Solved Win7 32-bit Ultimate Clean Install Urgent - Product Key Not Recognized

[RickV]

Hello All,

I have utilized the following tutorial for my installation effort:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html?filter[2]=General Tips

Hardware is an ASUS Eee PC 1000H w/2GB and a new Samsung 840 Pro 256 GB SSD. This has been on the money but, Windows does not like the product key I enter for my DVD. I have re-entered the number correctly several times. What gives?

How do I get around this?

 

[RickV]

My oversight...I decided to activate after installation. As soon as I deleted the product key from its entry field and pressed "Next" I was on my way. I am currently at the Desktop and both the Wireless service and LAN function properly!

Many thanks SevenForums!

 

[gregrocker]

Looks like you got the wrong tutorial for a Clean Reinstall Windows 7

 

[RickV]

Greg,

Your tutorial is more thorough but, the one I used did the job. I will read through yours ,print it and keep working with it.

 

[gregrocker]

Understood Rick. The only reason I offered it is because it has information about activation and is written specifically for factory OEM reinstalls - pitfalls, must-remembers, tools and methods which work best.

 

[RickV]

Now I am really unhappy...Invalid Product Key error (0xC004F061) claiming I can only use it as an upgrade disc and not as the clean install I performed. I did not purchase an upgrade disc...WTF!

Any advice? Yes, I already eMailed the staff I purchased this disc from.


Rick

 

[AddRAM]

What key are you trying to use ?

The one off your COA ?

 

[gregrocker]

Do the quick registry workaround Option Three in Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version which enables activating Upgrade version on a new or wiped HD where the installer does not see a previous OS during install. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

 

[Layback Bear]

RickV Help a poor lost soul like me to understand.

Your laptop came with Windows XP and you wanted to do a Clean Install of Windows 7.
You bought a Windows 7 DVD and did a Clean install using Brinks tutorial.
Now it is telling you that your DVD can only be used as a Upgrade.

You can not do a upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7.

Where did you buy your Windows 7 DVD and was it a oem or retail version?
Does the DVD state it's a Upgrade?
Did it come with a COA sticker like that posted by AddRAM in post #7?

Putting all this together it seem to me you did a Clean Install with the disc you bought but you only got a COA key for a Upgrade therefore it will not activate.

I would suggest doing this tutorial by Brink. It could give some information on what the problem is.

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...ne-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html



Greg please correct me if I have post something incorrect.

 

[RickV]

My COA sticker is a spartan yellow, features a key symbol, the 25 digit number and a UPC code. I pulled the disc out last evening and the text side of the disc does state it is for a 32-bit x86 Upgrade: Pre-existing OS License Required. This is inconsistent with the discussion I had with our software clearinghouse staff regarding what I was going to do to my netbook so, I have to conclude they did not listen adequately.

I purchased the OS at the university I work at and informed them what I was doing so, this is their error and mine for not reading the disc face labeling after I picked it up from them. I sent them a stern eMail last evening and my live discussion with them today will not feature a different theme.

I will check back here after I discuss this with our IT department.

Thanks for your suggestions.


Rick

 

[gregrocker]

Just do the workaround I gave you which is made possible by MS as a convenience for those needing to replace their hard drive.

Any prior XP or Vista qualifies and it doesn't need to be installed.

 

[RickV]

Greg,

I was able to read your suggestion earlier this afternoon and intend to make use of it.


Rick

 

[RickV]

Greg, et al,

Sound advice. The batch file did the job for me!

Greg - While I am unable to offer more than thanks over the Internet, I can add a sound recommendation of my own. Chimay, I prefer the original red label. Despite its age there is nothing wrong with the original and we can conclude new is not necessarily better.

Thank you again,

Rick