Am I activated or not activated?

[zippster]

I have a retail upgrade copy of Win7. I did a clean install on a new hard drive using custom install. I unchecked Automatically activate windows and entered my product key. It would not let me continue because it said my product key was only valid for an upgrade. So I left the product key blank and it continued with the install. After the install successfully completed I tried to manually activate with my product key. Again it said the product key was not valid. So now I try the Registry workaround. Downloaded the .reg file, executed it and did the slmgr -rearm. This time when I tried to activate I got a message saying there was a rearm violation (or something like that) and when I tried again it said I needed to reinstall Win7. So now I do a reinstall except this time I do an upgrade instead of custom since now I have a copy of windows installed. When it gets to the activation screen this time I left Automatically update checked entered my key and it accepted it. So I figure all my problems are solved until I go to check the activation screen and it says will Automatically update in 2 days and shows a different key from the one I entered. So Am I activated or not activated and if not what's going on?

 

[TimStitt]

To check if you are activated, right click on computer and go to properties.

It will tell you in the bottom section.

 

[pebbly]

you have to activate your copy of windows which it will automatically do in 2 days, or click the activate now link
yes you will see a different key to the one you entered so to answer your question no you are not activated at this particular time

 

[TimStitt]

I just reread your post.
Did you use the UPGRADE version of Windows? It's a bit cheaper than the regular one and has upgrade written on the box (pic below of a home upgrade box). In Vista you couldn't do fresh installs with this release, only upgrades. i.e. install XP first and then upgrade.

I read a post yesterday where GregRocker posted on this forum that if you install again and choose 'repair' you are able to install over the top and the upgrade key will work. I haven't tested this though.

The post is here to get the info straight from the horses mouth (sorry Greg ).
http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...nt-offer-boot-disk-required-2.html#post452781

 

[richc46]

I have a retail upgrade copy of Win7. I did a clean install on a new hard drive using custom install. I unchecked Automatically activate windows and entered my product key. It would not let me continue because it said my product key was only valid for an upgrade. So I left the product key blank and it continued with the install. After the install successfully completed I tried to manually activate with my product key. Again it said the product key was not valid. So now I try the Registry workaround. Downloaded the .reg file, executed it and did the slmgr -rearm. This time when I tried to activate I got a message saying there was a rearm violation (or something like that) and when I tried again it said I needed to reinstall Win7. So now I do a reinstall except this time I do an upgrade instead of custom since now I have a copy of windows installed. When it gets to the activation screen this time I left Automatically update checked entered my key and it accepted it. So I figure all my problems are solved until I go to check the activation screen and it says will Automatically update in 2 days and shows a different key from the one I entered. So Am I activated or not activated and if not what's going on?

Dont guess, and lets get this done. If you are in the US call this number 888 725 1047. Activate by touch tone phone. If that does not work a person will speak to you. Then you will be good to go.

 

[zippster]

Yes, It is the upgrade version. I tried activating again this time leaving the key that was generated instead of my product key and it worked. I'm happy but confused. I don't recall reading anywhere not to change the generated key to the product key when activating.

 

[fseal]

Actually I believe that you accidentally came across the one of the methods for "upgrading" while doing a clean install that I've seen several times. You install it first with no key, then upgrade in place using your key.

If the activation completes then, run windows media player and let it do the genuine advantage thing (ugh), if that takes then you should be good on that machine.

 

[gregrocker]

When you did the repair install, the installer saw an OS already there and allowed you to insert the upgrade version key.

Then it only needed activation at the Computer>Properties link. It should be activated on your inserted key.