Product Key Dilemma

[jerryd]

Sevenforum,
I lost my hard drive recently and didn't have a backup. I got a new SSD
and installed a Windows 7 Professional iso. Unfortunately MS won't verify
the non OEM product key that came with the old windows 7.

I have a Windows Professional CD with a product code but it is for fresh
install only.

I have a backup of the data from the present install and am trying to find
out if that will work as a restore after I do a fresh install?

I see there are "Free" product keys on the internet but am leery of using one
of those.

Jerryd

 

[townsbg]

I've never heard of a key for a fresh install only. I've heard of one for an upgrade only install. What happens when you try to activate? Have you tried a phone activation? Phone Activation of Windows 7 & 2008 R2


You are right about the free keys online.

 

[torchwood]

Hi Jerry

the 1st thing that hit me,

your specs show Home Premium, you installed Pro - A product key is version specific

as you have Pro CD + key just use that, it should work fine, in reality it is a fresh/clean install

control panel >> system >> change product key


Roy

 

[SIW2]

As torchwood says:

I got a new SSD
and installed a Windows 7 Professional iso. Unfortunately MS won't verify
the non OEM product key that came with the old windows 7.

According to your system specs you had Home Premium. You can't activate a Pro installation with a Home Premium key.

I have a Windows Professional CD with a product code but it is for fresh
install only.

Either Install Home Premium which is what you had originally.
OR use the key that came with Windows Professional DVD to activate Pro edition.

 

[townsbg]

Full edition keys can be used for either a clean install (which is what you described) or an upgrade install. That's when you install 7 over Vista or XP. Upgrade keys are cheaper so they are restricted to upgrade installs. Just like upgrading from one paid version of software to a newer one. They charge less since you have already bought it once. Note that there is a work around to the upgrade install but I tried it once and it didn't work for me. My 7 key is an upgrade so the last time I installed it on my computer I had to install Vista first.

 

[Snick]

Agree with all three response/helper posts!