I had vista, then ubuntu 11.04, and cant activate windows 7

[coneill659]

Hey guys,

I decided to try linux so I replaced windows vista, which origionally came with my computer, with ubuntu 11.04.

I have now given up on ubuntu and purchased a windows 7 upgrade disk. However, the activation code will not work as I removed vista from my computer and my version of w7 does not allow a full installation.

Any contact phone numbers to a windows help line in the uk or other help would be really appreciated.

Thanks

 

[mel8again]

Do you have a disk with Vista on it or did recovery come on a hard drive partition? If on a partition, do you still have it there? If you still have it on a partion you could use the recovery to get it back and then use the upgrade disk to make it Win 7. If you don't have it perhaps you can get recovery disks from the manufacturer. It will cost a few bucks. Also there is a windows sticker on your computer with the activation key on it. Maybe you could borrow a Vista disk of the same version you had and use the key on your computer to activate it and then upgrade.

 

[theog]

All Linux code must be deleted using the CLEAN ALL command.As you have had linux on the HD you need do a Clean all & full format.

Do a full clean & full format in command prompt.
1) Boot DVD & Press Shift+F10 (for command prompt)
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/119713-diskpart-pc-startup.html
2) Boot DVD, & http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/682-command-prompt-startup.html
(for command prompt)

Type in command line
DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK # (win HD)
CLEAN ALL
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
SELECT PARTITION 1
ACTIVE
FORMAT fs=NTFS
ASSIGN
EXIT
EXIT




http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html?ltr=C

 

[coneill659]

Entered the code into command prompt successfully and reinstalled windows 7. Problem remains.
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

These links contain a lot of information, which instructions are helpful?

 

[coneill659]

I don't think I have a vista disk but I may get one, thanks!

 

[bobkn]

I don't think I have a vista disk but I may get one, thanks!

You don't need a Vista disk. Use method 3 from:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html?ltr=C

This isn't an officially supported way to use an upgrade version, but it works, and you have a qualifying Vista license.