Using Same Code Twice on Same Machine

[dwe]

Well I really got messed up.I start up my laptop this morning and it boots into a console and it is the matrix all over agian.Finally after about 20 minutes it says failed.So I go and grab my windows 7 upgrade disk sense it says it may only be used for upgrading and recovery.So I get that done and I chose to just do the clean install sense I didn't think that just doing Windows 7 over windows 7 would do anything.So after it is done installing it says I have no keys and I dont know where the one that came with even is.So is there anyway that I can try to back up to the windows.old files or get my old key back??Any help sense i only have thirty days.

 

[Night Hawk]

Hello dwe Welcome to the Se7en Forums!

The original product key for any retail upgrade or full version 7 dvd is seen on a small sticker pasted to the insert inside the plastic case the disk(s) come in. That's one item you write down whenever first getting a new Windows disk for any version and keep track of.

The insert itself should still be in the case unless you lost that in which case you are kind of sunk! If the laptop came with 7 preinstalled with the same edition you would use the key on the laptop's own sticker. Look around for the insert there however and write the key down in a safe place besides keeping that with the case.

 

[gregrocker]

Where did you get Win7? Do you have the original packaging? There should be an insert with your Product Key. If so, it can be reinstalled as often as you like.

Do you have a windows.old folder in the root drive which was created by the reinstall? If so, you can roll back to the old Win7 to try to repair it or get the product key from the registry: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/971760

 

[Night Hawk]

dwe already mentioned performing an upgrade install over the original. He simply needs to find the insert with the product key sticker on that and type that in.

To extend the 30days, dwe, you can run Windows upto 120 days by following the guide for extension of the trial period. You still need to find your key however. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/875-activation-trial-period-extend-up-120-days.html