Window genuine question

[alphanumeric]

Let me just add that I know for windows XP I have run into situations were the Product key on the sticker was rejected during the install with certain XP Cd's. An XP CD with an integrated Service Pack would reject it, but if I started over again with a CD with no service packs it would accept it. Vista might be the same way so I can see where someone might think the keys on the stickers were no good. As far as Windows 7 goes my OEM product code works with the original no service pack DVD and with the integrated service pack DVD. By OEM I mean OEM bought on line, not pre-installed.

 

[seavixen32]

I've found the easiest way to activate by phone is this method:

Click Start and type slui.exe 4 in the search field and press Enter then choose your location from the drop-down list.

Call the freephone number to start the activation wizard, which is fully automated, so you're not dealing with a real person, just an automated message system.

You'll be asked to use your touch-type phone to key in the Installation ID and after being asked how many computers you're installing Windows on (one) you'll be given an Activation ID.

When you've entered it click Next and Windows will activate.

If for some reason activation fails you'll then be transferred to a Microsoft support person.

 

[alphanumeric]

I've found the easiest way to activate by phone is this method:

Click Start and type slui.exe 4 in the search field and press Enter then choose your location from the drop-down list.

Call the freephone number to start the activation wizard, which is fully automated, so you're not dealing with a real person, just an automated message system.

You'll be asked to use your touch-type phone to key in the Installation ID and after being asked how many computers you're installing Windows on (one) you'll be given an Activation ID.

When you've entered it click Next and Windows will activate.

Thats pretty well the way it went down for me with XP accept when I entered the installation ID I got transfered to a real person. Then after i explained what i did they read me the activation ID over the phone.

 

[pooch]

If you bought the computer with Seven installed the key is also on the computer.
It has 25 digits. 5 groups of 5. There are letters and numbers.

The key on the sticker won't allow you to reinstall because you don't have the media required to use it. It's there more as a courtesy from Microsoft.

You can use any compatible media with the key on the sticker to reinstall for that PC.
example; if you had Windows 7 premium originally installed then that must be on the media.
Activation will be required.

Whenever I buy a laptop the first thing I do is to completely format the HDD. I then use one of my Windows DVD's to reinstall using the key on the sticker on the laptop.

The reason why I do this is to remove all bloatware, or in the case of my last laptop I changed the HDD out with a SSD.

 

[seavixen32]

I think HP are one of the worst for that. I've got a great HP desktop, but the amount of crap it had on it was unbelievable: three E-readers that all required a subscription to use them, HP Support Assistant, HP Tune-Up, HP shopping blah, blah, the list was unending.

So out came my trusty Windows 7 disc and as Pooch intimates - "wash 'er clean!"

The only caveat is that you might want to download a set of drivers from your computer manufacturer's website first, just in case. Windows 7's driver database is pretty awesome, but it's by no means as comprehensive as some would like.

 

[Ivan the SoSo]

It's really simple....go to your local computer shop....ask for a OEM copy of the operating system on the sticker.....install....punch key code in....activate....install MSE....enjoy Done this for a laptop that was wiped (EBay) purchase)....Tried a retail copy first....FAIL.....