Release Windows 7 Serial Number?

[sheepo]

I have a custom built pc (Intel Atom) and my hard drive on it recently died and I did not have a back up. Is it possible to contact Microsoft and have them manually free my serial number? Do I need to phone them? If it is possible for them to release it, what should I give them, proof of sale?

PS: I'm in Canada if that changes anything.

 

[gregrocker]

It isn't handled that way. The current hardware signature tied to that Product Key will only be overwritten in the MS servers when you reinstall it on other hardware, sometimes requiring a robocall.

Any retail copy of Win7 can migrate as often as you wish, as long as it's only on one machine at a time. If OEM, it is locked to the first mobo installed upon.

In your case, you can simply replace the HD and clean reinstall. It will likely auto-activate because the hardware signature is barely affected by a simple HD change. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

If you have an Upgrade version, leave the Product Key blank during install and afterwards do one of the workarounds given here to activate Upgrade version on new HD: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version - Windows 7 Forums.URL

Tips for getting a perfect reinstall - use the ones which apply: Clean Reinstall steps

 

[Orbital Shark]

Hi, welcome to the forums

Your serial number would be on the DVD box that Windows 7 came in. If it indeed a custom build then I presume you installed the OS yourself?

 

[sheepo]

Ok, thanks a lot.

 

[sheepo]

Yes it is.