Matt,
It sounds like you are using a volume key number. That's the only type the programs cannot find when it has been entered and activated.
You could contact the MSDNAA as above to try and get it, or you could try calling the Microsoft phone activation number to explain to an operator what happened to see if they may be able to help pull up your key number using your Installation ID number and Product ID number.
i found a place it seems they support every version , i personally tested the key finder on windows 8 (test/beta edition, basically the one given for free few montha ago to public) and it worked fine
the app is free and in my test virus free, toolbars free and does not require any weirdness
the app is called find my windows key
While looking for a price on Win 7 Pro for a second machine I have come across a website selling activation keys which I can apparently use with the CD I have already bought. The site claims they are genuine and valid keys from MS but as I have not heard of this before I wanted to find out a bit more before I part with the money.
All of these cheap keys sites are scammers illegally reselling Technet keys, they will work for a while and then MSFT will disable the account, so just dont waste your money.
thanks for the info. I suspected it was too good to be true.
My problem is similar but a bit more complicated,
I have a samsung netbook with windows 7 starter OEM version but the HDD failed dramatically. I can get a copy of windows 7 to install the os but how do I get my activation code?
The sticker under the netbook is genuine but unreadable as the number is almost completely worn away. The netbook was bought in a reputable and well known store, I have the receipt, I still have the failed hard drive, I still have the box the netbook came in with serrial number etc on it.
Is there any way i can get my activation code or will I have to buy a copy of XP and upgrade?
Hello Foggylad, and welcome to Seven Forums.
It's to bad that you didn't write that COA product key number down and keep it somewhere safe for just such a case.
You might be able to contact the netbook's manufacturer to see if you may be able to get a replacement COA key number from them.
I usually take a picture of the stickers and have pictures of the key stickers for all my other pc's, I have emailed Samsung and explained pretty much how i should have returned the dead disk to them and probably still could but prefer to replace it myself and hoped they could help me to help them by sending me the activation key:) Basically i grovelled
Quote