Question about error code 0xC004E003 AKA reusing my own CD key.

[MrComply]

So to begin with, I used to have a Dell Studio XPS laptop that I had been using for about 3 1/2 years that finally died on me about a month ago. I just finished building my new desktop last night and installed windows just fine. However right now however there is a button that says "3 days until automatic activation. Activate Windows now." and so I clicked the button. Before my old laptop went belly up, I used Belarc administration tools to extract the Windows 7 CD key from my lap top. I have it written down and I used this Dell reinstallation disk below:

imgur: the simple image sharer

I tried inputting my CD key that I extracted from my laptop last night and it gave me error code 0xC004E003. Do you guys know of any legitimate solutions to this? I mean the other machine is out of commission so it's not like I'm trying to pull a fast one on Microsoft and use windows on two machines at the same time. Any legitimate ways to solve this issue? Otherwise I may just resort to software cracks or something like that to fix it before I can buy a new CD key.

EDIT: I should also add that this new desktop is a custom built PC. I did not just buy another dell. I bought the individual pieces of hardware for it.

Thanks!

 

[derekimo]

Well it clearly states on the DVD you can only use that on a Dell PC, you cannot transfer a factory OEM install to another computer.

Comments about using software cracks are against the rules. You need to buy a new key and use a different installer.

 

[NoelDP]

To be certain...

Please followthis tutorial and post an MGADiag report - then we can see what the problem is.



http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/234159-windows-genuine-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html



Ignore errors produced when clicking on theCopy button - they simply mean that the tool could not create the backup filesfor some reason. The data is still copied to the clipboard for pasting to yourresponse.

 

[Bobthequill]

I was caught in a similar situation to that a few years back.

The PC supplier had charged me for Windows Vista but not supplied a back up disk, just a recovery image on the hard drive.

I contacted Microsoft and they sold me a genuine disc very cheaply out of Singapore.

I was However still well within warranty.

Bobthequill