Win 7 activation - original product key does not match factory install

claudius38 · 01 Jan 2017

Yesterday, I tried to help my father to activate some used laptops. 3 of 4 proceeded without difficulties. The last one has only 2 days left for activation.

I tried entering the product code key that is stored in the battery compartment. it is registered as a windows 7 Pro.

Upon completion, the activation program responded: "The product key you have entered will not work with this edition of Windows 7. You must run a windows 7 home premium product key."

To my surprise, yes, the current software says it is windows home!

I called microsoft. they verified that it is a genuine registration number but since it is a pre-installed program they cannot help me with it. They said I need to contact Lenovo. I haven't been able to find technical help on their website.

Of course, there is no warranty left on these used computers and they did not come with any software cd or usb.

I am hoping someone can help us figure out how to go about making this laptop usable.

AddRAM · 01 Jan 2017

You can`t use a Home Premium key to activate Pro.

Install Home Premium.

claudius38 · 01 Jan 2017

We understand that you can't interchange the code keys. We simply wondered if someone knew how we could take off the erroneous home version so that we could install the legitimate pro version.

SIW2 · 01 Jan 2017

You can upgrade it.

1. Boot into the "home premium".

2. Run windows\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe

3. Tick the box that says Generalize and set the dropdown to Shutdown.

4. Boot into winpe ( you can do that by booting the install dvd and open a cmd prompt there ) , open a cmd prompt and type:

dism /Image:D: /Set-edition:Professional

then press enter.

Note , replace D: above with your win7 drive letter. It takes a minute to make the changes ( a command window tells you when it has finished)

5. Then run startup repair from winpe because sysprep changes the bcd entry.

When you boot back into windows, it will be Pro and should accept the product key.

AddRAM · 01 Jan 2017

You are not making any sense, whatever version the key is for on the COA in the battery compartment is the version that you have to have installed on that PC.

You don`t "take off" a version, you just install the correct version that`s on the COA.

If you have a Pro key you install Pro, if you have a Home Premium key you install HP.

AddRAM · 01 Jan 2017

And as far as your thread title goes, the factory would never install the wrong OS that goes with the COA, it`s a used PC so obviously someone reinstalled windows.

What version is listed on the COA ?

SIW2 · 01 Jan 2017

For installation media Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool

SIW2 · 01 Jan 2017

f you want bootable media to upgrade the installation, you can borrow mine

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AkcyDjKJJ6Kwhw06hxv05l5a2kRV

claudius38 · 01 Jan 2017

I did say that the laptop was purchased as a used product and did not come with cd. It was bought from our local school. We were told they were cleaned out and had fresh versions of windows installed and were sold AS IS. So we don't have the support to ask them to reinstall properly.

How the home version was installed is anyone guess but the response I got is very clear. I have conflicting programs.

How do I remove the home premium for which I don't have a key code so that I can then hopefully install the licensed pro version for which I do have the legal key code.

claudius38 · 01 Jan 2017

the COA in the battery compartment is the legal product code key for the pro version. but when we start the computer is says we are running home premium version and that we have 2 days left to activate it.

Thank you SIW2. I am downloading your link and will try it. Will be heading out on a long trip so you won't hear from back from me for a day or two, once I get a chance to try it.
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