Windows 7 Activation Issues

[Rakdos]

Hey, i got a virus a few months ago which forced me through many problems to keep my files while trying to reinstall the OS. My computer came with Win7 already installed, no CD, just the CD key behind my laptop.

Basically to fix my problem i had to download a Windows 7 ISO and burn it, i figured thats what you had to do if you had problems with the OS and had no CD from purchase. So i fixed everything (or so I though) and was fine for little less than a month. Now my computer showed up this "Activate Windows now..." message, which i followed and i have to activate by today..? I tried out my CD Key and it doesn't work, even though its always Windows 7 Home Premium edition. What's going to happen if I don't activate, and why doesn't it accept my CD Key?

I thought about the Service pack so i tried to rollback to no SP but it still wouldn't accept the CD key. Please help

Thanks in advance

 

[Maguscreed]

You need to use the phone in option.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html

 

[Shadowjk]

The fact that you downloaded Windows 7 I think a few of members may turn their noses up to this thread

As for the Key - When you do not activate Windows you will have 30 Days to activate after that period your Desktop Background will go black and the computer will Shutdown every 2 Hours Also upon log on you will receive a message asking you to activate

When you installed Windows 7 did you delete all the partitions on your HDD during the Setup - There maybe a Restore partition that has Windows on it

Josh

 

[Maguscreed]

He should be able to make this work if he has a legit key, and so long as he's operating from a legitimate key I don't have a problem with him downloading an ISO. This is something I blame the manufacturers on. They should include a physical windows disc with every machine sold. If a user needs to download a copy to make use of their own legal key... I have no problem with that. In fact that's kind of what p2p is really for. Unfortunately it's been taken over by movie and game pirates.

 

[Shadowjk]

I agree if you are using a Legit key you are still Legal but if you do phone Microsoft do not mention you Downloaded Windows 7 as this may break your EULA since on Windows 7 Disks it states to not Lend or Make illegal copies

Josh

 

[Maguscreed]

the phone in option is pretty straight forward. (and completely automated if you have the right answers) As long as the key is only in use on one machine at a time and it's a legit key the phone activation should work.

 

[Rakdos]

Hey thanks for the fast replies. Now, the CD Key i have is totally legit, i've never used it on another compure or on mine, for that matter, as it was already installed. I'll try with the phone in, see if I can get it fixed... However, what should I say instead of the install disk that i downloaded..? That I reinstalled the OS but it didn't accept my key anymore?

Edit: I was checking on computer management my partitions, and I have 3 apparently right now - a 12 GB Recovery Partition, a 100MB Active Recovery Partition and my os_install C: ... is this helpful?

 

[niemiro]

He should be able to make this work if he has a legit key, and so long as he's operating from a legitimate key I don't have a problem with him downloading an ISO. This is something I blame the manufacturers on. They should include a physical windows disc with every machine sold. If a user needs to download a copy to make use of their own legal key... I have no problem with that. In fact that's kind of what p2p is really for. Unfortunately it's been taken over by movie and game pirates.

The problem is that if this is a normal ISO (although technically this is illegal as well), then fine, the key is legit, and it should be fine, but if it is a downloaded cracked copy, then the files have been physically modded.

@Rakdos: Where did you download this Windows 7 ISO from?

Also, let's have a quick look. Please download Microsoft's MGADiag tool from here: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012

Click on the Continue and Copy buttons, and paste between CODE tags, or upload the output.

Thanks a lot!

Richard

 

[niemiro]

However, what should I say instead of the install disk that i downloaded..? That I reinstalled the OS but it didn't accept my key anymore?

That sounds about as bad an idea as trying to fiddle an insurance company. Run the MGADiag tool above, please

 

[Rakdos]

Hi, there you go

Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 50
Cached Online Validation Code: N/A, hr = 0xc004f012
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-74XYM-BH4JX-XM76F
Windows Product Key Hash: KeYfcvXg/a1Q01x73+f8IL/JC4Y=
Windows Product ID: 00359-112-0000007-85434
Windows Product ID Type: 5
Windows License Type: Retail
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003
ID: {8AAA37E3-FE8C-4098-BB98-0B9332EA4164}(1)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Home Premium
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.110408-1631
TTS Error: 
Validation Diagnostic: 
Resolution Status: N/A

Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 109 N/A
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: B4D0AA8B-604-645_025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Users\Daniel\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{8AAA37E3-FE8C-4098-BB98-0B9332EA4164}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-XM76F</PKey><PID>00359-112-0000007-85434</PID><PIDType>5</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-3274517198-4096710134-2685001856</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD</Manufacturer><Model>MS-1727</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>American Megatrends Inc.</Manufacturer><Version>E1727IMS.106</Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="6"/><Date>20100201000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>5D6D3C07018400FC</HWID><UserLCID>0410</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>Romance Standard Time(GMT+01:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>MSI_NB</OEMID><OEMTableID>MEGABOOK</OEMTableID></OEM><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>109</Result><Products/><Applications/></Office></Software></GenuineResults>  

Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002

Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514

Name: Windows(R) 7, HomePremium edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, RETAIL channel
Activation ID: 2e7d060d-4714-40f2-9896-1e4f15b612ad
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00359-00170-112-000000-00-1040-7600.0000-1552011
Installation ID: 012063539006574633394395911294235856142774944835961125
Processor Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338
Machine Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339
Use License URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341
Product Key Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340
Partial Product Key: XM76F
License Status: Notification
Notification Reason: 0xC004F009 (grace time expired).
Remaining Windows rearm count: 4
Trusted time: 05/07/2011 18:07:57

Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0xC004C532
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 7:5:2011 17:51
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:


HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: NAAAAAIABAABAAEAAAACAAAAAQABAAEA6GHgPP62dxY0iQIt4uQIF9JrmPpiPUxbkt5cXQ==

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes
Windows marker version: 0x20001
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: yes
BIOS Information: 
  ACPI Table Name	OEMID Value	OEMTableID Value
  APIC			MSI_NB		MEGABOOK
  FACP			MSI_NB		MEGABOOK
  HPET			MSI_NB		MEGABOOK
  MCFG			MSI_NB		MEGABOOK
  SSDT			TrmRef		PtidDevc
  SLIC			MSI_NB		MEGABOOK
  SSDT			TrmRef		PtidDevc
  SSDT			TrmRef		PtidDevc

Thanks again

 

[Tews]

Your key (the one on your COA sticker) is only valid for an OEM version of Windows 7 ... not a retail version!

 

[Bill2]

Your key (the one on your COA sticker) is only valid for an OEM version of Windows 7 ...

Chill, chill. All win7 install disks are identical. The iso's available on the net, when installed and yet not activated with ones own key will show RETAIL license type with the default, embedded key for that edition. The license type will change after one uses a particular key, depending on the key type.

The key in the OP's mgadiag report is the default key for home premium. Also, the report shows grace period expired which is normal- had the iso been loaded with an autorunning patch or crack, windows would have been either fine and dandy or non-genuine.

OP, please continue with the phone activation, that should work just fine.

 

[Maguscreed]

That actually does bring up a valid point if the download you got was a cracked or pirated version you'll have trouble making this work. For future reference you can download unaltered images from amazon.
Download Windows 7 ISO

Then you might have less trouble activating the key.

 

[Rakdos]

I really can't remember where i downloaded it - i checked on users\downloads and searched the folder but I can't find any sign of a signature/website :|

 

[Maguscreed]

well the copies at the link I provided above are actual unaltered iso's.


When you boot to windows, between the bios post and the windows load screen... is there a bunch of text flying by?
If so the copy you got is using a loader and is no good for validating.

 

[Rakdos]

Well there is a difference since i had the virus problem, between the bios and the windows load screen I do get a black screen with two options but its about choosing Windows 7 home premium (the current, working version) OR the Home premium RECOVERED version, which is the old one but doesnt work, and it still has the problem i used to have when not being able to start the computer and get to a working desktop.

 

[mjf]

Your key (the one on your COA sticker) is only valid for an OEM version of Windows 7 ... not a retail version!

I recall words to this effect on the MS Answers forum.
Advice on the forum continues to say it is both technically possible and legal (in all cases) to use retail install disks along with your COA sticker number.

 

[alphanumeric]

Your key (the one on your COA sticker) is only valid for an OEM version of Windows 7 ...

Chill, chill. All win7 install disks are identical. The iso's available on the net, when installed and yet not activated with ones own key will show RETAIL license type with the default, embedded key for that edition. The license type will change after one uses a particular key, depending on the key type.

The key in the OP's mgadiag report is the default key for home premium. Also, the report shows grace period expired which is normal- had the iso been loaded with an autorunning patch or crack, windows would have been either fine and dandy or non-genuine.

OP, please continue with the phone activation, that should work just fine.

From what I have read on line the ei.cfg file if present determines if the installer will accept a retail or OEM key, it also locks in what version is going to be installed. If the ei.cfg file is set to retail an OEM key will not be accepted. If you remove the ei.cfg file you can use a retail or OEM key and select what version you want to install. Your product key still has to match the version you install. If you select Ultimate and try to enter a Pro key it will be rejected. Master product keys are only used on modified OEM install media that uses SLP for activation. And then only if the BIOS SLIC table on the PC matches the OEM info on the DVD. The OP's install likely originally used an SLP master key. The key on the sticker was never used. Normally you could still use it but have to activate by phone when it won't activate on line. My guess is the ei.cfg file on the ISO he downloaded is for a Retail version. If so I would just delete the ei.cfg file from the sources folder it to make it a universal install disk. Then do another clean install and see if it accepts the key on the COA sticker.

 

[Bill2]

Your key (the one on your COA sticker) is only valid for an OEM version of Windows 7 ... not a retail version!

I recall words to this effect on the MS Answers forum.
Advice on the forum continues to say it is both technically possible and legal (in all cases) to use retail install disks along with your COA sticker number.

All win7 disks are identical (except of course reinstall disks customized by OEMs), there used to be confusion on this count when win7 was just released just like there was confusion about whether its possible/legal to clean install with upgrade disks. The difference lies only in the key.

This was actually a welcome move away from XP. XP disks were different for different editions and you'll still see a lot pf pages on the internet telling people how to change the license type of the disk so it would take a different key.

Your key (the one on your COA sticker) is only valid for an OEM version of Windows 7 ...

Chill, chill. All win7 install disks are identical. The iso's available on the net, when installed and yet not activated with ones own key will show RETAIL license type with the default, embedded key for that edition. The license type will change after one uses a particular key, depending on the key type.

The key in the OP's mgadiag report is the default key for home premium. Also, the report shows grace period expired which is normal- had the iso been loaded with an autorunning patch or crack, windows would have been either fine and dandy or non-genuine.

OP, please continue with the phone activation, that should work just fine.

From what I have read on line the ei.cfg file if present determines if the installer will accept a retail or OEM key, it also locks in what version is going to be installed. If the ei.cfg file is set to retail an OEM key will not be accepted. If you remove the ei.cfg file you can use a retail or OEM key and select what version you want to install. Your product key still has to match the version you install. If you select Ultimate and try to enter a Pro key it will be rejected. Master product keys are only used on modified OEM install media that uses SLP for activation. And then only if the BIOS SLIC table on the PC matches the OEM info on the DVD. The OP's install likely originally used an SLP master key. The key on the sticker was never used. Normally you could still use it but have to activate by phone when it won't activate on line. My guess is the ei.cfg file on the ISO he downloaded is for a Retail version. If so I would just delete the ei.cfg file from the sources folder it to make it a universal install disk. Then do another clean install and see if it accepts the key on the COA sticker.

The ei.cfg file only determines what edition of win7 will be installed, it has nothing to do with retail/oem.

Every windows disk contains the images of every edition, this is possible to fit on a single dvd because of the technique called "single instancing". That means that theres only one copy of any file instead of one copy per image.

Deleting the ei.cfg file simply confuses the installer, as a result every edition is offered for install. So, deleting ei.cfg creates a universal disk that can be used to install any edition provided one has the correct edition key in ones possession.

 

[alphanumeric]

This is the ei.cfg file from my Windows 7 Home Premium DVD. You can see that under [Channel] it says OEM, why do that if it doesn't matter?

[EditionID]
HomePremium
[Channel]
OEM
[VL]
0

If the OP posts his ei,cfg I bet it says RETAIL. Looking though the OPs post the report posted shows it installed as RETAIL. The key also listed in the post would be the default key entered for a 30 day trial, which is what you get if you don't enter one. I agree with the other post. His key is being rejected because it an OEM key and his install is Retail. He can't activate on line if he can't enter a key in the first place. I'm just trying to help, I'm not doing this just to be argumentative.