product code rejected

[reasoner]

I am using an Intel Macbook with Boot Camp and XP. I wiped XP off the drive and installed W7 (32 bit)

Everything went fine till I was prompted to enter the product key. I did so repeatedly, slowly, carefully, yet the PK was rejected every time.

I am trying to install W7 Home Version with three installs.

Any advice will be gratefully received.

bitraker

 

[kegobeer]

Have you seen this boot camp / Windows 7 tutorial? Perhaps it can help.

An illustrated guide to Boot Camp and Windows 7

 

[richc46]

This is what you do. First, ask yourself, "Am I sure that this key is legit". Only you know where you got it. If you know tha it is legit. Try installing, again. This time when it asks for the key, just ignore it and go forward. After you are installed, try it for a few days. If you are happy with the results, try putting in the key. If it is accepted, you are good to go. If not, call the number that you will be given. You, then have the opportunity to try to activate by phone. If that does not work, a person, will actually talk to you. If your number is legit, he will activate you right then, if not, you keep your present OS or you must get another Win 7 key.

All I ask for this information, is to be kept informed of the outcome. This way, the time I spend helping you will be a benefit not only to you but to me and many others who read this.

 

[reasoner]

Yes, the number is legit - and thanks for the help.

bitraker

 

[Tews]

At this point I see two options... 1) Try reinstalling and see if it will accept your key.. 2) Activate it over the phone with MS.. Let us know how it comes out..

 

[SvD]

Hi-

I have same problem. Running a Feb. 2009 MacBook Pro, 15" w/6 gig RAM, 2.53 ghz processor, etc., with legal WIN XP on the hard drive through Boot Camp, working fine. I ran a 3-license Win 7 install disk, 64-bit, through Boot Camp, formatting the drive and erasing XP- as in the directions on the web. Error reads that serial # is for Windows 7 Update, NOT a new install, which is all one can do. It all works fine, but the serial # is wrong, so I'll have to try calling for a live activation, I guess. I did more or less the same thing on my wife's PC, no problems with the install or serial #.
SvD

 

[fishnbanjo]

I had the same problem loading Windows 7 32 bit Professional on my DELL XPS Gen 1 laptop which has XP Professional as the primary OS. I found old habit to be the problem as I instinctively placed a dash in between the character fields while typing them. After getting the Invalid Key prompt I looked at it to see if I was mistaking a D for a 0 or an 8 for a B and I wasn't and it was then I saw the statement that the dash was automatically assigned and wondered if that was the issue so I tried it w/o typing the dash and BINGO, that was the solution.

 

[Qdos]

Entering dashes in the product code makes no odds

Using an Upgrade Disk to perform a clean installation will result in activation denial, unless you run the install twice that is...

 

[fishnbanjo]

Entering dashes in the product code makes no odds

Using an Upgrade Disk to perform a clean installation will result in activation denial, unless you run the install twice that is...

Well that's how it went for me and I only installed it once and it really runs this lappy better than ever!

 

[SvD]

Re: macBook Pro, running on bootcamp 3, Snow Leopard, unibody construction, WinXP on hard drive already, trying to put 3-PC family pack Win7 on to replace WinXP install- Ran BootCamp Assistant, restored hard drive to single drive, then followed directions for redividing hard drive into two partitions, did a custom install via BootCamp Assistant (with hard drive format on "BootCamp" partition), then did automatic install on Win 7 (stick around, the reboots require you to hold the "option/alt" key and select the Windows hard drive at the music and screen lighting up on reboot!). When I tried to activate, through Start menu, got Activation Error 0xC004F061, with the instruction the serial # was invalid for a clean install, I needed a Windows 7 install disk and/or product ID# that is valid for a "clean install". found the activation Phone # for Windows 7, 1-866-740-1256, and after several tries, got to a technician who had me bring up the MSDRT window in the Start/Run box, he gave me a passcode to enter that allowed him into the registry, and he did digital magic and told me to enjoy my new Windows7 after re-entering the now-valid Product ID. In a follow-up call, I was told that the Upgrade DVD (doesn't matter if it's the family 3-pack or the single, or on a dual-boot system like MacBooks) is NOT valid for a clean install, but that essentially they do a workaround from the tech side- a sneaky way of saying that Microsoft won't charge for upgrading from XP instead of Vista, but they'll make it difficult to do easily...... Keep mentioning the error code!

SvD

 

[gregrocker]

It appears the OP used an Upgrade after wiping XP so installer didnt' see it when scanning the HDD at bootup.

Either run a Repair install (upgrade over itself) from the new Win7 desktop to allow it to take key, or do the registry workaround being given out by MS tech support which is reported here: http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp

 

[reasoner]

I called the 1 (866) 740-1256 number suggested prior - it's Windows tech support - they told me to call customer service at 1 (800) 936-5700 - they said my product key was valid and that it is a Mac-Boot Camp problem, and that I should call Mac

any Mac numbers you can suggest?

thanks

bitraker

 

[Jacee]

There may be some help here:
Using Boot Camp to install Windows 7 on your Mac: The Complete Walkthrough – Simple Help

 

[reasoner]

did all that, thanks

this links says I need Snow Leopard. I am not running Snow Leopard. Could it be that simple?

Intel Mac users please note

 

[reasoner]

updated to Snow L + Boot Camp 3 - product code still being rejected

%@#*&#%

 

[SvD]

re product code

Bitraker-

You may be stuck with calling the 800 numbers again. The advice that it is a Boot Camp issue is not true, from my experience. When I finally got to a human being in the Microsoft jungle, I asked for a supervisor and was transferred to a Windows 7 Activation Team or something like that, and the person on the other end of the line had me boot up the installed Win7 and run MSDT (Microsoft remote desktop/diagnosis)- when I entered the password he gave me, he got into the computer itself and changed something, and then I was able to enter the product code and go from there. I had to call and be transferred several times, eventually I got a bit testy and asked to speak with a supervisor who transferred me to the right people ASAP.

Good luck!
SvD

 

[reasoner]

thanks SvD - I'll check it out

bitraker

 

[reasoner]

problem solved - only hold down the option button during the second restart

I like W7 - very much a leaner, meaner XP - I will upgrade my XP desktop next

thanks for all your advice and help

bitraker

 

[EverPhoto]

Re: XPS Gen 1 & Win 7

I had the same problem loading Windows 7 32 bit Professional on my DELL XPS Gen 1 laptop which has XP Professional as the primary OS. I found old habit to be the problem as I instinctively placed a dash in between the character fields while typing them. After getting the Invalid Key prompt I looked at it to see if I was mistaking a D for a 0 or an 8 for a B and I wasn't and it was then I saw the statement that the dash was automatically assigned and wondered if that was the issue so I tried it w/o typing the dash and BINGO, that was the solution.

Hey fishnbanjo - I was getting ready to put Win 7 on my old Dell XPS Gen 1 and I am looking around for any gotchas. Since you have been there just wondering what you ran into. Thx - Lou

 

[Ztruker]

bitraker, what Option button?