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    Win 7 Product Key Help

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by gasblender37, Sep 6, 2011.

  1. gasblender37

    gasblender37 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I bought a used Dell 1545 with Win 7 ultimate. I know it origibally came with vista. When I got it and turned it on it downloaded over 100 updates which included sp1. After that I downloaded a product key program and got the win 7 product key. When I went to input the key, it said it was invalid. Is it possible that I should have inputed the key before the sp1 update or did I get a pirated copy of win 7 ultimate?
    Any thoughts?
    Thanks....
     
  2. bluke424

    bluke424 Notebook Geek

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    Most likely you got a pirated copy or an OEM (preactivated) one.
     
  3. CowboyCoder

    CowboyCoder Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm not sure what you mean by "downloaded a product key program". If it's an app that reads the registered key, that would imply it was already activated. As you go on to say activation was not possible, it sounds like you've downloaded some dodgy key gen app. Windows updates do not affect product activation in any way.

    Sounds like you have a pirated copy of Win7. If you have a Vista sticker, put a call into Dell and they will supply an OS DVD so you can do a clean, legit install. If you want Win7 instead of Vista, then you'll need to buy a copy - should be available for around £64 online.
     
  4. SA Spurs1

    SA Spurs1 Notebook Consultant

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  5. James D

    James D Notebook Prophet

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    I also understood none about downloaded program and key. Do you want to say that you used that program, then reinstalled Windows 7 and then tried to put that key again or what?

    You are SO WRONG.
    At first there is 1 update which finds exploits in mechanism of activation....
    Second. My official legal branded Windows 7 Home Premium suddenly stopped working fine and had black screen with message of non-genuine Windows! I had to write my key which I found on the bottom.
     
  6. Mihael Keehl

    Mihael Keehl Notebook Evangelist

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    You could get a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade and fresh full install it on your laptop easily without having to go through the hassles for less than $100 on eBay. If you are interested, here are some links for sales for these products: Somewhere in the USA | Puerto Rico | Florida, USA.

    I'd be a little weary of using the one from PR, only because if you get scammed it's a hassle because the US Government doesn't have litigation authority unless it's something of a serious matter.
     
  7. gasblender37

    gasblender37 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for all the advice...I wound up buying a legal copy of Win 7 Ultimate and did a fresh install...