Windows 7 Activates - Valid - Not Genuine

theog said:

You could Start a fresh with one of other 35 identical computers

Thought about that... Then what? How far can I get without entering the registration key?

leave the factory OEM-SLP activation method Product Key in place. no need to enter the Product key.

theog said:

leave the factory OEM-SLP activation method Product Key in place. no need to enter the Product key.

You can't do that though, if you are re-installing Windows, with an off the shelf OEM Windows 7 DVD? You could leave the factory installed windows installed and modify the installation. Un-installing what you don't want and adding what you do want. It sounds like the OP wants to start with a clean install and go from there though.

Take a look at the screenshots in post one.
OP is using the HP/Compaq install.

OK, but if its SLP media the OP shouldn't be prompted for or have to enter a product code at all during the install? He stated he is entering the product code from the COA sticker when asked for a product code, so I assumed it was just a regular OEM DVD. If it is SLP media though you're right, there should be no need to use the change product code option. They can all use the master SLP product code.

On the OP's first try, removed OEM-SLP Product Key & than cloned.

When I said "It sounds like the OP is using regular install media and inputing the product key on the COA sticker when asked."

He replied "Yes".

He also mentioned having to activate, and with SLP media activation is automatic.

So that has me confused and now I'm not sure what he is doing. I think I'll just sit back and watch you guys sort it out.

1) Startup one new PC's, doing all the new install bits.
2) Setup personal setting.
3) Removing the OEM-SLP Product Key.This bit is the big problem.
4) Cloning the HD Drive to use on the other 35 new PC's.