Reinstalling Windows Question/Cant Read Key

[JustinG30]

Sorry for the newbie question but i appreciate the help. I have a computer that has Windows 7 Ultimate. I cant read the sticker because its faded. When i used a program to get the product key, it returns a different key then whats on the bottom (i can make part of it out). So when i put this new key in on the Microsoft site to get a copy of Windows, it gives me an error. I know the site that use to have Windows for download is no longer up.

So my question is, does anyone have a way i can reinstall windows on this machine without all the bloat and not able to read the key on the bottom of the computer? I have 2 more machines that im putting new hard drives into also that will need Windows reinstalled so any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Kitten Kong]

What are the chances of the current install being legit?, ie having a ultimate coa?. I'd hazard a guess a belong extremely slim. W7 ult was approx a £300+ piece of software. When I see ult installed on a machine, I'm pretty certain it's a pirated copy.

When oem licences are installed, they are done with a generic volume key. Usually meaning that this licence code cannot be used on a separate reinstall. Hence the visual coa sticker.

Usually when reinstalling windows, it's done with the coa sticker.

If the sticker is not visible, and in this instance it appears not to be, then the only course open to you is via recovery media, via the manufacturer, or an alternative source, such as genner sales.

That's the only legal way of doing it.

There is something in the resource section on tn I wrote a couple of years ago to do with installs/reinstalls.

 

[Markverhyden]

When oem licences are installed, they are done with a generic volume key. Usually meaning that this licence code cannot be used on a separate reinstall. Hence the visual coa sticker.

The one's installed during major OEM production are known as SLP keys. I've actually been able to re-use those to re-install the OS on the OEM machines.

 

[mraikes]

I've never had any luck re-using an SLP key. Always had to go with what's on the sticker. Do you have to do anything different to get it to work?

And I agree with Cadishead - I'll bet I can count on less than one hand the number of times I've seen a legitimate Win 7 Ultimate install.

 

[Kitten Kong]

The one's installed during major OEM production are known as SLP keys. I've actually been able to re-use those to re-install the OS on the OEM machines.

Your lucky here mark. I've never had one go through. Have always had to use the original coa.

 

[Markverhyden]

Your lucky here mark. I've never had one go through. Have always had to use the original coa.

Happened 2-3 times if I remember correctly. Lenovo W7 Pro laptops. It was a stab in the dark so to speak as I had tried that in the past with HP XP home SLP's and got no love.

 

[JustinG30]

So what can i do if i cant read all of the sticker on the bottom of the computer? Thanks

 

[Markverhyden]

So what can i do if i cant read all of the sticker on the bottom of the computer? Thanks

Is this a major OEM box like HP, Dell, etc? If so it's not needed as you should be able to get a set of recovery disks.

 

[nlinecomputers]

With a little research you can find out how to make your own SLP disks. Can't really elaborate further on this forum. Google it.

 

[jbartlett323]

So what can i do if i cant read all of the sticker on the bottom of the computer? Thanks

If you can't read the key and can't get/don't want recovery media, your only choice is to buy a new license.

And to parrot everyone else, I have never seen a legit 7Ult install on a laptop, and only a couple legit desktops (never OEM boxes, always home built). So scrap any idea of using that Ultimate key...

 

[JustInspired]

First find out if Windows 7 Ultimate actually came with the laptop. As @Cadishead Computers said, this is pretty rare.
If it was originally installed at the factory and it is still installed (and activated) on the laptop you can use something like http://directedge.us/content/abr-activation-backup-and-restore or http://joshcellsoftwares.com/products/advancedtokensmanager/ for backup and restore of the activation files. (NB: I have used the former with success but have not tried the latter - PM if you need help with abr)

If the laptop came with a different version of Windows, you may have to get the recovery discs, do the recovery, backup the activation, format, clean install and restore the activation if you want a clean installation.

Of course you can always buy a new Windows license

 

[pcpete]

Another option instead of making an slp disk is to just install it without a key(probably 7 home), then activate it using slp/certificate activaiton.

below is the forum link
https://www.technibble.com/forums/t...ctivate-coa-already-in-use.56933/#post-440568

in particular just focus on what @mikeroq says

 

[Martyn]

Recovery disks or phone Microsoft. The couple of times I phoned Microsoft I had to send a pic of the worn COA. And they sent me licence to enter

 

[glricht]

So what can i do if i cant read all of the sticker on the bottom of the computer? Thanks

What I've done in the past is take a couple of pictures of the sticker using my phone. I'll usually take pictures from different angles and different lighting. Then view the different pictures, zooming in/out, to try to make out the code. Had some good success in the past, but it really depends on how bad the sticker is worn.

 

[carrcomp]

Call the OEM.

I've stopped being able to count on my fingers how many times they've just sent out the disks at no charge.

 

[frase]

As glricht stated using light methods can help, depending on the sticker integrity itself - UV light helps as well, get CSI on it
Though in the end you will most probably need to contact the MS as stated by Martyn and supply part/serial number and wait.wait..wait