Need help reactivating Windows

[Spyder]

Hey everyone, I'm in the middle of a situation that I have yet to find a solution to after alot of searching. Let me lay down the problem:

Last January I purchased a Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit upgrade for my computer, which I successfully installed. Then a month ago, I upgraded my computer with a new motherboard and hard drive, and I reinstalled Windows on the new hard drive using the same copy (I had forgot it was the upgrade version). The installation was successful, but now I am having huge issues activating it.

So basically my question is, is there a way to get a new active product key? Several people told me there's a way to get a new one for $10. I tried calling the activation help center once but I couldn't understand the guy I was connected to you, and he otherwise didn't seem helpful. I can also get a new copy of Windows 7 through my college for $20, which would allow me to get a new product key. But the question with that is would I need the product key for another upgrade version or a full version?

I appreciate all the help guys, it will be a relief when I can get this resolved.

 

[richc46]

YOu need to activate by phone and explain the situation if a rep comes on.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html?ltr=A

I am assuming that you are installed.

 

[myhken]

If you got a Windows 7 OEM version (the cheapest version) you can not change hardware like the motherboard, or move the license from one computer to another. If you wants to do that, you have to get the upgrade version or the full retail version.

If it's a OEM key have got, it's no point calling MS, they want most likely not help you. And there is no program there you can buy a new key for $10. If you want a upgrade versions of Win7 Ultimate you have to pay $219 and a full version $319.

And they keys you get from your school is only Windows 7 Pro, and then you have to install Windows 7 all over, with a clean install (formating your computer), you can not downgrade from Ultimate to Pro.

The only way you can get out of this if you have a OEM key, is if you get hold of a nice MS worker at the phone activation. Maybe you are lucky. The lesson: Never buy the cheapest version if you have plans to change hardware or get a new computer the next 2-3 years after a Windows release.

 

[Spyder]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Richc46- I will try that, but it's really hard to actually talk to a rep when they're just trying to read you responses off of a computer monitor. I feel like if you try to ask them a question that's not on their list, they get confused and just repeat their last response. If I get connected to a rep that has a genuine interest to help me, MS will go up 1000 points in my book.

myhken- I got my previous version of Windows 7 Ultimate through the university, so I can obtain another copy of the same version. Would that key work? Otherwise I will just purchase the full version, but I would really hate to have to do a clean install again.

 

[richc46]

You will get a professional if you try to activate, normally and when rejected, follow the information given by phone.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html?ltr=A

 

[myhken]

If you get a new Ultimate key from you school, it will work yes. Was not aware that schools gave out Ultimate keys. MSDNAA has only Pro keys, and the school it's self is most likely using Enterprise.

 

[gregrocker]

You bought a Win7 retail copy which can migrate to any computer or hardware whenever you want for life, as long as it is on only one computer.

When you activate, the only thing at issue will be that you are using Upgrade version on new hardware, so you need to use on of the workarounds given here to upgrade to new HD: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

You may need to do a robocall to update the hardware signature in MS computers.

 

[Spyder]

gregrocker, thanks alot, that is what I needed to do. I was able to validate Windows using one of those workarounds, my issue is resolved now.

 

[gregrocker]

Glad to help.