New
#60
Andrew is NOT correct!
A non-genuine installation will still get Security updates - but no others.
MS established this back in 2002/3, and it is still the case today.
Activate Windows 7 by Phone
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New #61
There's a lot of mistaken information floating around out there that confuses it a bit.
I have it all in the red warning box at the top of the tutorial with links to a MS source to help though.
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New #62
Your welcome :)
Sorry, I took that source without looking much into it, your right. Here is the FAQ:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...lp/genuine/faq
"If my computer is running non-genuine Windows can it still receive critical security updates?
Yes. Regardless of genuine status, you'll still be able to get critical security updates. However, if your copy of Windows isn't genuine, you won't be able to install many updates that are exclusively for genuine Windows customers, including Microsoft Security Essentials. Microsoft strongly recommends that you get genuine Microsoft software immediately to help ensure a safer computing experience."
It seems that only critical security updates you will get, but not updates to windows to fix issues or updates for optional software and the like. That seems to be what I understand from it.
It appears Noel is correct.
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New #64
I just created an account so I could come here and thank you guys for this tutorial. I just built my new rig because my old one died an ignominious death, and I got the "unable to activate" warning. I tried contacting Microsoft directly, but got absolutely nowhere. But this tutorial helped me get it done in a matter of minutes.
Again, thanks a great deal for this!
(Oh, and sorry for bumping an old topic!)Last edited by Edrondol; 13 Jul 2014 at 13:20. Reason: additional apology
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New #65
Hello Edrondol, and welcome to Seven Forums.
Don't be sorry. I'm glad it was able to help. :)
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New #66
Wow, this is great to know! I used the slui.exe 4 method and I got the option to pop up. I created this account just so I could post this. Maybe I will be able to talk to someone and let them know that "Hey, I got an Acer computer that came preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Premium and I got this COA sticker with a product key. I just did a factory reset on the computer and I'd just like to know how to activate Windows again."
And like Edrondol said:
I actually created a Windows 7 Professional 64-bit virtual machine in VMware Workstation 12 Player just to test this out. Of course, I didn't actually call the number because it's a virtual machine. But this will sort of give me an idea of how I'd like to reinstall a Windows 7 that came preinstalled. My Product ID by the way, the 2nd chunk, it has OEM in it. That's how I know it's an OEM.
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New #67
Hello rumpled103, and welcome to Seven Forums. :)
Just to note that an OEM product key is nontransferable and can only be used to activate Windows on the original OEM PC since it's permanently tied to the motherboard.
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New #68
That's interesting to know, but I'm just curious. Does the activation happen automatically as soon as I boot into the desktop for the first time or can I just use the COA Product Key that's on the sticker and enter it to try to activate? Will it actually accept those OEM product keys? Or do I need to activate via a phone call and just explain my situation to the operator? I'm actually quite interesting in installing multiple copies of Windows 7 in the future, provided that I have the appropriate product keys and/or disc that comes with a product key sticker, even if I have to buy it.
Edit: I just re-read the tutorial. It says it's only for the retail version. So then what about OEM?
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New #69
The same activation procedures apply to OEM as to Retail licenses - it's the rules that change.
There are three types of OEM license...
OEM_SLP - these are the Product Keys installed by large manufacturers, and self-activate under the proper conditions
OEM_COA_SLP - these are the Product Keys attached to the system case by large manufacturers for use when/if the OEM_SLP Key system breaks down for whatever reason.
OEM_COA_NSLP - these are standard OEM System Builder Keys such as you can currently buy from Newegg/BestBuy/PCWorld etc.
We can ignore the first type for this, as it's self-activating (given certain pre-conditions).
The other two types may require Telephone activation on first install (there's been various discussions about why but no definitive statement from MS), or may not - the general rule is try normal internet activation first, and if that fails use Telephone activation.
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