Windows 7 HP x64-bit Re-install Issues

HumbleServant1611 · Jan 11, 2015

Hello Geeks,

I bought a Windows 7 All-In-One disc so I can do fresh installs on computers. Note: this is just an installation disc without Activation Key/Product Key. My plan was to wipe this hard drive and re-install the same OS on the computer using the COA Sticker on the bottom of the laptop to activate it. When I did this the installation went smoothly and the Key was accepted in the installation process but when I went to activate it online and it told me the Key was invalid. This is really frustrating because this is my friends laptop and I used the Product Key that was on the bottom of the laptop to activate it but now it says it's invalid. This doesn't make any sense to me can anyone suggest anything? That would be much appreciated thank you all.

DavidGP · Jan 12, 2015

Hi

Where did you get this All-In-One Windows disk from as if its like the MSDN ones I'm used too, then you need a retail licence key an OEM (original equipment manufacturer as in the likes of ACER, DELL, HP etc) they they don't work, you need to OEM disk from the laptop maker.

You'll either need a retail key to use that AIO disk or an OEM recovery disk from HP.

Give the MGADiag app a go, what this is is the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic app, it will create a report, save the report in a text doc and attach to a post, but do XXXXX out your serial/licence key.

This diagnostic may help see if there is an issue with licensing or activation, you can also call Microsoft support up and have them check licensing, as at times if you have upgraded hardware, activation status may need updating, had this once with Vista or Win7, but a call sorted it out, you just need disks and licence code handy.

8Ball · Jan 12, 2015

First I would make sure you are installing the correct version of Win 7. Is it Win 7 Home Premium, Pro, enterprise etc... I have installed the retail version of all three versions on multiple different computers (same copy on all computers) and it has worked. Dell, HP, Acer and a few IBMS

The biggest thing is the version. A Win 7 pro key will not activate Win 7 enterprise... A Win 7 Home Premium key will not work with Pro. etc etc

Now I'm not entirely sure if OEM disk will work; lets say you have a Dell Win 7 Pro install disk - I dont know if it will work if its a HP Laptop even though it too, is Win 7 Pro. Though I have done this with Win XP- 7 is a different animal.

Last ditch effort is find a copy of your version of Win 7 online (there is legal copies from MS out there) and create a boot-able usb drive and try to install it that way.

HumbleServant1611 · Jan 13, 2015

First off, I got the All-In-One disc off of E-Bay because I couldn't get the ISO file from the Microsoft website to boot properly so I just ordered a re-installation disc (It only cost 6 bucks). The OS is correct, I always check an see the OS in the Control Panel>System and on the Product Key sticker.

P.S. The Windows Disc is all the versions of W7.

8Ball · Jan 13, 2015

good luck

plodr · Jan 14, 2015

Windows 7 ISOs are easy to find.
I downloaded one and used it to install with a good working key I bought.

http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

8Ball · Jan 14, 2015

If its alright if I make another suggestion.. You can try what I just had to do, and try it with the ISO

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=290127

read my last post; rest is irrelevant to you.

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Windows 7 HP x64-bit Re-install Issues

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