Windows 7 Activation Problems

[giblet]

Having trouble activating an install of Windows 7. I reinstalled it on a machine that already had Windows 7 using an iso downloaded from the MSDN site. I reused the serial key from the original install as I figured it was already activated so I wouldn't have any problems. I keep getting an error when I try to activate and there is no option to activate by phone. Any ideas?

[giblet]

Thanks for the reply, not had a chance to get round to trying the method you suggested yet. Forgot to mention, it is on a Dell system which came with Win7 ultimate when it was purchased. Should I have used a specific Win7 ultimate iso since it was a oem install/key? 

I was under the impression that the oem install key was tied to the hardware so a format and reinstall of the same OS would mean I could reuse the same key. 

Cheers

[giblet]

LordGrover said:

If you use the Dell ISO you shouldn't need to enter number.

It is someone elses desktop and they chucked the discs ages ago so used Google and found the MSDN links.

[giblet]

Desktop came with Windows 7 Ultimate, and I used an ISO for Windows 7 Ultimate. When I right click on My Computer and the properties it tells me that my copy of Windows is not registered. When I try to enter serial it claims it isn't correct. Its a bit of a pita as I copied and pasted the serial key onto a notepad document before formatting so I know its right.

[giblet]

Oh cock.

I used the first key finder application I found after a quick google. Just had a look at the reviews for it on download.com and it seems it brings up the generic oem key for Dell machines and not the actual key that I needed. Not tried the command line method as I've not had a chance to go round to the house where the pc is. I'm guessing I'm up st creek without a paddle?

[giblet]

AGK said:

You should be able to force a key change via the command line.

If you have issues activating it then call the 0800 number with the installation ID and they will activate it.

It's pretty simple.

I wasn't getting an option to activate via the phone number which is why I was confused. The command line method seems to have sorted it. Thanks for the help!