Solved Reinstalled windows 7 formatted HD, input product key, error

[caliskier]

Here is what happened. My dad gave me his laptop 4 years ago, I have been using it as my main pc since then. He did not give me any windows disk or install disks, but I do have its windows product key, its on the bottom of the laptop. I tried to download the ISO from windows but it said that product key was not supported so I just used the 7 upgrade disk I have for my old PC that I now use as a DVR / server. HD formated, reinstall complete, now it wants a valid product key. So I put the one from the laptop in, it says its not a valid product key.

I have a valid product keys for both machines, why won't this work? More importantly, how can I get it to work? Please help, I need this machine.

 

[fireberd]

Double-check the product key. Many times an "8" is mistaken for "B" or vice versa. Same way with letter "O" and number "0".

However if the DVR/Server OS is still active, that product key has been used for that copy of Windows and can't be used again and that copy of Windows is tied to that product key only. The Product Key on the PC is for a "OEM" version. If you can find an OEM version, exact same version as was originally installed you should be able to use that and the Product Key from the laptop sticker.

 

[caliskier]

Double-check the product key. Many times an "8" is mistaken for "B" or vice versa. Same way with letter "O" and number "0".

However if the DVR/Server OS is still active, that product key has been used for that copy of Windows and can't be used again and that copy of Windows is tied to that product key only. The Product Key on the PC is for a "OEM" version. If you can find an OEM version, exact same version as was originally installed you should be able to use that and the Product Key from the laptop sticker.

Ok it actually was the B 8 issue... THANKS, now the laptop can't find the wireless device so I can't connect to the internet. working that

 

[fireberd]

You may have to install the driver for that.

 

[caliskier]

Thanks, I figured this all out, got drivers, back up and running...