Alert for activation key after windows update, "Cannot use default key

Actually this is not a new thread, I have gone through many threads, but those were old.

After some windows update, windows is asking for activation key. My windows 7 Home basic came preinstalled in my laptop. I used the old activation key. But it is not accepting say "Default key... cannot use it".
First let know what this is actually. This must have much talked about.
Please let me know the best solution you have. Do I need to buy a new windows?
I don't want to do any illegal manipulation. Please help.

Brink said:

Hello Ron,

There should be a product key number on a sticker on the bottom of your laptop that you could use if you have not already.

Product Key Number for Windows 7 - Find and See


If you have, then you could try activating Windows 7 by phone with the operator instead.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Is the product code found anywhere else than on the case? I had a broken laptop, removed the hard drive, but did not take note of the product key on the case. Is it found on the booklets that came with it? Still searching for them just in case.

Thanks for your help,

Hal.

No, it must be on the body of the laptop- either at the back or beneath the laptop battery or beneath the back panel.

Bill2 said:

No, it must be on the body of the laptop- either at the back or beneath the laptop battery or beneath the back panel.

Thanks Bill. That's clear. That was very helpful. It put me out of my misery pretty swiftly.