Install 7 on new hard drive with valid key, windows saying not valid

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  1. Posts : 33
    Windows 7 Professional 32bit, 64 bit, Windows XP Professional
       #1

    Install 7 on new hard drive with valid key, windows saying not valid


    I am a part-time computer technician when I am not at my actual job doing IT Help Desk for the bank, and I have an issue with this laptop i am working on.

    Laptop specs:
    Toshiba Satelite L455D
    Windows 7 32bit (sticker does not say which version)
    (per belarc and magic jelly bean software)
    it listed this on the OS:
    Windows 7 Home Premium(build 7600)

    under the Software Licenses(on belarc)
    Microsoft - Windows 7 Home Premium XXXXX-OEM-X...X-XXXXX(Key:"listed key here")
    with magic jelly bean, it pulled the same license key

    The laptop was brought to me because it would not boot. After diagnosing, i discovered the hard drive had/is failing. So, preparing to install windows again i was hoping the hard drive was just lying to me about failing. it wasn't.
    I had to get a hold of the laptop's owner and he informed me he did not have any discs or anything for the laptop.
    *the sticker on the bottom of the laptop (where the key is suppose to be) is blank so i think it faded? but the "Proof of license Certificate of Authenticity Microsoft" is on there nice black and bold. so this is why i had to ask the customer if they had their discs.

    To get the laptop to boot to the hard drive, i had to do some work on it. I plugged it into an adapter to my computer and ran multiple different chkdsk switches, and to my surprise it finally booted to the os. Computer properties said the correct version of windows as stated above, and i ran magic jelly bean to make sure, the belarc so i had a general idea of the drivers to reinstall if windows couldn't find them. (everything checked out)

    I borrowed a version of windows 7 install disc(an all in one disc)from a fellow techie friend so that i could install the os, plug in the key and away i go, smooth as pepto bismol....the computer looked at me and said, 'negative ghost rider.'
    I tried putting in the key during the install it said not valid. so i just skipped that part thinking it just couldn't connect bc the driver wasn't installed. When i tried to enter the key in from the computer > properties > change product key it says the key is not valid.

    where can i go from here?
    two questions:
    1. is the problem the all-in-one disc
    if yes, where can i get a legal copy(preferably free) to try to eliminate that possibility.
    2. is the key the problem?
    if yes:
    can i request a new key(for free)from microsoft?
    or am i just being a complete dunce?
    if it helps, i still have the 'old' hard drive and all the files on it, and it still boots when i put it into the laptop.

    *hope i have all the relevant information for ya'll guys thanks in advance!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #2

    Welcome
    The best way is to activate by phone and talk to a live rep.
    Microsoft Volume Licensing - Activation Centers
    Activate Windows 7 by Phone
    They will assign a new number and stay on line until you are activated.
      My Computer

  3.    #3

    The key audited from a factory OEM installation is the Factory OEM-SLP mass-activation key which cannot be used to activate Win7 after a clean reinstall.

    You must have the OEM-COA key on the COA sticker or use Recovery Disks ordered from Tech Support which self-activate.

    Another option to consider is to install Windows 8 Consumer Preview which is comparable in quality to Win7 with a more graphical buttons start page which takes some getting used to. This will be free to use until Jan 2013 and during that time user can participate in pre-sales and free preview party offers to get the OS for free or low cost after that. Windows 8 Release Preview - Download
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 33
    Windows 7 Professional 32bit, 64 bit, Windows XP Professional
    Thread Starter
       #4

    @gregrocker: i am too skeptical about windows 8 to put it on the laptop. it was more designed towards mobile devices like tablets etc. (i hear) and causes problems with actual computers when it is installed on them.

    @richc: i tried the tutorial on the activate windows by phone, and when i typed in slui.exe 4, i got: "This pre-release version of Windows has expired. To keep using Windows, back up your files, and the install any released edition of Windows 7 Home Premium.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 33
    Windows 7 Professional 32bit, 64 bit, Windows XP Professional
    Thread Starter
       #5

    oh and i meant to say: greg, if they pre installed it and everything with a factory key...how can i get the 'actual' copy for this laptop to reinstall it on the new hard drive?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #6

    Sounds like you do not have the final release of Windows. You have to get a CD, which you can create from an ISO.
    Download Windows 7 ISO (Official 32-bit and 64-bit Direct Download Links) « My Digital Life
    Your key number must be valid, ofcourse.
    This tutorial may help
    Clean Install : Factory COA Activation Key
    or maybe this, per your preference.
    Clean Install Windows 7
      My Computer

  7.    #7

    Ask if the OS has already been reinstalled with the COA sticker key which means that will be the one you audited. The error you just reported to Rich sounds lke it may be an outdated installer problem.

    If you find the key you audited is indeed from the COA sticker then use the ISO and tools to burn to DVD in Steps 1 and 2 in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

    If it's not already been reinstalled previously with COA key so that's the one which you read, then your only option now is to order Recovery Disks from OEM tech support.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 33
    Windows 7 Professional 32bit, 64 bit, Windows XP Professional
    Thread Starter
       #8

    i'm not familiar with that term, greg, but i will attach an image of what i think your talking about and to clarify what i said earlier about the authenticity sticker being faded/or blank
    Install 7 on new hard drive with valid key, windows saying not valid-img_1492.jpg
    in the meantime, i will work on the tutorials to see if it works.
    Thank ya'll for the speedy response!
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 33
    Windows 7 Professional 32bit, 64 bit, Windows XP Professional
    Thread Starter
       #9

    how come it has a windows 7 sticker on it then?
    Install 7 on new hard drive with valid key, windows saying not valid-img_1493.jpg

    thank you for you help greg.
    your knowledge is very welcome
    Last edited by hrhartist; 26 Jul 2012 at 22:29. Reason: adding information
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 7,055
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit
       #10

    Please do not bother about 2005. It is the Microsoft Copyright date and has no relevance to Windows Installation date.

    Having lost the COA key, you have just three options now.

    1. Get the Recovery Disks for the system from Toshiba. It will self activate provided the SLIC table in the system is not corrupted.

    2. You may also try to get the COA-SLP key from Toshiba furnishing the Serial number of the system and other relevant details - but I am skeptical that Toshiba will dig up the records and help you.

    3. If none of the above two works, get the Recovery CDs from anyone having the same system with the same edition of OS.( It is the licence for the system that matters, not the media and where you get it from.)
      My Computer


 
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