New Key !?

[gregrocker]

Tim, while you were replying I edited my post above to deal more directly with possibility of tampering.

If the guy doesn't want to give up his install, then it won't likely make it worse to do the Upgrade with the new key which should work unless other tampering prevents it.

Just keep in mind that a clean install is not just a last resort here, but is the only sure thing.

 

[TimStitt]

Tim, while you were replying I edited my post above to deal more directly with possibility of tampering.

If the guy doesn't want to give up his install, then it won't likely make it worse to do the Upgrade with the new key which should work unless other tampering prevents it.

Just keep in mind that a clean install is not just a last resort here, but is the only sure thing.

Agreed on all accounts. Great advice as usual Greg.

 

[Stu49]

Sorry I was traveling today and just got Tim's PM. The solution is indeed a Repair Install as it completely resets activation and makes the installation a clean slate for a new Product key, - whether full retail, factory OEM, and specifically an Upgrade such as you purchased.

But Tim's warning that the install DVD might itself be corrupt is a concern. For example, the pirate seller might have slipped in a BIOS-mod emulation to activate it, although I don't think that would survive a Repair Install, which reinstalls the OS while transferring over files, settings and programs, assuring System File integrity in process.

This is providing you do the Repair Install with a verified install disk whose ISO passes official HASH check for Win7 Ultimate. using a tool like Hashtab. You can avoid this by obtaining your install media from a trusted source. I would also test the original install media as having it pass HASH would relieve any fears, although failing HASH doesn't count it out I would be wary of it and study it closer.

I would also use the best lightweight free AV solution Microsoft Security Essentials as it is being updated to detect all activation exploits and other tampering.

Hi Greg, and thanks for this !

TEWS seems to disagree with you !???


Installed HashTab, but how do I do a hash on a DVD ?? works great on files, but I don't have the ISO only the burnt disc and HashTab does NOT show for this !?

Have run MSE against install disc (he supplied both 32 & 64 variants) and no problem detected.

Don't think he would have modified anything, just doesn't fit, but if it all goes wrong I still have the NEW disc, so can start from scratch

Will update as things progress

 

[gregrocker]

The best tool to extract ISO from DVD is ImgBurn which also happens to be the best image burner by far.

Save ISO in your downloads folder. You can even unlock all versions using ei.cfg Removal tool in case you need to write to flash stick or burn an all-versions DVD sometime.

 

[Stu49]

The best tool to extract ISO from DVD is ImgBurn which also happens to be the best image burner by far.

Save ISO in your downloads folder. You can even unlock all versions using ei.cfg Removal tool in case you need to write to flash stick or burn an all-versions DVD sometime.

Tks again Greg

SHA-1 & CRC verify ok !!

What's the removal tool (unlocker) all about !?

 

[TimStitt]

What's the removal tool (unlocker) all about !?

Allow me, I owe Greg for helping

It allows you to remove the ei.cfg file on the windows 7 disk. You can also do this manually. Roughly put, the ei.cfg file tells windows which version you purchased. However, if you purchased more than one version (e.g. a home premium and an ultimate) and you wanted one disk to install both versions then you can remove the ei.cfg file and the windows installation disk will then prompt you for the versions to install.
This is also useful if you wanted to trial ultimate to see if you like it. It won't take a product key unless it's ultimate but you can trial it for a short time with no key. Hope this helps.

 

[Stu49]

What's the removal tool (unlocker) all about !?

Allow me, I owe Greg for helping

It allows you to remove the ei.cfg file on the windows 7 disk. You can also do this manually. Roughly put, the ei.cfg file tells windows which version you purchased. However, if you purchased more than one version (e.g. a home premium and an ultimate) and you wanted one disk to install both versions then you can remove the ei.cfg file and the windows installation disk will then prompt you for the versions to install.
This is also useful if you wanted to trial ultimate to see if you like it. It won't take a product key unless it's ultimate but you can trial it for a short time with no key. Hope this helps.

So it's the old story of ALL on one disk, but limited by this 'ei' file, and of course the license key !

 

[TimStitt]

What's the removal tool (unlocker) all about !?

Allow me, I owe Greg for helping

It allows you to remove the ei.cfg file on the windows 7 disk. You can also do this manually. Roughly put, the ei.cfg file tells windows which version you purchased. However, if you purchased more than one version (e.g. a home premium and an ultimate) and you wanted one disk to install both versions then you can remove the ei.cfg file and the windows installation disk will then prompt you for the versions to install.
This is also useful if you wanted to trial ultimate to see if you like it. It won't take a product key unless it's ultimate but you can trial it for a short time with no key. Hope this helps.

So it's the old story of ALL on one disk, but limited by this 'ei' file, and of course the license key !

Exactly!

 

[FredPinVT]

I've been having the same problem. You have to call the activation department and speak with them. They told me it was because I have reloaded my OS more than three times. I explained to them, and they agreed, that I bought the OS, I bought the Computer and if I want to change the OS a million times it was none of their business. I OWN THE PRODUCTS! They will look into it with management. They have no right to disable the key on any product as long as it's not pirated. Win activation department: 866.740.1256

 

[gregrocker]

You are correct Fred and court rulings have backed this up: MS cannot steal your merchandise back from you because they suspect or dont' like they way you use it.

However this does not relieve us of being cooperative in the activation process, as it is in our interest to get past their gates as quickly as possible.

Essentially they want to know that you only have it on one machine, and cooperating with them to prove this makes it go fast normally.

However if activation fails and you call Customer Service, they will validate the key and open a tech support case to get it working one way or another. Only if you are uncooperative does their policy allow them to not help further.

 

[FredPinVT]

Greg; agreed. I was cooperative with them and even found another way to activate the OS. When trying to activate there is another way through the process, Under the Activation is another link, when you click on that link it takes you through the process with a phone number. The activation department also showed me that route.

Happy 4th to all!!

Fred

 

[echrada]

Why not use this tool from Microsoft?

Genuine Microsoft Software

 

[FredPinVT]

echrada; yet another shortcut to the same screen that pops up during the activation process... Thanks!

 

[Stu49]

Thanks Guys !!!! All working again !

The new key was refused (upgrade, not full), but the re-install worked a treat !!

So it can be done Tews !!

(just stuck with 'windows~q' dir !? didn't cleanup ?? and can't delete ??)

 

[Tews]

Lol... Glad to find out I was wrong!!

 

[Stu49]

Lol... Glad to find out I was wrong!!

lol wasn't messy either ! no lost preferences or anything !! very smooth

 

[TimStitt]

Lol... Glad to find out I was wrong!!

There's a first time for everything mate

 

[dannyboy2005]

My W7, purchased on eBay 5 months ago, has just gone t.ts up !!

'Not Genuine" !! not really surprised, thought it was too good to be true (and it was).

Have now purchased Upgrade version of Ultimate 64. (same as on now)

Question is will I be able to simply type in new key ?? or will I have to go through the whole process all over again !? I hope not !

Can i ask, did you buy the key for like £6 ?