Strange issue with Activation


  1. Posts : 212
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Retail)
       #1

    Strange issue with Activation


    When I installed Win7 RTM, I also ran a utility to display my Motherboard MFG (Asus) in the System window. No biggie, I never ran or used any cracks.
    Last month, I ran the update issued to verify activation and product keys.
    I expected it to fail, it did. It began asking me for a valid product key.
    So, I ran the rearm (first time) option.
    The screen says I am activated and I am receiving updates.
    Two weeks later, I purchased the Ultimate (retail) package from a local store.
    I was expecting Windows to tell me after 30 days to enter a product key or I would have to rearm.
    This has not happened yet.
    Is there another way to enter the new product key in Windows 7?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,506
    W7 Ult. x64 | OS X
       #2

    1. Start
    2. Control Panel
    3. System and Security
    4. System
    5. Change product key or activate windows
    6. Enter New Key
    7. Click Next
    8. Windows should activate.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 212
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Retail)
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I can get to that screen by right clicking Start/Computer, and selecting Properties.
    It states Windows is currently activated, and does not give me the option to enter my new product key.
    Should I just leave it alone until it decides it wants a new product key?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,506
    W7 Ult. x64 | OS X
       #4

    I'd say so.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #5

    jebuchanan said:
    I can get to that screen by right clicking Start/Computer, and selecting Properties.
    It states Windows is currently activated, and does not give me the option to enter my new product key.
    Should I just leave it alone until it decides it wants a new product key?
    That would be my suggestion or call the appropriate number. Input your number, if it works, great. If not you will be eleveated to a rep, who will help you.

    Microsoft Volume Licensing - Activation Centers
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,056
    Windows 7 x64 pro/ Windows 7 x86 Pro/ XP SP3 x86
       #6

    You can also input the new key manually.

    Run CMD as administrator, then at the command prompt, type the following;

    slmgr -ipk <key>

    This will install the new key and swap out the old one.

    To activate windows after installing your new key type:

    slmgr -ato

    To check activation status, type:

    slmgr -dli
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 24
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit (6.1, Build 7600)
       #7

    (long version)

    uninstall the product key:
    slmgr /upk

    Restart and change the product key from the change product key button at the bottom of the system properties page.

    Reinstall a new product key:
    slmgr /ipk [product key without dashes]

    If you still have the message that windows is not genuine:
    validate the windows here:

    www.microsoft.com/genuine/validate

    after a successful validation, restart the computer and the message will be gone.

    (short version)

    You can also update the product key here:
    http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=45668
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 212
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Retail)
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Bill2 said:
    You can also input the new key manually.
    Run CMD as administrator, then at the command prompt, type the following;
    slmgr -ipk <key>
    This will install the new key and swap out the old one.
    To activate windows after installing your new key type:
    slmgr -ato
    To check activation status, type:
    slmgr -dli
    This worked perfectly.

    Thank you.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:45.
Find Us