Activate Fresh Install On Preinstalled OEM Laptop?
Sep 24, 2011
I have a laptop which came with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. I did not make recovery disks or record the COA serial on the bottom. The hard drive failed, I have replaced the hard drive, and would like to install and activate the same OS that came with the laptop. I do have the Product ID and the original pre-installed (OEM) product key. I have working setup disc for Windows 7, correct edition and architecture - but it's retail. I have installed it successfully, but activation failed with the original OEM key.
The problem is that the COA key on the sticker on the bottom of the laptop is unreadable because the sticker has been worn out. I can read some characters of the key, however, so I have narrowed the key down to a set of 384 keys. However, it is not practical to try each of those possible keys. I think if I had the COA key, I could activate it, but there isn't really a way to get it at this point.
Is there a way to activate with the OEM key, other than what I have tried (i.e. activating from inside the completed install.) ? I think I read once that if you have the iso of the setup disc and can edit the files and repack it, then you can change it from a retail to OEM image by editing one file. Is this true? If so, I think I will try installing using that modified image. Otherwise, are there any other options?
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Dec 29, 2011
Can I install XP over Preinstalled Windows 7?I don't like Windows 7.[url]...
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Nov 22, 2012
I got a Dell Inspiron N5050, Three weeks of use I started having allot of problems, I restored to factory, three weeks later, same problems came back but Five Times worse. I thought it was a thousand different things and I've found out now that. My issue is a Pre-Installed Corrupted version of Windows 7. Is there anything I can do, short of buying a new version of windows? I've checked for problems with hardware and software, it says there's none, I've tried anti-viruses [Mcafee], Spybot, System Mechanic, Malwarebytes, and all the windows and dell options, every time, everything comes up clean.
So I've no idea why I keep getting a Black Screen, why I sometimes Blue Screen, and why after a Black Screen sometimes it knocks my screen res down very low, or sometimes forces my laptop to zoom in 300%, When it black screens it disconnects my webcam, it sometimes disables my ability to connect to Web Pages, sometimes it disabled my internet, so I am dumbfounded, and after all that, I was told it was a Corrupted Version of Windows.
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Nov 6, 2011
I have never purchased a laptop before, only built my own systems at home. Before I make my purchase, I have a couple of questions.
Do most laptops come with an OEM Windows 7 disc? I'd like to be able to do a fresh install and wipe all of the junk that will inevitably be pre-installed on the laptop. I've even heard of junk software that is somehow intertwined with the Windows installation that forces the user to update drivers, etc. only through the software itself; sometimes it doesn't even allow the latest drivers. I'd like to avoid all of this and work with the barest possible system and build it up myself.
If Windows 7 discs sometimes do not come, I'm assuming that I will have a valid OEM serial that is tied to a plain copy of Windows 7 (that is, not riddled with laptop software). Would I be able to download a copy off of Microsoft's site and input that serial when I'm prompted?
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Feb 17, 2012
New laptop with Win7 pre-installed. No Win7 CD. Laptop HDD came with separate recovery partition. Burnt recovery CD and backed up HDD to seperate USB HDD. Then laptop was dropped. Laptop won't boot past blank win7 desktop(with curser). Tried running HP recovery program from recovery CD but program says no recovery partition found and once again, will not boot past blank Win7 desktop. Can't get to chkdsk to run HDD fix.
With the Win7 stuff that I have, I can't get to any point where I can even determine if this laptop HDD is fixable? Is there a Win7 iso file that I can download to boot into Win7 so I can then run chkdsk and then access my backup original installation on my USB external HDD? If not, can I use one of my old original Win XP CDs to boot the laptop, run chkdsk or maybe even reformat the drive NTFS, and then install my backup Win7 setup from the external USB HDD over the now XP installed HDD?
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Nov 12, 2011
I would like to ask how I can install afresh Windows 7 OEM on the original laptop which was installed on it at first with valid product key.The problem that the user of the laptop formatted the drives without using recovery media or something like this.So can we install a OEM version from any CD then provide the product key of the original laptop.
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Oct 23, 2011
I would like to instal a fresh copy of windows 7 on my laptop but don't have the disks. However i found the product keys on the bottom of my laptop that i am sure are windows7. now where do i find the disks?
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Dec 8, 2009
Just Got my Dell Inspiron 1545 from Dell.com on 12/3/09... and I don't like what I did so far... so I was curious how can I get my dell laptop to be back like when I first turned it on?
I wanna start over with everything :'(
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Sep 14, 2010
Got a problem with a fresh install on my laptop like the title says. Normally I can always figure pc related problems myself but this is my second night trying to fix it and I"m about to give up. So my last resort is to create a topic here,res something I haven't tried yet (or make a conclusion my laptop is ****ed).So here's the situation. Bought this samsung R710 laptop about 2 years ago with vista premium on it. With windows 7 release got a digital legit version through my student program on MSDNAA. Downloaded the image, burned, install went all smooth. So basically I've been cruising on windows 7 professional 32 bit since the release without ANY problem.
Thing is now, computer was getting slow and started to see some malware and spyware so like most people do then, time for fresh windows install! So yesterday I started the process of getting the fresh install. Backing up all my files on my external hdd en found my windows 7 dvd again. So my computer is nearly completely empty, something like 250gb free of the 300gb.Got the disc in, rebooted my pc in the hope that the installation starts. And here comes the problem, it's getting the disc and i'm getting the screen with windows is loading the files,then the windows is starting logo. Then I see some low resolution big ass mouse appearing on the screen and I"m like, well this is going fine, this is the installation starting like I remember. Well after a few seconds, the laptop just shuts down and just reboots. And this happens really EVERY frikkin time. So basically I'm not getting into the installation of windows 7.
So already tried alot of things, like doing the upgrade instead of the fresh install ( yes I know, windows 7 upgrade to windows 7 but I was just trying everything out). Well this gives the error that I dont have enough harddisk space which is really strange aswell. I tried doing a fresh install through while my pc is turned on in the setup of the disc. This actually went fine, the installation started getting the "windows is copying files" and all untill the point the computer has to restart to finish the installation. Here is where it goes wrong, from the setup on my desktop windows starts installing but when it reboots it just does the same thing again. It wants to enter the installation but it goes into a endless reboot loop.Well luckily i'm still able to get back into my pc since it's now on some strange dual boot where it says 1 option with "windows setup" and the other with "windows 7"where the latter one gets me back into my pc normally.I'm really out of ideas, tried nearly everything, from installing random drivers like for my videocard to updating my bios. At this point I don't even mind going back to vista but samsung never gave me a vista disc so I'm basically stuck on this shitty windows 7 installation which I want to get rid of.
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Dec 17, 2011
What I want to do is convert a 32 bit Win Ult to 64 bit, transfer it to a new hard drive then install in a new build. It this possible using the same key used to activate the 32 bit install? I have Windows install DVDs for both which are Upgrade versions.I'm also confused on the order to do things. Convert first, if possible, then clone the drive. Clone the current drive, do the build then convert. Also I understand maybe sysprep would be needed too.I will have a new motherboard soon (hopefully) so I want to use my old one and CPU, graphics, and RAM to make a new PC for my wife. The only component that will be re-used is the DVD-RW and I may add a 2nd one which I don't need.
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Apr 3, 2012
I accidentally disabled my keyboard while typing. I have an Asus laptop and run windows 7. How do I reactivate?
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Dec 3, 2012
how to activate Bluetooth in my pc laptop hp 630
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Sep 25, 2010
I installed a new hard drive today and performed a clean install on the new drive. I followed the tip under Tutorial that mentioned not to activate during the installation. I reinstalled the OS from the upgrade version of Win 7 Professional. Now the OS is installed, I attempted to activate my copy and received the message that it is an invalid key, can only be used for upgrading not for clean installation. I do have a valid key, entered the key from the Microsoft email received when I purchased the product.
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Aug 3, 2010
My wife wants to buy a laptop (oh joy - another PC to maintain!)The thing I despise about laptops is the Bloatware. Even after uninstalling as much crapware and trialware you can find there is still gigabytes of useless data left over.And I can't remember the last time I've ever seen OS media come with a computer.So I'm wondering if, after creating the "Recovery Disks" and doing a disk image of the drive out of the box, I could wipe the hard drive and install Windows 7 clean using the OEM key (usually on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop) to activate.his would be using an upgrade version of Windows 7 media. But the idea is to re-activate the OEM license, not another instance of my upgrade license.(Please note that I know how to "Clean Install Windows 7 from Upgrade Media").Would this work?And, is this a legal, socially acceptable way to get a new, clean system on a new laptop?
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Nov 28, 2010
I have tried to install Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit on my PC for 2 weeks now and every time it has been unsuccessful. I turned off the sleep and hibernation functions, as well as extended the time to 2 hours for the hard drives. There are no compatibility issues at all. The PC locks up which seems to be about the 60-70%.I have tried the 62% MS and still it wont upgrade. I did a Custom install and had no problems but when I entered the CD key it came back as invalid and tried again and got an Error Code 0xC004F061 which states Only use this software for upgrade and not clean install. There is no means to input your Vista CD key to show up have a valid upgrade. The instructions for Windows XP stated you have to do a clean install and why not Vista Premium.
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Feb 10, 2012
I have MSI-GT725-074US laptop with built in 4+1 speaker system for 3 years now. I had no problems before cos msi supported dolby drivers was working. I did a clean Windows 7 install yesterday and seems dolby's utility aint working(crashing) with Windows 7 64 bit. And only 2 speakers are working atm. How can I activate the other 2 speakers and the (mini)sub woofer?I installed latest realtek drivers, went into control panel+sound settings and changed settings to quadraphonic/5.1/7.1 and tried/tested them but no sound from additional speakers. Also there is a dolby tab in properties; I checked "sound space expander" and "Natural Bass"
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Aug 30, 2010
I plan on reformatting Windows 7 x64 due to some hardware issues. Basically, I would like to be able to have things like Windows 7 settings, themes, ect imported. Any tips on how to do this? I do have separate partitions/harddrives to backup files, program data, ect.
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Jan 19, 2012
I bought a PC with Seven Family 64 bit preinstalled, so I have a first legit number. I installed (clean install) on that PC Window Ultimate, retail bought, so with another (second) legit number. My question is: Do-I have the right to install (upgrade install) Seven (Family) - but I'd prefer 32 bit - on my portable with the first number, so the number from the preinstalled Seven (which I no more use). Would It Work? Would it be accepted by Microsoft Would I be able to use a 64bit number with a 32 bit Seven? And if it ever it is a validation problem, or it fails, would I be able to downgrade to my old Vista (without reinstalling all my application or so) I am a little confused with the difference between preinstalled licenses right and retail one.
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Jan 15, 2013
Can one install with a CD of an Ultimate edition and activate with a Home Premium key. Does that work. I have never done that, but that question came up.
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Oct 26, 2009
I have 4 copies of Windows 7 Home Premium on pre-order that should be delivered within the next few days.
I also purchased the $30 "Educational" download of Windows 7 Home Premium, downloaded it, and created a DVD.
I was able to install the EDU version without incident on one PC, however I haven't activated that install yet.
My question is this: Can I use the EDU install DVD to upgrade/clean install my and my family's PCs without activating yet, then just activate later using the RETAIL keys once they arrive?
I'm not trying to cheat anything--ultimately, I will have all proper licenses. It's just that the timing is such that I have the opportunity to do several installs tonight, and it would be helpful if I could install now using the EDU DVD and activate with the RETAIL keys later.
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Oct 22, 2009
I recently bought the full retail Windows 7 Home Premium, I installed it on my pc and everything is going great. I also have a copy of the upgrade offered to students and a valid key for that.
My brother wants to install Windows 7 on his comp (He's running windows vista premium 64) and I was wondering if I could use my Windows 7 installation disk to install it, and then just use the upgrade key to activate it? I want to do a custom (clean) install over windows vista, and then delete the windows.old folder.
I don't see a problem and a disk seems easier than that .exe file you get from downloading on digital river, so I was just wondering if it would work.
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Jan 29, 2013
My copy of windows is genuine it was a retail upgrade from windows vista and I did the validation over 1 year ago. (Still have the box CD code etc.) It keeps telling me to activate windows 27 days remaining. Which Ive tried to do. It rejects my code Ive tried all known methods of activation.
1.Only done 1 fresh re-install and 1 full backup of windows over the lifespan of the product key.
2.This was an upgrade copy designed for windows vista purchased from one of the largest retail stores in New Zealand.
3.My hardware is now completely new bar the hardrive, DVD writer & chassis.
4.All hardware has been installed correctly and has been burnt in
Code: Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->
Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-8PHP8-HQX2X-7HG4V
Windows Product Key Hash: eFzXSbfBjnArkzKHGHrtQZEQjmA=
Windows Product ID: 00359-034-0207246-85659
[code]....
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Dec 22, 2012
I have a Dell Laptop and on Windows 7. How do I activate or find my middle mouth button? I have been into the 'Buttons' tab in the 'Mouse' option in the Control Panel. I cannot access my mouse from the 'Devices and Printers' as it is a laptop.
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Jan 23, 2013
i want to activate bluetooth on my dell VOSTRO 1015 laptop
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Nov 5, 2009
My work machine's HDD is on its way out. It currently has XP Pro x86 on it. I got a fresh new HDD and upgrade version of Win7 x64 Pro.
I booted from the Win7 x64 disc, it went through its whole install thing on the new HDD, and then when it got to the product key, it wouldn't accept the one that came in the box. I read on the web that upgrade versions must have XP or Vista already installed for it to work.
But, the 7 documentation says I have to do a Custom install if I'm upgrading from XP. A custom installation deletes whatever is on the partition, I think. So how can it work when upgrading from XP?
I have actually gone back and installed XP on the new HDD (that had its own share of problems, couldn't even get the internet connection working), and now trying to do a custom installation of 7 again. When it gets to the product key section, should I put in my original XP product key? Or will the 7 product key work this time?
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Mar 18, 2012
how can I activate my Lenovo G550 laptop Windows 7 starter bluetooth driver.
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Jun 6, 2011
restore Alienware m11x theme that came preinstalled?
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Oct 4, 2011
I have 2 brand new Asus K52JT laptops with the following specs:- i3 380M- 4Gb DDR3
- HDD SATA II 750Gb- ATI Radeon 6370M 1GbThey both came with Free Dos installed.On one of them I have successfully installed Windows XP , tweaking the bios to use the ATA instead of the AHCI controller. Generally the drivers work fine except for the card reader witch doesnt want to install. Being pleased with the results I have decided to leave the first laptop like this and experiment a little with the other one.What I want to do is use nLite software to inject the SATA drivers into an Windows XP installation iso to enable the AHCI controller and install.Then, if everything works fine I would like to install Windows 7 x64 on another secondary partition as the second OS.The problem is that I am not sure witch SATA drivers i need and from where to procure them.My question would be if anyone has tried something like this before and if there are any general rules or knowledge that i should be aware of.
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Oct 20, 2011
I have a toshiba mini notebook that came with preinstalled windows 7. I hate what MS has done to wordpad. Can I get a copy of windows xp and some how override this peice of dog dung. I've used wordpad for everything
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Oct 29, 2011
A couple months ago i bought my computer, it came with no windows 7 discs. How would i go about putting a fresh install of windows 7 on it?
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Mar 19, 2011
So I will be doing a new install of win7 pro x64 on my newly built rig. My questions should i go ahead and do the install and then install SP1 or install, get updates and wait until SP1 is pushed.I have a disk with the full SP1.
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