Product Key Dilemma


  1. jerryd
    Posts : 17
    windows 7 home premium 46 bit
       New #1

    Product Key Dilemma


    Sevenforum,
    I lost my hard drive recently and didn't have a backup. I got a new SSD
    and installed a Windows 7 Professional iso. Unfortunately MS won't verify
    the non OEM product key that came with the old windows 7.

    I have a Windows Professional CD with a product code but it is for fresh
    install only.

    I have a backup of the data from the present install and am trying to find
    out if that will work as a restore after I do a fresh install?

    I see there are "Free" product keys on the internet but am leery of using one
    of those.

    Jerryd
      My Computer
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  3. townsbg
    Posts : 1,851
    Windows 7 pro
       New #2

    I've never heard of a key for a fresh install only. I've heard of one for an upgrade only install. What happens when you try to activate? Have you tried a phone activation? Phone Activation of Windows 7 & 2008 R2


    You are right about the free keys online.
      My Computer
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  4. torchwood
    Posts : 7,107
    W7 home premium 32bit/W7HP 64bit/w10 tp insider ring
       New #3

    Hi Jerry

    the 1st thing that hit me,

    your specs show Home Premium, you installed Pro - A product key is version specific

    as you have Pro CD + key just use that, it should work fine, in reality it is a fresh/clean install

    control panel >> system >> change product key


    Roy
      My Computer
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  6. SIW2
    Posts : 16,163
    7 X64
       New #4

    As torchwood says:

    I got a new SSD
    and installed a Windows 7 Professional iso. Unfortunately MS won't verify
    the non OEM product key that came with the old windows 7.
    According to your system specs you had Home Premium. You can't activate a Pro installation with a Home Premium key.


    I have a Windows Professional CD with a product code but it is for fresh
    install only.
    Either Install Home Premium which is what you had originally.
    OR use the key that came with Windows Professional DVD to activate Pro edition.
      My Computers
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  7. townsbg
    Posts : 1,851
    Windows 7 pro
       New #5

    Full edition keys can be used for either a clean install (which is what you described) or an upgrade install. That's when you install 7 over Vista or XP. Upgrade keys are cheaper so they are restricted to upgrade installs. Just like upgrading from one paid version of software to a newer one. They charge less since you have already bought it once. Note that there is a work around to the upgrade install but I tried it once and it didn't work for me. My 7 key is an upgrade so the last time I installed it on my computer I had to install Vista first.
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  8. Snick
    Posts : 3,615
    Win 10 x64, Linux Lite, Win 7 x64, BlackArch, & Kali
       New #6

    Agree with all three response/helper posts!
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

 

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