When trying to activate windows using the code on the sticker underneath my laptop it keeps saying the code is not valid. My HD decided to stop working so when I replaced it, it did not do the usual thing when starting windows. Usually it would automatically activate using the lenovo onekey system. Any help would be great. Thanks
Hey and welcome to SF!
Unfortunately that key on the bottom of your laptop is actually an OEM install key, if you used any other windows 7 installation media, except the one that should've come with the laptop, it is not going to work.
OEM licenses are managed by the distribution companies, for your case that would be lenovo. I would suggest contacting them and asking them to send you the correct installation media for your machine. This would then allow you to use the OEM Key that you have situated on your machine's sticker.
Sorry for not replying sooner!
You could also try phone activation. Call the number and if needed explain the situation. That usually works out OK.
Please follow this tutorial and post an MGADiag report - then we can see what the problem is.
https://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/234159-windows-genuine-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html
Ignore errors produced when clicking on the Copy button - they simply mean that the tool could not create the backup files for some reason. The data is still copied to the clipboard for pasting to your response.
Please also state the Version and Edition of Windows quoted on your COA sticker (if you have one) on the case of your machine (or inside the battery compartment), but do NOT quote the Key on the sticker!
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Hardware.aspx
Quote