Activation failed on new to me PC

First of all hello forum . I've been reading posts on this forum for about a year, ever since I started with the W7 beta on my old PC. I just purchased a "new" used PC from an ad on Craigslist, and everything has been fine for the past two months. Yesterday, I got the dreaded "This copy of Windows is not genuine" popups, and after attempted activation it seems that is indeed true. Some searching around on the internet has shown that people are using a "loader" program (whatever that is) to get around the activation, so i thought i would do a scan of my files to see if something like that was installed on my computer. Found it, complete with the classic "hacker" type upper and lowercase file name, something like "WiNDoWs7LoAdeR". After finding this file I can only assume that this copy of windows was activated illegally. I attempted to call the person I purchased the machine from and their number is now disconnected. Just my luck.

Now here is my problem. I would like to purchase a licence key and get this computer on the up and up, but W7 Ultimate is installed on it and there is no way I can afford a licence for this version. However, I am i Graphic Design student and I qualify for a great discount on W7 Professional (but only the upgrade version it seems). I am not sure of the differences between the two versions, and I am sure I am not using Ultimate to its full potential whatever that may be.

My question is this:

Can I purchase the W7 Pro upgrade version from Microsoft, and apply it to my current install, effectively downgrading to W7 Pro from Ultimate?

If no, can I somehow remove my current installation of Ultimate, and install the Professional version?

I have no problems re-installing all my current programs and such, I have all the disks for them as they were installed after purchasing this system. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I really cannot afford any downtime, if Windows decides to lock up this computer because of the failed activation, I am in BIG trouble with school and my freelance work that pays my bills.

help!

Thanks for reading
-Mike


I apologize if this post is in the wrong area, I put it here because the root of my problem is the failed activation.

I think that you are able to sort this another way, click on the start icon, in the search box type- activate, now the pop up offers you the option to buy a key or type new key. If you have another key type it in if not buy one. You should not need clean install as the uloader is uninstallable. Try typing- uloader into your search box, if an .exe file show up open it and there should be an uninstall option in the software.

ilesal said:

I think that you are able to sort this another way, click on the start icon, in the search box type- activate, now the pop up offers you the option to buy a key or type new key. If you have another key type it in if not buy one. You should not need clean install as the uloader is uninstallable. Try typing- uloader into your search box, if an .exe file show up open it and there should be an uninstall option in the software.

Am I still able to input my school's information and receive the student discount on the licence? I cannot afford it at normal price.


Thanks for the responses :)

I too agree agree.

Grab a legit copy of whatever version you desire (even upgrade)

Completely wipe the HD, & do a clean instal :)

Jonathan_King said:

Welcome!

I'm sorry to hear about that scam.

Go ahead and buy the upgrade copy from Microsoft, and do a clean install.

Let us know if you need help.

~JK

Thank you for the response. I was under the impression that I had to have Vista installed to do an upgrade installation, is that not the case? Will the pro version install correctly over the ultimate install I have now?