Activation issues--says key is invalid

[kbronski]

I re-installed my OS fresh, and used the key given on the sticker on the bottom of my laptop, but it is saying the key is invalid!
What I am thinking MIGHT be happening is this: The OS I installed has SP1 pre-installed. I'm thinking this might be messing with the activation. But, before I go freaking out, what can I do?

 

[zigzag3143]

Might be SP-1 or might be a different version (ie retail when you need OEM becuase it was preinstalled.

. Just download win 7 without sp-1 and the key should work. Sine it came pre-installed you need that version.

 

[Roderunner]

Their is no need to activate if you reinstalled your laptop's original OS. If not you must use the key for whatever you used.

 

[zigzag3143]

Clean installs always need activation.

 

[NoelDP]

Clean installs always need activation.

Correct - BUT OEM_SLP installations using the Recovery Media will self-activate, rather than needing internet or telephone activation.

In this case, the OP needs to use Telephone Activation, as the first time the COA_SLP Key is used, it is blocked, and requires a manual override by the Activation operator.

@kbronski - you need to activate by telephone....
telephone activation (operator calls)
Click on the Start button
in the Search box, type
SLUI 4
and hit the Enter key
follow the instructions - but when asked which service you require by the telephone ansafone, do NOT reply - this should force an operator to respond, who can deal with

 

[kbronski]

I'll try the telephone activation. Thanks for letting me know! This is not the first time I've re-installed the OS, so the key may have been blocked after the last time I used it.

 

[NoelDP]

Good Luck