Windows 7 Activation issue

LiquidSnak: I tried going through Start, click All Programs and then click Activate Windows. except Activate Windows wasn't there. I did a search on Activate Windows and it came up with an option from control panel the screen that comes up has two options activate windows online now or ask me later

1) Dude, if you bought a netbook, it would have come with Starter edition installed AND activated. Starter is not sold in shops, neither do any OEM computers come with trial versions of windows. So your story of not activating starter doesnt wash.

2) To switch from one edition of win7 to another, you need to either do an ANYTIME UPGRADE using an anytime upgrade key (I believe retail keys also work on this but upgrade keys may or may not work) or do a Clean install with the upgrade disk. That'll wipe out your present install, so back up any data on the win7 partition.

Tews: I didn't say I didn't have a disk I said that my netbook does not have a disk drive, and I don’t have an external disk drive to attach it with.

I purchased the Home Edition of Windows 7 through a deal given to universities, which had the option of downloading it or getting the disk edition, I opted for both.

So I had a run able upgrade program that I could transfer to the netbook. I upgraded it a couple of weeks ago and I can’t remember if I uploaded it on to the netbook or just used the windows anytime upgrade.

Bill2: I bought my netbook from an established shop in England called Argos it did have the starter edition on it well that is what is says on the bottom of the netbook.

It doesn't appear to have activated or I assume not since it is asking me to activate my version of windows.

Incidentally everything I have is legitimate bought from legitimate sources, i.e. a big chain of shops in England and directly from Microsoft itself. So thanks to those of you who have insinuated otherwise.
I have called the number and been given another number to call which I am about to do now.