr.vbs -ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

The assumption is, you have a major-name motherboard that has SLIC imprinted on it (95% do)
____________________________
Vista certificates and numbers were collected and uploaded in 2009, Windows 7 certificates and numbers in 2011 (correct me if I am mistaken about the dates)

Unfortunately, I can't remember who made the motherboard right now and since my computer is still on repair I can't check it either.

Most likely I will have the final information about my computer on Monday or Tuesday and then we'll see.

As for "off-line activation", I have to inform yo and "the keepers of the board" if they read this that it's something I rather would have avoided but which I might have to do due to Microsoft's clumsy activation methods.

Since I need the computer at it's original setting, due to problems to run a game which I really like to run, its impossible for me to activate the computer the normal way.

If I try, the system provides a link which don't exist anymore and there's no way to go round it. It's that link or nothing.
The other option is to call Microsoft and get a special code to activate the system. That method takes a loooooooooong time and is somewhat complicated, someone reads up a code with umpteen numbers and you have to be alert and fast on the keyboard to make it work.

It's actually ridiculous since all of the stuff I have is 100% legal and I shouldn't have to even consider illegal procedures for activating it.

Not to mention that the problem will occur even if I buy a new, expensive Windows 7 computer which the firm has advised me to do.

So if anyone of "the keepers of the board" or anyone else have some legal advice to fix this problem, I'm more than grateful.

As for your suggestions, I might get back to them, maybe in a PM to avoid to break the rules on this board.

 

[torchwood]

Hmmmm

not a keeper but been doing the activation validation problems checks here for years, and the site owner has never over-ruled me

I have NO problem at all with a machine being OFFline activated
FYI -- OEM machines, dell/hp/etc using thier original setup SELF activate, ie OFFLINE

According to the OP's specs and comments the machine is a custom build, so im not making assumptions
(likely an MSI motherboard)

as and when he gets it back we can check further, i will get him to run this tool,
https://www.sevenforums.com/attachm...vation-issue-posting-instructions-mgadiag.exe