Win7 activation

[Revol]

So, I installed Windows 7 on the laptop of a friend of mine, but forgot to activate it in Control Panel > System, and now the 30 days have passed. When I put the activation key that's on the CD box, Windows 7 won't recognize it.

What to do?

 

[gregrocker]

Do a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html?ltr=R which resets activation.

 

[Revol]

OK, I'll do it, thanks. You don't lose any data and/or files, right?

 

[pbcopter]

Hi,
Reset the 30 day time period for activation by opening the command prompt as administrator. (Right click the command prompt icon and select "Run as administrator")
Then type
slmgr -rearm
Hit enter
Wait for message that it was succesful, then

Reboot and you should have 30 more days.

 

[gregrocker]

I would try the slmgr command given first to see if it will work, as the Repair Install is always there as a last resort to reset activation. It keeps all programs, files and settings in place while reinstalling the OS.

Here are the full set of slmgr commands which can be useful, same for Win7 as Vista: http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/03/04/slmgr-commands-and-options-with-windows-vista-product-key-activation/

 

[Revol]

I tried the slmgr -rearm function, and after reboot the system said I had 3 days left till activation. But when I tried to activate online, it said the license key wasn't valid or something, again. I really don't get it.

 

[Jonathan_King]

What exactly does the message say?

Where did you get your copy of Windows?

 

[gregrocker]

Use activation phone option to see if they can get it activated easily.

If not, call MS Customer Service and they will verify key, then open a Support case to get it activated. This also documents ownership and protects you against any further reactivation problems.

 

[Revol]

What exactly does the message say?

Where did you get your copy of Windows?

Can't say for sure as I don't have the computer with me right now.

I bought my copy of Win7 on Amazon. I installed it on my laptop and activated it easily. But on the laptop of this friend of mine, I forgot to activate it inside the 30 days window, and now I can't seem to anymore. Maybe I'll try the Repair Install thingy.

 

[gregrocker]

You know that you can only activate on one machine at a time, right?

 

[Revol]

You know that you can only activate on one machine at a time, right?

Say what? You mean I can't activate it on more than one computer?

 

[derekimo]

You know that you can only activate on one machine at a time, right?

Say what? You mean I can't activate it on more than one computer?

Not unless you have another product key.
One key per computer.

 

[Revol]

You know that you can only activate on one machine at a time, right?

Say what? You mean I can't activate it on more than one computer?

Not unless you have another product key.
One key per computer.

Argh... How much does another key cost?

 

[derekimo]

Say what? You mean I can't activate it on more than one computer?

Not unless you have another product key.
One key per computer.

Argh... How much does another key cost?

That depends on which version,
Windows 7: Compare Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate

 

[Revol]

Not unless you have another product key.
One key per computer.

Argh... How much does another key cost?

That depends on which version,
Windows 7: Compare Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate

I have Home Premium. Does it mean I have to pay the same price I bought the product for to get another activation key?

 

[derekimo]

Argh... How much does another key cost?

That depends on which version,
Windows 7: Compare Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate

I have Home Premium. Does it mean I have to pay the same price I bought the product for to get another activation key?

I'm afraid so, I don't think they have the family pack anymore.

 

[Jonathan_King]

You can actually buy an Anytime key for about $90: Windows Anytime Upgrade: Windows 7 Home Premium to Professional - Buy from Microsoft Store

 

[Revol]

I'm from Italy so ^ that link doesn't work. So, if I purchase an upgrade version of Home Premium, will it be enough for the activation?

 

[Tews]

Yes, that will do nicely...

 

[Jonathan_King]

Sorry, I misunderstood. If you already have home premium installed, and want to upgrade to professional, you can get an anytime key.

If you need to do a clean install on a new machine, you will need to buy the full retail version.

If you are upgrading from Vista or XP, buy the upgrade key: Windows 7: Compare Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate