(Re-) Activate, or Flatten and Re-install?

[Geekasaurus]

Drop Box

I forgot to post the link to the Drop Box data.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xd26hrn35dic18e/AABuWFXWuTywkhCOp7vzAXTga?dl=0

 

[NoelDP]

Sometimes, I hate DropBox! It's one of the few share sites that doesn't support resume.

I'll get back to you as soon as I can - shout if it's too long!

 

[Geekasaurus]

ZoneAlarm

Because of a comment on this thread, I uninstalled ZoneAlarm, then tried to re-key Win 7.

Quite frankly, it looked like a Firewall issue....I thought that ZA was blocking M$ from connecting back to my computer to diddle it in some manner or fashion.

But....no luck. It failed identically.

I re-installed ZA.

The application event log indicated some sort of resource conflict with Dragon Naturally Speaking 12.5

I wasn't using this software, so I uninstalled it.

ZA is now re-scanning my system to see if any nastiness snuck in during the 10 minutes it was uninstalled.

I haven't yet re-installed Dragon.

I may yet just flatten this damn thing. I have Red Hat 7, and am contemplating installing that first, then running Win 7 in a virtual machine.

According to my RedHat representative, Microsoft supports this, though I am unclear if specifically supports Windows 7. I do know it support Windows Advance Server 2008.

 

[NoelDP]

When you uninstalled ZA - did you also run their cleanup tool?

If not, then you may as well not have bothered!

Historically, ZA leaves a multitude of hooks into the system that can totally destroy the OS's ability to connect with almost anything. It's one reason why I stopped using it (or recommending it) back in 2004-ish.

The Windows Firewall is sufficiently capable to be able to block most threats - and a lot less hassle (and has been since 2003, when activated properly).

 

[Geekasaurus]

ZoneAlarm-2

No, I did not run their cleanup tool.

But I will re-uninstall, run the cleanup, then try to re-activate.

I'll post back here with the results.

It just would not surprise me if it was a firewall issue.

 

[Geekasaurus]

Its not ZA

I uninstalled ZA, ran their cleanup tool, then tried to re-authorize.

Still the same problem exists.

Do you want me to put the logs again out on dropbox?

 

[NoelDP]

I only need a fresh MGADiag report - after you've attempted validation at www.microsoft.com/genuine/validate using Internet Explorer, if/when it fails, go to www.microsoft.com/genuine/diag and see what that has to say.

 

[Geekasaurus]

Gee isn't it original

The Genuine Microsoft Software website says that I'm not running IE, Firefox or Netscape browsers. Yet the help-->about says that I'm running IE 11.

I re-tried it with Firefox. Here's the result.

Genuine Microsoft Software – Diagnostic Site
What is the purpose of this site?

These diagnostic pages will help you ensure that your Mozilla Firefox Web browser (1.0.5 or later) settings are configured properly to see images and run scripts.
Genuine Microsoft Software Diagnostic Results
Passed 	Active scripting allowed
Passed 	Display images enabled
Passed 	Computer time and date correct
Passed 	Cookies enabled

There is a new MCADiag file in the drop box. It does not seem to have changed from the previous.

 

[logicearth]

I think one should ask this. Did you buy an OEM version of Windows from Newegg or the like. Or did you buy a retail version? If you bought an OEM version then you need to call Microsoft because the key is tied to the motherboard, swapping it out invalidates your current license.

Anyways you can easily fix it by giving Microsoft a call and they will clear your OEM key for use on the new motherboard.

 

[Geekasaurus]

Retail Version

This is what I don't understand. The version that I purchased, and am trying to activate, is the normal, retail version of Windows 7. The version I installed at the beginning, and the one I am trying to validate, is the normal retail version of Windows Home Premium 64 Bit.

However, when I look at the key under Start-->Computer-->Properties, it shows this product key: 00359-OEM-8703917-84XXX

I have NO idea how this product key appeared. Its possible that this is the result of some sort of virus but Google can't find it. Malwarebytes and ZA virus scan do not detect anything either.

I understand the differences between OEM and retail versions of the software. I purchased, and am trying to validate the retail version. It won't let me.

 

[NoelDP]

It could be that your useragentstring is corrupted.... I'll research that.

 

[gregrocker]

This is what I don't understand. The version that I purchased, and am trying to activate, is the normal, retail version of Windows 7. The version I installed at the beginning, and the one I am trying to validate, is the normal retail version of Windows Home Premium 64 Bit.

However, when I look at the key under Start-->Computer-->Properties, it shows this product key: 00359-OEM-8703917-84XXX

I have NO idea how this product key appeared. Its possible that this is the result of some sort of virus but Google can't find it. Malwarebytes and ZA virus scan do not detect anything either.

I understand the differences between OEM and retail versions of the software. I purchased, and am trying to validate the retail version. It won't let me.

That is not the Key, it is the Product ID which is another reference number which can be used by MS to sort the OS's legitimacy. The OEM in the string means it is either Factory OEM or Retail OEM. Did you buy an OEM retail copy of Win7 (the only one that's sold now), Upgrade or Full retail versions? Those are the three retail choices.

If you are using the Product Key on the COA sticker that came with the packaging, and are certain you installed the correct version (check again in Properties) then it should activate. What most often happens is that a character is typed wrong - a B can look like an 8, etc.

 

[Geekasaurus]

I double-checked

The key. I never removed the sticker from the CD box to place on the power supply or case. I kept it on the sticker. The case is identified with the host name. I used a magnifying glass to confirm every character of the COA key. I have typed it exactly as it is on the certificate. I even saved it off into a notepad .txt file so that I will not make any further typing mistakes.

The error I am getting is not one that indicates its an invalid key. I am getting permissions errors across the board.

I put some graphics of the errors I am getting earlier in this thread.

Each day I am getting closer and closer to nuking this thing and re-installing from scratch. I just have no assurance that will activate either. It just continues to underscore the poor opinion I have of Microsoft products.

I paid $99 for Red Hat 7, and have yet to have a problem with it. The $99 I paid for Windows 7 has just been one problem after another after another after another and another.

 

[gregrocker]

Noel will help you sort this out.

Where did you buy Win7?

 

[Geekasaurus]

Win 7

I have 3 copies of Win 7, all purchased from Newegg. i have the receipts. I've only tried to install one of them.

 

[gregrocker]

OK then it's almost certainly corruption that's affecting permissions. If anyone can sort this out it's Noel. If not then you'll know it was not possible without doing a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164.

 

[NoelDP]

I'll need a new link to the dropbox - the earlier one no longer works.

It sounds as if your UserAgentString may be corrupted. - please go to UserAgentString.com - Netscape version 4.0 and copy the string displayed to your response.