Activate Windows 7 by Phone

How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone​

   Information

Activation is the required process of ensuring that Windows 7 on your computer is genuine and used according to the Microsoft Software License Terms.

If you are unable to activate Windows 7 online or do not have the internet, then this will show you how to activate Windows 7 by phone instead with your entered product key number.

   Note

Genuine Windows is a recurring process that checks your product key to ensure it's being used with the hardware it was paired with during activation. If the product key is found to be non-genuine, or not valid, it's likely that the product key is either being used on another computer or is counterfeit. Try doing the Diagnostics and Validate Windows options. For more information about genuine Windows, go to the genuine Windows website for FAQ's.

• A Windows 7 product key number can only be used to activate the same edition of Windows 7 that it was for, and cannot be used to activate a different edition of Windows 7.
• A Family Pack Windows 7 product key number can be used to activate the Family Pack Windows 7 copy on up to 3 computers at any one time.
• A OEM Windows 7 product key number can only be used to activate a OEM Windows 7 copy on the same computer that it was first activated on, and no other computer.
• A retail Windows 7 product key number can be used to activate a retail Windows 7 copy on any computer, but only on up to one computer at any one time.

You might have to activate Windows 7 again if:

• You uninstall Windows 7 on one computer and then install it on another. During installation, enter the product key that came with Windows. If automatic activation fails, follow the instructions that walk you through activating Windows by phone. You will have 30 days to activate Windows.
• You make a significant hardware change to your computer, such as upgrading the hard disk and memory at the same time. If a major hardware change requires activating Windows again, you will be notified and will have three days to activate Windows.
• You reformat your hard disk. Reformatting erases your activation status. In this case, you’ll have 30 days to activate Windows again.
• A virus or malware infects your computer and deletes your activation status.

   Warning

• You must activate Windows 7 within the 30 days grace period after installation before it expires. When Windows 7 is activated, you'll be able to use every feature of Windows 7.
• If you chose to Automatically activate Windows when I'm online when you set up your computer, automatic activation begins trying to activate your copy of Windows 7 three days after you log on for the first time. See METHOD ONE below.
• If you install Windows 7 on a second computer, you must buy an additional product key number to activate the second installation to continue using Windows 7 on both computers.

What happens if you don't activate Windows 7?


Despite what you may have read elsewhere, there's no "reduced functionality mode" in Windows 7 like there was in Vista. If the 30-day trial or activation key expires:

• Your desktop background goes black. You can change it, but every 60 minutes, it will return to black until you activate Windows.
• You will have a "This copy of windows is not genuine" watermark on the bottom right corner of your desktop.
• You will get a notification balloon stating that you may be a victim of software piracy.
• You will be prompted to activate Windows every time you log in.
• You will receive periodic reminders to activate Windows.
• Windows Updates will be limited, but you will still be able to get critical security updates. However, access to optional updates or benefits available exclusively to genuine Windows customers, such as Microsoft Security Essentials, might be restricted.

See also: Genuine Windows: frequently asked questions - Microsoft Windows

Here's How:
NOTE: This is only for the retail version of Windows 7.
1. If Online Activation Failed First
NOTE: This is if you have tried to activate Windows 7 online and it failed. Otherwise, go to step 2.
A) Select the Use the automated phone system to activate option.

B) Go to step 3.
2. To Activate by Phone
A) Open the Start Menu, and type slui.exe 4 and press Enter.
3. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

4. Click on the drop down menu and select the nearest location to you for a toll free number to call, then click on the Next button. (See screenshot below)

5. A local phone number should apear under the Step 1 section with a set of installation ID numbers generated by Windows and displayed on your screen under the 1 to 9 in the Step 2 section. (See screenshot below)

   Tip

If needed, Microsoft Activation Centers Worldwide Telephone Numbers lists toll and toll-free telephone numbers for worldwide Microsoft activation centers that you can call to get your Windows 7 activated as well.

6. Call the "Microsoft activation phone number" (Under Step 1 in screenshot above).

7. At first, the activation line will be automated, so you will be asked to enter or speak the installation ID numbers displayed on your screen into the phone. (See screenshot below step 5)

   Tip

If you want to speak to an activation operator and bypass the automated service, then do nothing instead until you are transferred automatically to an available operator.

8. If Automated Service is Successful
NOTE: Usually this is not always successful.
A) The automated service will issue you a confirmation ID number.
NOTE: Have a pen and paper handy to write these numbers down.

B) Go to step 10.
9. If Automated Service is Unsuccessful
A) If the automated activation service informs you that it was unsuccessful and cannot help you with activation, then STAY ON THE LINE and your call will be transferred to an activation operator who will assist you in activating your copy of Windows 7. If you get hanged up on while waiting, then phone back, but this time DO NOT respond when the ansafone requests which service you require (twice). This puts you in the queue to speak to an operator, and doesn't seem to time out so quickly. The operator will give you a confirmation ID number if they agree your copy of Windows 7 is legitimate.
NOTE: Just explain to the operator your situation and what you did to require activation. (EX: hardware upgrade, installed Windows 7 on a new computer after uninstalling it from the old one, etc...)
10. Type in the confirmation ID number given to you into the Step 3 section to be able to activate Windows 7, and click on Next. (See screenshot below step 5)
NOTE: You will get these numbers from the phone automated system or operator after they have confirmed the numbers you gave them in step 8 above.

11. If Activation is Successful
A) When you get the Activation was successful window, click on Close to finish. (See screenshot below)

12. If Activation Failed
A) If you got an activation error code, then look it up at the link below to see what it means.
Activation Error Codes


That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Activate Windows 7 Online
• How to Change the Product Key Number in Windows 7
• How to Find and See the Windows 7 Product Key Number
• How to Uninstall the Product Key Number and Deactivate Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
• Windows Genuine and Activation Issue Posting Instructions
• How to Activate Office 2013

 

[NoelDP]

Andrew is NOT correct!
A non-genuine installation will still get Security updates - but no others.

MS established this back in 2002/3, and it is still the case today.

 

[Brink]

There's a lot of mistaken information floating around out there that confuses it a bit.

I have it all in the red warning box at the top of the tutorial with links to a MS source to help though.

 

[andrew129260]

Your welcome

Andrew is NOT correct!
A non-genuine installation will still get Security updates - but no others.

MS established this back in 2002/3, and it is still the case today.

Sorry, I took that source without looking much into it, your right. Here is the FAQ:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/genuine/faq

"If my computer is running non-genuine Windows can it still receive critical security updates?
Yes. Regardless of genuine status, you'll still be able to get critical security updates. However, if your copy of Windows isn't genuine, you won't be able to install many updates that are exclusively for genuine Windows customers, including Microsoft Security Essentials. Microsoft strongly recommends that you get genuine Microsoft software immediately to help ensure a safer computing experience."

It seems that only critical security updates you will get, but not updates to windows to fix issues or updates for optional software and the like. That seems to be what I understand from it.
It appears Noel is correct.

 

[Brink]

No worries Andrew. It was just a mistake by the other person.

 

[Edrondol]

I just created an account so I could come here and thank you guys for this tutorial. I just built my new rig because my old one died an ignominious death, and I got the "unable to activate" warning. I tried contacting Microsoft directly, but got absolutely nowhere. But this tutorial helped me get it done in a matter of minutes.

Again, thanks a great deal for this!

(Oh, and sorry for bumping an old topic!)

 

[Brink]

Hello Edrondol, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Don't be sorry. I'm glad it was able to help.

 

[rumpled103]

Wow, this is great to know! I used the slui.exe 4 method and I got the option to pop up. I created this account just so I could post this. Maybe I will be able to talk to someone and let them know that "Hey, I got an Acer computer that came preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Premium and I got this COA sticker with a product key. I just did a factory reset on the computer and I'd just like to know how to activate Windows again."

And like Edrondol said:

I just created an account so I could come here and thank you guys for this tutorial. I just built my new rig because my old one died an ignominious death, and I got the "unable to activate" warning. I tried contacting Microsoft directly, but got absolutely nowhere. But this tutorial helped me get it done in a matter of minutes.

Again, thanks a great deal for this!

(Oh, and sorry for bumping an old topic!)

I actually created a Windows 7 Professional 64-bit virtual machine in VMware Workstation 12 Player just to test this out. Of course, I didn't actually call the number because it's a virtual machine. But this will sort of give me an idea of how I'd like to reinstall a Windows 7 that came preinstalled. My Product ID by the way, the 2nd chunk, it has OEM in it. That's how I know it's an OEM.

 

[Brink]

Hello rumpled103, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Just to note that an OEM product key is nontransferable and can only be used to activate Windows on the original OEM PC since it's permanently tied to the motherboard.

 

[rumpled103]

Hello rumpled103, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Just to note that an OEM product key is nontransferable and can only be used to activate Windows on the original OEM PC since it's permanently tied to the motherboard.

That's interesting to know, but I'm just curious. Does the activation happen automatically as soon as I boot into the desktop for the first time or can I just use the COA Product Key that's on the sticker and enter it to try to activate? Will it actually accept those OEM product keys? Or do I need to activate via a phone call and just explain my situation to the operator? I'm actually quite interesting in installing multiple copies of Windows 7 in the future, provided that I have the appropriate product keys and/or disc that comes with a product key sticker, even if I have to buy it.

Edit: I just re-read the tutorial. It says it's only for the retail version. So then what about OEM?

 

[NoelDP]

The same activation procedures apply to OEM as to Retail licenses - it's the rules that change.
There are three types of OEM license...
OEM_SLP - these are the Product Keys installed by large manufacturers, and self-activate under the proper conditions
OEM_COA_SLP - these are the Product Keys attached to the system case by large manufacturers for use when/if the OEM_SLP Key system breaks down for whatever reason.
OEM_COA_NSLP - these are standard OEM System Builder Keys such as you can currently buy from Newegg/BestBuy/PCWorld etc.

We can ignore the first type for this, as it's self-activating (given certain pre-conditions).
The other two types may require Telephone activation on first install (there's been various discussions about why but no definitive statement from MS), or may not - the general rule is try normal internet activation first, and if that fails use Telephone activation.

 

[rontokyo]

Hi,
I've read through this thread but my specific problem was not addressed. A faulty motherboard caused repeated black screens which I solved by replacing the motherboard with the exact same model. But alas, Windows informed me that reactivation was required. Unfortunately, clicking the blue Activate Windows now link on the System page does nothing. No popup, no webpage opening. Nothing. From info in this thread, I typed slui.exe 4 in the Start Menu search box, but same problem: nothing happens when I hit Enter.

So I'm unable to get a phone number with which to call MS, meaning I have no recourse. And as this thread is ancient I can't be too hopeful that anyone will chime in with suggestions or even better, a MS activation phone number. But you never know. Thanks in advance,

-- Ron

 

[torchwood]

HI Ron,

as you typed slui.exe and got no results tends to imply a corrupt licencing store, please do the following
Recreate the Licensing Store
Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories
Right-Click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator - accept the UAC prompt
Run the following commands in the Command Prompt window, using the Enter key at the end of each

net stop sppsvc
(wait until the service has stopped before entering the following lines)

Code:

CD %windir%\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SoftwareProtectionPlatform
REN tokens.dat tokens.bar
(all one line)
net start sppsvc

slui.exe


After a couple of seconds Windows Activation dialog will appear.
You may be asked to re-activate and/or re-enter your product key or Activation may occur automatically.
If you are asked for your Key, use the one on the COA sticker on the machine's case

 

[SIW2]

Hi,
I've read through this thread but my specific problem was not addressed. A faulty motherboard caused repeated black screens which I solved by replacing the motherboard with the exact same model. But alas, Windows informed me that reactivation was required. Unfortunately, clicking the blue Activate Windows now link on the System page does nothing. No popup, no webpage opening. Nothing. From info in this thread, I typed slui.exe 4 in the Start Menu search box, but same problem: nothing happens when I hit Enter.

So I'm unable to get a phone number with which to call MS, meaning I have no recourse. And as this thread is ancient I can't be too hopeful that anyone will chime in with suggestions or even better, a MS activation phone number. But you never know. Thanks in advance,

-- Ron

In addition to the previous post, what country are you in ? US toll fee number is 1-888-725-1047

 

[rontokyo]

@torchwood,
Thanks for what may be a life-saving answer. However, I'm having trouble with the second very long line of code. I get the following response for each of the three ways I've entered it: "The system cannot find the file specified." In the first case, my copy/paste of the provided lines results in cmd printing it out as two lines of information with the notation "The system cannot. . . ." In the second attempt, I copied/pasted each line separately with no space between "platform" and "REN." No go. Same response with the last attempt with a space between "platform" and "REN."

Unfortunately I'm unable to proceed beyond that point. I believe you've identified the problem, so if the info can be input differently we may have success. Additional thoughts appreciated.

@SIW2,
Thanks for the MS activation number, but sadly the service does not recognize my Product ID numbers, finally resulting in the automated voice asking if I'm calling about activating Win10 or newer -- a reply of 'no' results in "goodbye." But your effort was most appreciated.

 

[SIW2]

When calling activation line, dont respond to any automated prompts wait patiently for an operator.

Torchwood suggests corruption of os files might be fixed by

REN "%windir\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SoftwareProtectionPlatform\tokens.dat" tokens.bar


If there is still some corruption of the os files, why not just clean reinstall.

 

[rontokyo]

Long story short, the reason I've stuck with W7 for so long is that I've customized it to my liking. So a fresh install would undo all my efforts of the past 12 years. Unless . . .

I've got a few Macruim image backups of the OS done before the motherboard fault and black screens. Would replacing the current unverified W7 with a previous [verified] version solve the problem? Or would a fresh install [with activation] followed later by an install of a previous W7 image continue the activation? What do you think?

 

[townsbg]

Run his commands separately. First the CD command and then the ren command.

 

[rontokyo]

townsbg,
Thanks for your suggestion, however I just tried running each line separately but I continue to get "The system cannot find the file specified" error message.

 

[torchwood]

Hi Ron,

interesting got that instruction pinned as part of my activation library troubleshooting section
(worked for numerous other people)

can you run the Mgadiag report from this thread copy/paste the results
https://www.sevenforums.com/attachments/windows-updates-activation/412397d1599542537-windows-genuine-activation-issue-posting-instructions-mgadiag.exe


note
might be usefull to run sfc /scannow and chkdsk /r

 

[rontokyo]

@torchwood,
Ran MGADiag but hitting the copy button results in the below error message.

View attachment 423711

There appears to be something screwy with this current configuration of W7. Is it possible that the several black screens prior to replacing the faulty MB could have scrambled a few things? In any event, will run sfc /scannow and ckkdsk /r shortly.

## A thought: what effect, if any, do you believe replacing the current Win OS with a [Windows activated] Macrium image from before the black screen/MB issue?

Thanks for not giving up

## Late edit #1: sfc /scannow results: "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations."
## Late edit #2: chkdsk /r results: "The system is clean."

-Ron