Windows 7 activation problem.

[Gdog96]

So today I updated my bios to latest because of a freezing problem. It all went fine, until I realised I had to re activate windows 7. So I re-entered my code but it was invalid, I tried twice.

The system is a self built PC- it has a 3570k, gigabyte Z77D3H motherboard, and a gtx 660. The copy of windows is the OEM version.

Thing is I have reinstalled windows twice before using the same product key and all has been fine. I don't want to have to buy a new copy (though if I do I might give windows 8 a try.) I REALLY don't want to download all of my stuff like games and applications etc again because my internet is slow, and I'm not kidding it will probably take a week in sheer download time. For example it took me 21 hours to download Crysis 1, and that's only one game.

I'd rather not call Microsoft, but I will if I have to.

Thanks people.

EDIT: Sorry mods, I forgot I had a dedicated thread for PC questions. I don't know how to integrate this post into that...

 

[Pako]

What was the error message you were getting? If it said the code was invalid then you are putting the code in wrong, double check your Windows Key. If it said you have to call Microsoft to validate over the phone, call them. Most the time, it's an automated system anyways. I have had circumstances where I was asked how many times this key was used, to which I would explain it is a new motherboard or hardware and required a new install of the OS. I have never had an issue getting the Windows Key validated.

 

[Gdog96]

I click to activate it online, because thats the only option it gives me apart from remind me later or something, it loads for a second and then says 'the product key must be activated with new hardware' and gives me the options to buy a new product key, retype it (which I did and it didn't work, it takes me back to the screen giving me options), use automated phone system to activate or contact Microsoft to help resolve problem (which just gives me links to forums or whatever).

I remember a while ago, my friend had an old computer which he wanted windows 7 on, but I wasn't sure if it was illegal to put OEM windows on more than one computer. I figured that if it didn't let me do it, or if there were any error messages, I would not do it because I would gather it is not allowed. However it went smoothly and it activated with the same product key without a hitch.

Now since then I have re-installed windows on my PC and the product key was activated then too, with no problems, and my friends computer is dead and gone. Do you reckon me using the same product key on a friends computer was a problem, despite the fact it worked? I apologise if I am discussing illegal stuff here, I genuinely don't really know what I'm talking about, so forgive me if I am violating the AUP.

 

[daan]

Phone Microsoft and see if they'll let you put it on your PC. If they won't it is because of this.

Do you reckon me using the same product key on a friends computer was a problem, despite the fact it worked?

As far as I'm aware, activation works by logging the components on the PC. If too many components change between activations, then you need to contact them.

I had to call them one of the times when I re-installed XP on an upgraded PC. IIRC they gave me a product code to use, and that worked, but then I hadn't tried to install it on another PC...

 

[Pako]

Yep, not a big deal. Just use the automated phone system. You will have to put your product key, and if accepted, they will give you a code to type in your computer to manually activate it. If that doesn't work, you will be transferred to a real person. If the old computer (your friends) is no longer in use, and your computer is the only one with it installed, it's just a matter of new hardware and that is what you would expain to the person on the phone, that you have new hardware and a complete reinstall of the OS was required. Not a big deal.

 

[Gdog96]

Ok thanks guys, I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Shaun]

You should be fine.
I do find it odd that you had to activate it again after only a bios upgrade. It didn't happen to me using the same board.
I can only assume it has something to do with your mates pc.

Good luck.

Cheers Shaun.

 

[Gdog96]

I found it odd too. I assume that, if I ever wanted to change a motherboard or a CPU, I would go through the same process as I have to now?

 

[daan]

Not always. I upgraded my PC numerous times during my XP years (so much so that the only original item is the case) and I only had to phone them up once. During that time I went through at least 3 mobos and processors, and numerous other bits and pieces.

 

[Gdog96]

It seems a bit random really...lol.

EDIT: Just did it and it went fine, my windows is now genuine. Thank you very much everyone, now I will know what to do for next time too as I have never really known what to do with all this.

Thanks again 👍