Hi.
I turned on my laptop and logged in to my account to find that my entire background was black! I can change it back but it won't stay when I turn it off. I noticed that a little thing popped up asking for Dell Product Key....? I don't know if these things are connected or what. This is a used computer too. I also am not used to Windows computer for I have had all Mac computers before. Please help me!!!!
it sound s like the trial period has run out. if you go to start menu and right click " computer " then select properties and in the new window that opens the status of your activation will be showing at the bottom
i.e.
Does your laptop still have the C.O.A. sticker on the bottom of it? If so what OS does it say? DO NOT POST YOUR KEY!!!
This is not good. You said this is a used computer. If it came preinstalled with Win7, it should have been activated automatically when first used by the previous owner.
My guess is that the laptop did NOT come preinstalled with Win7, and instead, the previous owner installed Win7 themselves and one of the various "hacks" to get around activation. That's almost certain if this laptop is not a Dell and it's now asking for a Dell code.
If you bought this from a store, then take it back and demand a valid key.
If you bought this from an individual, you're basically out of luck -- and will most probably have to purchase a key on your own.
Quote