Checking for updates of my windows 7 system no longer responds

[a cooperator]

Thank you so much indeed, Greg, please forgive me for my many questions.

First: Product key is not shown in the OEM or in all versions of windows.
OEM : original equipment manufacturer which is a replacement part made by the manufacturer of the original part.However, the Original version of windows is the original part with its installation Disc.


Second:You said that "I should back up the key now in case sticker decays.", How can I back up it as long as I didn't see it on my system. Do you mean that write it down?

Third if the owner of a company which designated the OEM scared that product key might be stealing, so they let the product key is not shown in the window of a system's activation , then why did he let it shown in the sticker?

Fourth:What difference there is between a Product key and product ID?
I only see the product ID# is shown in the window of my system; however, the product key is only shown on the sticker in the back of Laptop.
Some people when they upload a screenshot for the window of their system, they quite keen to scratch the product ID in the frame of system's activation.
I am quite surprised because they did that, as far as I know that we activate the windows with product key. So, the product key should be scratched.

Finally: Does 'Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool' let any ISO bootable, depending on what files ISO contains.
In other words, can I burn any ISO file with that tool and then I will get a bootable CD/DVD regardless of the types of files which ISO contains.

 

[a cooperator]

Thank you Kari, for your kind participation in this thread.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, write the key down from the COA sticker to keep it safe.

I repeat: there is no risk the key will be stolen since it can only be used on your machine.

Product ID is used by MS to trace ownership if necessary, Product Key is used by consumer to activate Windows.

You can only use the Windows Download Tool with the official Win7 downloads.

As Kari confirms, you can likely change the language during a Clean Reinstall or Repair Install with your same Product Key. So you still have the choice to do a Clean Reinstall, Repair Install or Factory Recovery.
I would start with Repair Install or Factory Recovery.

 

[a cooperator]

Yes, write the key down from the COA sticker to keep it safe.

Thank Grgrocker, yesterday when I have run this program 'Belarc Advisor', I have been surprised because that the product key of my Windows system which printed on the sticker on the back of my Laptop differs from the product key shown with the details of 'Belarc Advisor'. It is true that product ID# is the same.

So, my question is which of them I have to use if I need.

 

[NoelDP]

The installed Key is probably the manufacturer's bulk Key - and cannot be used with anything except the manufacturer's Recovery media (which already contain the Key anyhow).

The ESSENTIAL Key that you must preserve at all costs is the one on the COA sticker -it is your own personal Key and is your only proof of ownership of a Windows license, and hte only way to activate the installation if the manufacturer's Key breaks down for any of a number of reasons.

 

[a cooperator]

The ESSENTIAL Key that you must preserve at all costs is the one on the COA sticker -it is your own personal Key and is your only proof of ownership of a Windows license, and hte only way to activate the installation if the manufacturer's Key breaks down for any of a number of reasons.

Thank you so much indeed for your participating in this thread.
I really know that the product key printed on the sticker is the important one. But when I have made a comparison between the key printed on the back of the computer and the one which 'Belarc Advisor' showed in its details, I have become a little bit confused because they are different from each other.

Yes, that 'Belarc Advisor' showed the same product ID # fro OEM. But I know this product ID # is not important at all, otherwise it shouldn't be shown in the frame of windows activation on the system's window.

 

[NoelDP]

Yes, that 'Belarc Advisor' showed the same product ID # fro OEM. But I know this product ID # is not important at all, otherwise it shouldn't be shown in the frame of windows activation on the system's window.

The Product Key and Product ID are very different things.

The Manufacturer's OEM_SLP Key is used on every machine that the manufacturer sells with that edition of Windows pre-installed.

Your COA Key is unique to you

The Product ID is generated by your computer, and depends on the Key used, and the hardware on which it is installed.

You probably share your Product ID (from the manufacturer's OEM_SLP key) with anything up to a few hundred thousand other people.

If you change the Key to the the one on your COA sticker, your Product ID will also change - but it will still be shared probably with a few tens of thousands of others.

Belarc and other KeyFinder programs can only find the actual Key in use - and for the vast majority of people who bought machines with Windows pre-installed, that means teh OEM_SLP Key which is useless to them.

 

[a cooperator]

The Manufacturer's OEM_SLP Key is used on every machine that the manufacturer sells with that edition of Windows pre-installed.

Your COA Key is unique to you

.

Thank you so much indeed,
Due to your speech above and this: SLP keys will work with any OEM SLP system, regardless of the OEM system’s brand, i.e. not brand specific"

My question is I can use my OEM_SLP Key for windows home premium SP1-64bit to activate windows ultimate SP1-64bit?

Finally: I have read this somewhere:
OEM SLP product keys are the only keys that are able to perform offline activation instantly and locally, without going online or connecting to Microsoft server. OEM SLP keys are only issued to big manufacturers such as Dell, Asus, Sony, etc.

My question is that my computer is HP, but the windows which came with it is OEM which is 'Windows 7 Home Premium Home Edition Media Center 6.01.7601 Service Pack 1 (64-bit)'

On the sticker is written 'Windows 7 Home Prem OA MEA'

Finlay: which one is the best, OEM:NONSLP (Non System Locked Pre-installation), OEM:SLP (System Locked Pre-installation), OEM:COA (Certificate of Authentication)?

I think my windows system is OEM:COA (Certificate of Authentication) as long as there is a product key on the sticker on the back on my computer.

I think such a technology would confuse and dodge the customers because when I purchased my laptop, I didn't receive a Windows installation disc. Only I have a COA sticker pasted on the casing on my computer. I think this is not good technology, the customers should have got a Windows installation disc along with product key instead of these quite difficult terms such OEM:SLP (System Locked Pre-installation)/OEM:NONSLP (Non System Locked Pre-installation)/OEM:COA (Certificate of Authentication)

These terms alone would be confusing the customers

 

[NoelDP]

Thank you so much indeed, then I can use my OEM_SLP Key for windows home premium SP1-64bit to activate windows ultimate SP1-64bit?

Finally: I have read this somewhere:
OEM SLP product keys are the only keys that are able to perform offline activation instantly and locally, without going online or connecting to Microsoft server. OEM SLP keys are only issued to big manufacturers such as Dell, Asus, Sony, etc.

My question is that my computer is HP, but the windows which came with it is OEM which is 'Windows 7 Home Premium Home Edition Media Center 6.01.7601 Service Pack 1 (64-bit)'

On the sticker is written 'Windows 7 Home Prem OA MEA'

You can use the COA Key **on the computer to which it is attached** and no other - and if you replace the motherboard on that computer, except under warranty conditions, the license is automatically invalidated (MS considers the license to be irretrievably locked to the original motherboard on which it is installed and activated).

OEM_SLP Keys form part of a system which self-activates the installation on every boot. The other parts of this system are
1) the SLIC table in the motherboard's BIOS
2) Certificates and licenses only present in the machine manufacturer's initial install and Recovery media.

These Keys are only used by large 'Direct OEM' manufacturers (there is a minimum sales requirement in the 1000's per month)

 

[a cooperator]

Thank you so much indeed, then I can use my OEM_SLP Key for windows home premium SP1-64bit to activate windows ultimate SP1-64bit?

Finally: I have read this somewhere:
OEM SLP product keys are the only keys that are able to perform offline activation instantly and locally, without going online or connecting to Microsoft server. OEM SLP keys are only issued to big manufacturers such as Dell, Asus, Sony, etc.

My question is that my computer is HP, but the windows which came with it is OEM which is 'Windows 7 Home Premium Home Edition Media Center 6.01.7601 Service Pack 1 (64-bit)'

On the sticker is written 'Windows 7 Home Prem OA MEA'

You can use the COA Key **on the computer to which it is attached** and no other - and if you replace the motherboard on that computer, except under warranty conditions, the license is automatically invalidated (MS considers the license to be irretrievably locked to the original motherboard on which it is installed and activated).

Thank you so much indeed,

But I have two question here I would respectfully like you to answer me:
First: I have read here:[Contrary to popular belief, the product key printed on the COA sticker is not used to activate the Windows, it’s master SLP royalty key that does the job. COA product key is provided as it would be required if a reinstallation of Windows is needed, unless users backup OEM activation beforehand. End-users are required to perform activation by phone or activate online.]

How can then I activate my system?

Second: if someone use this program 'Microsoft PIDX Check' to get the product which activated my windows, can he succeed to reuse it in his Windows ? ?

 

[NoelDP]

This is the 'Official MS' description of OEM and SLP Keys.....
<quote>

Computers that come pre-installed with Windows from large manufacturers usually come with two Product Keys.

OEM SLP: This is the key that came in Windows (from the factory). It works by connecting to a BIOS flag (the SLIC table) found only on computers from that Manufacturer. Once it sees the correct BIOS flag, it self activates.

COA SLP: This is the key seen on the sticker located on the side, bottom or in the battery compartment of your machine. The purpose of this key is to be used in the case the OEM SLP self-activation stops working for whatever reason.

</quote>

The OEM_SLP Key cannot be activated on any computer other than one produced by the same manufacturer, with the same OS installed.

Your COA Key could in theory be used on another machine - which is another reason why it is not possible to move them to another machine, and why lately more and more manufacturers have taken to putting the Key inside the battery compartment of laptops, rather than on the outside.

Retrieving a Key from a computer requires physical acces to that computer, or fairly sophisticated malware. The program you refer to is irrelevant. Yes it retrieves a Key from the registry as do many other programs, such as Belarc Advisor, or ProduKey, but it has to be run on the computer.
So long as you secure your computer properly there is nothing to worry about.

It is also possible to 'hide' the Key so that it cannot be retrieved by such programs - but generally, it is considered inadvisable.

 

[a cooperator]

The OEM_SLP Key cannot be activated on any computer other than one produced by the same manufacturer, with the same OS installed.

Your COA Key could in theory be used on another machine - which is another reason why it is not possible to move them to another machine, and why lately more and more manufacturers have taken to putting the Key inside the battery compartment of laptops, rather than on the outside.

Thank you very much indeed,

When I purchased my laptop, I did neither receive any OEM SLP key, Windows 7 installation disc for the same edition of Windows 7 which is installed on my Laptop nor a OEM Windows 7 "Factory" Restore/Recovery type of installation disc that came with or created from a store bought computer. I only purchased a laptop on which Windows 7 was installed. What I did was I only prepared the Windows 7 to be run in its first start. And I didn't come across any step asking me to enter the product key of Windows during the preparation steps of the Windows.

So, I only know the COA Key printed on the sticker on the back of my computer. However, I never used it.
However, I don't know anything about how I can get the OEM_SLP Key
Could you let me know how I can see this OEM_SLP Key?

When I have tried founding the product key of my windows with some keyfinder programs, I have found that the sticker key number is different than the key number reported in one of those programs.

Thus, I have now the COA Key and OEM_SLP Key, then which of them should I have use it to activate my windows if I asked?

***I have read some keyfinder don't show the product key number for Windows 7 Enterprise, what is the the product key number for Windows 7 Enterprise?***

 

[Golden]

I'm confused - 10 pages later are we still trying to update Windows 7?

 

[Layback Bear]

I have went through all these post so many times I'm dreaming COA Key.
Did Windows every updated?

 

[gregrocker]

You have had your questions answered here endlessly and now need to decide:

1) Do you want to run a Repair Install with the Win7 with SP1 installer to try to fix your issues?

2) Do you want to run a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7?

3) Do you want to run HP Factory Recovery to see if it offers you the Language choices again as it did when you set up the computer the first time, and which should also solve your issues?

4) Do you want to try your Repair Install or Clean Reinstall with a different Language installer to see if it will work as it should to change to the desired language, as confirmed by our language expert Kari?

Whichever of these you choose besides Factory Recovery will use the Product Key on the COA sticker. There is no need to ask again. We are the undisputed top experts on this and we are telling you that is what to use. Period. End of discussion.

Now is the time to choose. Our patience has run out except to help you get it done. Choose.

 

[a cooperator]

Thank you all of you very much indeed,

I would like to understand these things like I have mentioned. However, fixing the issues would be alright when I return from the Factory Recovery .
I am respectfully requesting you to answer me:


When I purchased my laptop, I did neither receive any OEM SLP key, Windows 7 installation disc for the same edition of Windows 7 which is installed on my Laptop nor a OEM Windows 7 "Factory" Restore/Recovery type of installation disc that came with or created from a store bought computer. I only purchased a laptop on which Windows 7 was installed. What I did was I only prepared the Windows 7 to be run in its first start. And I didn't come across any step asking me to enter the product key of Windows during the preparation steps of the Windows.

So, I only know the COA Key printed on the sticker on the back of my computer. However, I never used it.
However, I don't know anything about how I can get the OEM_SLP Key
Could you let me know how I can see this OEM_SLP Key?

When I have tried founding the product key of my windows with some keyfinder programs, I have found that the sticker key number is different than the key number reported in one of those programs.

Thus, I have now the COA Key and OEM_SLP Key, then which of them should I have use it to activate my windows if I asked?

***I have read some keyfinder don't show the product key number for Windows 7 Enterprise, what is the the product key number for Windows 7 Enterprise?***

 

[Layback Bear]

​

a cooperator you have a nice day.

 

[a cooperator]

Thank you all of you very much indeed,

I would like to understand these things like I have mentioned. However, fixing the issues would be alright when I return from the Factory Recovery .
I am respectfully requesting you to answer me:


When I purchased my laptop, I did neither receive any OEM SLP key, Windows 7 installation disc for the same edition of Windows 7 which is installed on my Laptop nor a OEM Windows 7 "Factory" Restore/Recovery type of installation disc that came with or created from a store bought computer. I only purchased a laptop on which Windows 7 was installed. What I did was I only prepared the Windows 7 to be run in its first start. And I didn't come across any step asking me to enter the product key of Windows during the preparation steps of the Windows.

So, I only know the COA Key printed on the sticker on the back of my computer. However, I never used it.
However, I don't know anything about how I can get the OEM_SLP Key
Could you let me know how I can see this OEM_SLP Key?

When I have tried founding the product key of my windows with some keyfinder programs, I have found that the sticker key number is different than the key number reported in one of those programs.

Thus, I have now the COA Key and OEM_SLP Key, then which of them should I have use it to activate my windows if I asked?

***I have read some keyfinder don't show the product key number for Windows 7 Enterprise, what is the the product key number for Windows 7 Enterprise?***

 

[Golden]

Thus, I have now the COA Key and OEM_SLP Key, then which of them should I have use it to activate my windows if I asked?

This thread has gone on so long, and covered so many different aspects that I no longer know what its about, but as per above:

Forget everything else - the COA sticker key is all you need to be concerned about.

 

[gregrocker]

So it seems you are ready to run HP Factory Recovery, whiich as you've been repeatedly told doesn't require a Product Key at any point whatsoever. Here is what you need:
HP Recover Windows 7 Operating System Using HP Recovery - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Make your HP Recovery disks as detailed in the link above which shows you how to run HP Factory Recovery from it's partition at boot. These disks will act as the backup in case running it from it's partition at boot fails.

To make a secondary backup, save a Win7 backup image externally: Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

If you want our help to complete this or any of the other methods should this not work satisfactorily, you will stop harrassing us further with inane circular questioning which has been answered repeatedly. This is your final warning.