Solved Windows Activation Error - Dell Inspiron, Win7 Home Prem. SP1 64-bit

[Darkstrike]

Hi all,

Pretty sure I am screwed, but if that is the case, I'll be pretty pissed....this is a bit of a story, so bear with me.

I do some light computer work on the side. I was recently given a client's Win7 desktop that was acting up - wouldn't boot. Tried everything I could to fix it, nothing would work, so I took the key off of it (it had a Win7 SP1 Home Prem install...honestly not sure if it was 32 or 64-bit, but PRETTY sure it was 64-bit as it's a machine with 8gb of RAM) and reformatted. Now I can't get it to activate. The machine is a Dell Inspiron 545 desktop, but there is no Windows sticker with a key anywhere on it (I retrieved the key using a keyfinder program).

The machine was sold used to my client by another local computer tech. He had to format it last time I had this issue because I didn't have a legit Windows key or disk to format it with and he never gave them any reinstall media (no Win7 install disk and no recovery disks from Dell, and the machine has never had a recovery partition since I've first seen it). This time, he left the Windows key on the machine in a .doc file for any future techs....however, as I said, the key isn't allowing itself to be activated.

MGADiag claims it's an OEM_SLP key (MGADiag log attached below)...if that is the case, it's supposedly the key that came with the machine from the factory, and if THAT is the case, how did he pull that one off in terms of installing it...? The machine has no recovery partition, unless he never gave the proper install disks for it that belong to the machine to the new owners and still has them...?

Thoughts? I'm a bit confused as to what is going on...any way I can get this key to activate? Is this key even for this version of Windows...?

EDIT - The MS website is saying it is a genuine Windows install...??? Also, Not sure how to activate by phone...I know it's possible as I've done it before, but the option isn't coming up for me!

 

[Golden]

Asked NoelDP to take a look at this.

 

[Darkstrike]

Thanks Golden - I'm stumped...If the other tech DID keep the original OEM disks, that's very sketchy of him, means he's the only one who can legally install that copy of Windows....so guessing that is the case, or he somehow has a copy of the original OEM disks, or he used a hack to install...I won't stoop to that level in my work. But that means I may now have a client's machine that I can't finish setting up for them and I would feel guilty charging them for my work if that were the case...

 

[Layback Bear]

Darkstrike I'm no expert nor do I ride a high horse but I would suggest before trying to repair a customers computer to check and make sure the system has a proper install Windows along with the proper COA key activated.
At that point you would know how to continue with this customers computer repair.

 

[gregrocker]

We have no model number, only from the previous thread that it is a newer Inspiron that supposedly came with Win7 which we can't confirm without the model number. If so then Dell would have placed a COA sticker on the PC lest they be in violation of the EULA for factory OEM. So there is something sketchy there that needs to be resolved first since the mgadiag report will only tell us that it isn't activated yet and includes no history.

If you didn't format the partition first then there may be a windows.old folder in C which can be used to restore the previous install for the purpose of either correctly repairing it to start, or audit the Product Key out of it's encrypted file from boot. This will protect you because if it proves to be counterfeit activation then you are off the hook for being able to reactivate it and it falls back on the owner to make it Genuine.

 

[Slartybart]

If I understand the issue:
The machine was sold by a shop or tech without a COA sticker or install media.
The issue occurred previously and he (the other tech, or your friend/client ???) formatted the drive
?? because I didn't have a legit Windows key or disk to format it ??
and presumably reinstalled Windows somehow with some media

There is not a Dell Recovery partition on the drive and no one bothered to create Dell Recovery media

This time, he left the Windows key on the machine in a .doc file for any future techs
This is probably the OEM key and it won't help activate Windows.

You can do a few things until you resolve the License issue:
Install Windows from the official source (you're on to that already)
The bit depth you choose depends on the hardware - less than 4 GB of RAM? Use the Windows 32 bit even if the machine architecture is 64 bit.
If it is a 64 bit machine with 4 GB or more of RAM - install the 64-bit. The license can be used for either bit depth.
Which brings you back to the licensing issue.

Use Windows on a trial basis - don't try to activate - I think it's a 90 day trial.

Beat up the first shop / tech for a valid key.

The only other thing you can do is purchase a Windows 7 license. But Win8 is out and Win10 is coming out, so you might consider upgrading if you have to spend money. When I say you, I mean you or your friend/client.

Good luck

Bill
.

 

[Darkstrike]

Hi guys,

That's the thing Layback - it was supposedly a legitimate install when the install was working (I've done work on this particular machine before). Updates always worked normally, Windows never said it wasn't genuine, the MS website claimed that the key is genuine when I had run that test on it in the past and still claims it is genuine now, it just won't activate...

The other tech that sold it to them got it used and sold it to them used, he claims the COA sticker was missing from it when he sold it to them. But that he got the key he had used (and the one I am now using) from the machine when he first received it. This is the same key that was on it the other day when I picked it up (I got the key from a DOC file that previous tech had left on the hard drive due to the lack of a sticker). It is an OEM_SLP key according to MGADiag, so as it is an OEM key, I should theoretically be able to activate it on a Retail install of Windows (I formatted with a retail, digital river download disk of the same edition / type / service pack that it had on it) as I've read that, if it is a legitimate key as the MS validation website claims, retail installs will activate OEM keys fine? (Link here for example: Can I use Windows 7 OEM Key with a non-OEM disc? - Microsoft Community ) So, not sure why it won't activate...

It's a Dell Inspiron 545 desktop - I am at work atm, so I don't know the product number or service tag....Intel Quad Core 2.3ghz, 8gb RAM, 1tb HDD, etc. I only formatted the partition that had Windows on it to reinstall - I noticed there were no factory partitions on it as there should be. The previous tech says he completely wiped the machine before he sold it, including the factory partition. There is a Windows.old folder from when I just did the format, but none from before that. I had used a keyfinder as well to make sure the used key matched the one he had written in the DOC file he left on it.

Long story short, this (according to the previous tech) is the same key that was on the computer when he got it, and I have witnessed this same key working fine before (when I had done work on it in the past). I think my install method was sound if the key is what it is supposed to as OEM keys can be activated on retail installs...I just can't get it to activate (and the option doesn't come up for me to try and activate by phone...)

He says the last time he did a format on it, "the windows Key was extracted from the original install and then used to reinstall OEM windows 7 Home. That key worked fine for me." - as far as I can tell, that is exactly what I have done....I just didn't use an OEM disk, which shouldn't make a difference, should it...? Sorry for the rambling, just trying to wrap my head around it all...

EDIT - Hi Bill, you posted your response while I was typing mine...yeah, I know the newer versions of Windows are out / on their way, but you are saying what I was afraid of...the tech claims he has reformatted and activated Windows ON THIS KEY ON THIS MACHINE before, that is what I don't understand. You say if it is an OEM key, it can't be used to activate Windows, so how the heck did HE do it that time unless not legitimately, or by using this computer's legitimate factory partition or install disks (or copies of install disks...?)? :S Not angry at you guys, just rather confused / frustrated as I am the one dealing with the fallout, haha!


?? because I didn't have a legit Windows key or disk to format it ??
and presumably reinstalled Windows somehow with some media

^^^ - By this I meant that I didn't have legal disk copy of Win7 Home Premium (I had no illegal copies either, just said legal as I meant I had no official disks nor unused legal Win7 Home Premium license keys) at the time to do the reinstall, and didn't know that the Digital River downloads existed at that time, so yes, he presumably installed Windows somehow with some sort of media, but I have no idea what as I've installed things, as far as I can tell, a "proper" way and they aren't working.

 

[Slartybart]

Dark,

I might have missed some information.

If the key has been previously used to activate Windows then it should work this time.
Microsoft might have blacklisted it if too many attempts or uses were logged in their DB.

If you believe the key to be legit and it won't activate Windows, the only thing I can suggest is that you try to activate by phone. It's an automated process, but if there is an issue with the process then you'll be connected to a MS rep.
Explain the situation and give the rep your key (usually just the last 4 digits are enough for them to make a decision)

Dell might also be helpful, the OEM is actually responsible for the Windows license - explain the situation to them and tell them that the machine was refurbished and resold a few times. Just be honest and patient - these are legal matters and neither Dell or MS will be quick to just hand you a license. Ask Dell to transfer all information to the current owner (your friend/client). You will need to provide all of the registration information (name, address, telephone#, eMail address, Svc Tag, S/N, etc) for your friend/client and the machine.

It might expedite matters if you register the machine on-line with the current owner information. That way, the actual machine can be checked for S/N, SVC tag, current configuration, ...)
They will do some due diligence required and get back to you. I think I'd start with Dell.

Before any reminds me that you cannot boot the machine - install and run on a trial basis.

Without a COA, I'm not sure how far you'll get with either - but maybe the Dell Service tag will get you somewhere.

We're constrained by the fact that you don't have the COA. I don't know the history of the machine other than what you've told me (us). It's nearly impossible to do forensics on a machine, so I don't bother. If I can help get the machine working and it's a legit version of Windows, that's why I'm here. not to figure out how it got that way - that's your mission ... if you chose to accept it.

That's all I can think of.

Good luck,

Bill
.

 

[Layback Bear]

My understanding is.
If you system came as a oem/slp no keyfinder fill fined the oem key.
The seller of the computer should of made sure that Microsoft COA sticker with the proper Key for that installation was attached. If for what ever reason you don't have that Windows Key one will have to be purchased.

A OEM and a OEM/SLP keys are two different things.
As far as I know you can't buy a OEM/SLP key but you can buy a OEM (System Builders) key. Trying to find a legal Retail key is like finding hens teeth.

To me it sounds like the owner of the computer got scammed by the seller. Any key you find in the registry is probable part of the scam.

Using this tutorial is the way this forum checks to see if a system is properly activated.

By Brink:

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

 

[Darkstrike]

Thanks Bill, I appreciate it. I'm calling MS tonight when I get home. SLUI 4 doesn't give me the option for phone activation though...is there a way to manually call up that function via command line or some such when it won't automatically come up?

I'll see what the service rep tells me and let you know...the last tech I was referencing charged them $180 CDN to backup, format and reinstall it for them, which is really high IMO, They could go get a new machine, or buy a new license, but I would feel bad knowing the money they've sunk into it between he and I (mostly him as I charge $15 an hour), so I am loathe to recommend they have to buy a new license key if this all works out poorly...

I'll get back to you all tonight!

EDIT (You posted your reply as I was typing mine Layback! )

@ Layback - Yeah, I am thinking that as well....I've met the guy once or twice and heard a lot of sketchy stuff, he's got a bad temper and is really curt with everybody, customers included. I sent him a quick e-mail last night tech to tech just asking the simple question of "what installation media did you use the last time you formatted this machine?" and he lambasted me back with a really harsh e-mail asking if I knew what I was doing, implying that I was a fraud that that I should "come clean" to the clients I am trying to fix this computer for...I've done work for a LOT of people over the years and this is the first time I've ever run into this before, so I like to think I know what I am doing, even if I am not an officially certified tech! I've met some pretty crappy techs before who are certified and don't know as much as some regular users!

Thanks for the description of OEM and OEM/SLP keys.....I had known that actually, but with the zillion internet searches I have been doing, I was starting to wonder if they were one and the same (my head is spinning from all the reading of forum threads, etc!)...glad to have some clarification! I had read somewhere that OEM/SLP keys cannot be activated as I have been trying to do on a Retail install as they only come on machines shipped from factory and can only be re-activated through install media like the original Recovery Partition or original Factory Reinstall disks...not sure of the truth to that, but it would make sense considering the circumstances...

 

[Slartybart]

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

Sorry, it's only a 30 day trial (it is in the tutorial)

Get Help Activating Microsoft Windows

edit: The phone numbers are somewhere on Microfot.com
I can't locate them now though.
If you go round a few times with SLUI

try searching for authentication or activation.

be careful to only accept Microsoft results or only serach Microsoft.com- there are bogus site out there and they are dangerous.

 

[Darkstrike]

Hey Slarty - that is the method I've tried to use, but there is no option there for phone activation on this machine - it only shows the "Buy a new key", "Activate online now" and "contact Microsoft for help" options. I do know I selected on install to do Activation online, and right now the countdown says "2 days until automatic activation" (it said 3 when I first did the install)....do I have to wait until this 3-day period ends before the phone activation method will appear?

I've found the phone numbers and called this morning, but nobody could help me because I was told that department wasn't open yet and would be 1.5 hours later...couldn't wait though as I had to head to work.

Even if I call though, don't I need the "Product ID Activation" thing to come up on the computer to do the phone activation with an MS rep?

 

[Darkstrike]

Ok....update - called Microsoft, they checked the key and said it is a legitimate key, but it is "blocked" as it is an OEM key, so it cannot be reactivated. I assume this means the key was an OEM/SLP key, probably from Dell where the computer is from.

If that is the case, as the computer has no factory recovery partitions or original factory recovery disks (unless the last tech still has them and somehow used them the last time these people had to get their computer reformatted), does that mean he probably "activated" that key through sketchy means?

Stupid question....keys aren't tied to individual DISKS are they? I.E. if he had an OEM install disk that he used, that wouldn't have "blocked" this key unless I reinstalled with that same disk, would it? (Pretty sure this isn't the case, but, like I said, getting pretty frustrated at this point and trying to make sure I understand everything clearly so I can explain to my clients how they now have to go buy another copy of Windows or a new computer, or go with a different OS like Linux if they don't want to put more money into it...)

 

[Layback Bear]

Microsoft doesn't care what Windows 7 disc you use or how many times you use it.
What Microsoft care about is the COA key. What kind it is and how it is being used.

Microsoft give a method to download Windows 7 and burn it to a DVD free.

What they didn't give is the COA key to activate it properly. Nasty old Microsoft want paid for that COA key.

Keep this in mind that their are many reasons that Windows 7 will not activate and they can be repaired to activate. Doesn't sound like yours is repairable until you get a proper COA key.


That is why in post #9 I mentioned doing this tutorial so are experts can take a look.
If I understand your post Microsoft stated it was a oem/slp key which they don't help with.


Windows Genuine and Activation Issue Posting Instructions

I will be gone now and leave you in the hands of Slartybart

 

[Darkstrike]

Hi Layback,

Thanks for the info! I had already followed the instructions in that tutorial though - my MGADiag info is attached in a text file in my very first post of this thread, however, here it is again if need be in the "code" form!

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

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: N/A, hr = 0xc004f012
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-QCPVQ-KHRB8-RMV82
Windows Product Key Hash: +Rj3N34NLM2JqoBO/OzgzTZXgbY=
Windows Product ID: 00359-OEM-8992687-00095
Windows Product ID Type: 2
Windows License Type: OEM SLP
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003
ID: {2FBFAA12-9EF5-48E8-BA5C-20A430614FA3}(3)
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.141211-1742
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: 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:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.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>{2FBFAA12-9EF5-48E8-BA5C-20A430614FA3}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-RMV82</PKey><PID>00359-OEM-8992687-00095</PID><PIDType>2</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-3425855034-1406146145-2587759181</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>Dell Inc.</Manufacturer><Model>Inspiron 545</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>Dell Inc.</Manufacturer><Version>A11</Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="5"/><Date>20090907000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>16C53607018400F8</HWID><UserLCID>0409</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>Atlantic Standard Time(GMT-04:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>DELL  </OEMID><OEMTableID>FX09   </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, OEM_SLP channel
Activation ID: d2c04e90-c3dd-4260-b0f3-f845f5d27d64
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00359-00178-926-800095-02-1033-7601.0000-0162015
Installation ID: 010221763632869905165832243203700536543746515764221595
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: RMV82
License Status: Initial grace period
Time remaining: 42720 minute(s) (29 day(s))
Remaining Windows rearm count: 3
Trusted time: 1/16/2015 9:57:26 PM

Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: N/A
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: N/A
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:


HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: MAAAAAEABAABAAEAAAABAAAAAQABAAEAln3KuYhAjmgs4GT+iP3qpCLeHhiOJUxY

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            DELL          FX09   
  FACP            DELL          FX09   
  HPET            DELL          FX09   
  MCFG            DELL          FX09   
  SLIC            DELL          FX09   
  DMY2            DELL          FX09   
  SSDT            PmRef        CpuPm

 

[Layback Bear]

All I see is Microsoft is asking for validation. Which means you will need the proper COA key.

From your log.

License Status: Initial grace period Time remaining: 42720 minute(s) (29 day(s)

 

[Darkstrike]

Guess we are out of luck then...there are no COA stickers on the machine (as they have been removed), I don't have any factory recovery media for it, and the key I do have won't activate.

A grateful thanks anyway for the help though gents! Would still love to know how that other tech managed to get that key working if MS says it's blocked...something sounds fishy to me there...

 

[Slartybart]

A few things:

1) the MGA log says it's all good
2) MS said they couldn't help you because the key is blocked in their DB. I mentioned this might be the case
3) MS also punted since it's an OEM - try the Dell route.
4) I have no idea where the key came from - I thought perhaps that the tech had simply given you the OEM key, but apparently he gave you a valid key for a Dell machine

5)The partner agreement between MS and an OEM places the responsibility on the OEM. I also mentioned this before.
6) the 2 day automatic activation is only when Windows will try to automatically activate. It sounds as though it will fail to activate from your conversation with MS (they told you the key is blocked). Why it is blocked, I don't know - could be too many attempts to activate, could be a bad key that wasn't in the DB of blocked keys before (when the other tech was able to activate Windows)

7) LayBackBear showed you that you have 29 days remaining on the 30 day trial period. Use that time to chase down a solution. If you want more time on the trial see:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19921-license-information-windows-7-a.html

Also look in the related tutorials at the bottom of the first post for ideas.

You mentioned Linux. I tried a few and really like Mint Mate.
Main Page - Linux Mint

You're sort of trapped in the legal world of licensing.

If MS and Dell can't help you straighten this out, I'm won't be able to help you either. All I can do is offer some advice on who to contact. I've done that and a bit more. I've exhausted everything I have to offer.
The bottom line is that you're going to need a valid key. How you get it is up to you now.
Use the tutorial section to find out more on licensing.

Good luck,

Billl
.

 

[NoelDP]

With Dells, the COA sticker should be in the battery compartment

 

[Darkstrike]

Thanks Noel, but this is a desktop...going to call Dell later today and see what they say.