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?

[AGK]

Open command as administrator

Type "slmgr.vbs -ipk <product key>" (include the dashes).

A box should appear, click ok.

Type "slmgr.vbs -ato"

Usually works for me as I've had a bit of bother in the past with MSDN activation.

[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

[LordGrover]

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

[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.

[AGK]

You can use the same key.

Windows 7 doesn't require OEM media for an OEM key. It will work with any media.

[LooneyTunes]

AGK said:

You can use the same key.

Windows 7 doesn't require OEM media for an OEM key. It will work with any media.

IIRC, unlike previous versions, 7 needs the correct version ISO (e.g. home premium, business, or ultimate), but not an OEM specific ISO.

[crazy about cars]

What is the error you are getting exactly?

If you've reinstalled on the same Dell machine it should work or at least give you an option for online activation.

The only way you will be stuck is that you have pirated software.

edit: You need to have the same edition ISO as the key.

[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.

[boxst]

giblet said:

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.

How did you get the key? You need to use Magic JellyBean or similar ..

[AGK]

Have you tried doing it via command line as per the first reply?

[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?

[AGK]

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.

[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!