1. Is the key on the sticker on the back of the PC a Win7 key or a Vista or XP key
2. You should be able to apply a "professional" OEM key. But as I said, I have never tried that so I am not 100% certin. Worst case is that you will have to reinstall. I know that is a pain.
Have you considered just changing the product key?
1.) It is a Windows 7 professional key and has been verified by microsoft as a "valid" product key BUT they told me I cannot just use ANY installation disk but the specific OEM installation disk that came with this OEM key. Is this right?
2.) SO, if I buy a OEM key I should also get the disk in case simply entering the key does not work in case I have to do a clean install. Would you agree?
One more question if I may, I can get a windows 7 professional retail cd key (key only) online for about $100. This key is good for 2 computers and do you think I could activate my windows 7 on this machine with this retail key since it is currently showing a OEM key as being installed. Keep in mind I will only be getting the key.
Many thanks for all your help!
seavixen-
Yes, I have tried every imaginable way I can find on the net to change my product key and Microsoft has locked me out of them all. In you diagram I do not even have those options available to me as they read "Status not available" - Product key: not available" and there is no place to enter a new one. Also any dos command I can find to enter do not work as well.
It is 109.99 but tell what you think about this if you don’t mind:
[scam link removed by admin]
1. This is getting more confusing. If the COA sticker says that you have a Win7 professional key and the key on your system is different, the guys who sold you the PC must have really played around with the keys.
2. If MS says that you cannot just apply another key, then you are facing a reinstall
3. With this $100 deal on the web I would be very careful. That is too good to be true and you are liable to get screwed again.
4. We were just discussing your case at the kitchen table. Consensus was that we would not invest any more money into that PC. You can get a shiny new laptop with an i3 CPU for less than $450. I saw those at Bestbuy and Newegg. Then transfer your data and wipe the disk on the defunct system. Install a free Ubuntu and offer it on eBay - maybe you can even get the price you paid.
5. But if you go for a new license, question is whether you really need the Professional edition. Home Premium is just as good in my book.
PS: I just saw the link for the cheap retail keys. Hard to tell whether that is a serious deal. You have been had enough. I would be careful.
Thanks for your help and suggestions with this. I do appreciate it. I am going to make a last ditch effort with the "business" I bought it from on ebay as I have not left feedback for this purchase yet. I'll see where that goes. Also, when I try to validate windows 7 an online a screen comes up indicating that I can "buy" a genuine version of windows from MS for $149.00 and I am wondering if that is my safest bet at this point if I cannot get anywhere with the seller on ebay. Problem is I just don't have the cash for a new machine right now so I got to fiqure out how to make this one good as cheaply as possible. Thanks again!
OTHER than the product key the following is on my COA sticker on the back of my machine:
Windows 7 Pro OA
DELL OKXGVD
X16-96076
00186-068-440-401
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