Solved Using official backup windows 7 dvd

[shawfield]

Hi

I had to re-install my windows 7 installation today. I have the original Microsoft Backup DVD & it worked fine. Then I got to the Product key part of the installation.
I still cant find my key, so I just pressed escape when I got to the part where you should type in your product key ( its around somewhere & I 'll find it or if necessary buy a new key ).

The installation then continued without any problem & has installed a couple of updates since, with the attendant re-boots. Its all running normally.

Should I expect to be asked to input the product key at any stage or am I not being asked because its an 'official' Microsoft backup DVD ?

Cheers

 

[theog]

You will be asked to input the product key at some stage.

 

[karlsnooks]

Shawfield,
Does your computer have a COA sticker on it. coa=certificate of authority. On laptops, this is located on the bottom. That COA has an alphanumeric set of characters on it.
Now I suspect since you did a reinstall, that this step is too late, but give the link in my sig Ur Office& OS Keys a try.

You can help us out by completing your System Specs.

UPDATE YOUR SEVENFORUMS SYSTEM SPECS


User CP (3rd item in the top menu bar) |
in left-hand column, under Your Profile, Edit System Spec |


Use Speccy - System Information - Free Download
and/or SIW to gather info for filling in the blanks.

Do me a favor and add the word laptop or desktop to the “system manufacturer” block.

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader, Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor

Scroll down and click on the SAVE CHANGES button.

========================================

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

... its an 'official' Microsoft backup DVD ?

Hello shawfield, welcome to Seven Forums!


I'm dying to know exactly what this is as I've never heard of such a thing, where did you get it?

 

[Shadowjk]

I agree with BFK what is the Microsoft Backup DVD

Also you will need to have to enter that Product Key and No one can really Help you (Here and MS) if you do not have that Product Key

Josh

 

[theog]

Now you can see one.

 

[theog]

It is a Student DVD. Not a OEM.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Thanks Ray, now I know.


@shawfield have a look through this information in the tutorial at the link below for some ideas.

Clean Install using Factory COA Activation Key

​

 

[gregrocker]

Was this the Student Deal where the backup DVD was mailed to you after purchase?

The Product Key was sent in your confirmation email. It can be retrieved via Customer Service if you have the receipt or bank tracking information.

A Win7 retail installer comes with Product Key on an insert in packaging.

Preinstalled Win7 will always have a COA sticker with Product Key attached to machine.

 

[theog]

NO, more lending.

 

[shawfield]

Yes that's similar to my Microsoft backup DVD, although mine is green, not blue.
I don't have a sticker on my PC since I ordered the Win 7 online & the backup DVD was delivered later.

Thanks for reminding me that the original email had the product key in it I've got it now after looking up the original 'digital river' order confirmation, although I've still not been asked to input it. I still wonder if these backup disks actually require the key though. Its certainly not normal to be able to 'escape' out of the installation without inputting it...is it ?

Just for the record 'theog'. I am not doing an illegal copy

 

[DocBrown]

Win7 install lets you not insert the KEY Code for a 30 trial, before it actually has to be activated.

Print out two (2) copies of your student Key Code & keep them in safe places

 

[theog]

Green is Home P.

 

[shawfield]

OK doc, thanks for that info.

I have it all ready for the inevitable 'knock at the door at dawn'

 

[karlsnooks]

shawfield,
There are several different ways to activate.

My favorite is
WIN + PAUSE/BREAK key combo

At the bottom you see a place to click to activate.

WIN is the key with the Microsoft flag on top.

 

[shawfield]

...& its done.

'Activation successful'

Thanks chaps.

 

[karlsnooks]

Great. Glad to hear that all's well.

 

[Shadowjk]

I am happy to hear your problem is sorted