Cannot activate windows from iso file (this is a default key), Can anyone help?

Hi, unfortunately my Lenovo e530 laptop run into a little issue recently and i was looking for a way to reinstall windows but without having to do a whole factory reset, as with the built in setup files, there only appears to be the option to restore to factory default and no 'repair only' install where it would keep files / programs etc..

Anyway i found the latest iso of windows 7 64 bit pro, which is what was on mine in the first place, i assumed that the setup would automatically find my old key and just accept it and activate without any issue, but thats not the case

when i try to activate it i keep getting the following message:

'The product key you have entered appears to be a default product key and cannot be used for activation. type a different windows 7 pro key'.

although the product id does show as the correct one.

What am i going to do, is there a way around this without me having to just wipe my laptop and do a factory reset?

Thanks

James

 

Call windows and talk to someone on the phone. They should be able to issue a key that works.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

The licensed key is usually under the battery.

 

Or under the laptop or on the power "brick". There are the locations I know of at least. If you can't activate using that key, call Microsoft and they'll fix it for you.

 

Your Windows 7 key is probably an OEM key and the ISO you downloaded is retail, hence it may not activate. In Windows 8 that is no longer the case but for 7 you need to get the OEM version of Windows 7

 

Ok, the problem your describing is the O/S you installed and the O/S product key aren't for the same O/S that is what it is telling you. As to what O/S you had before we don't know unless your COA sticker identifies it one way or another? ie Windows 7 Prem isn't the same as Windows 7 Pro each has a different Product Key that works for that O/S version. So since we have no history what O/S was installed prior our help is going to be very limited. You only option if you can't get your product key to work is to call MS and buy another key that matches your new O/S Windows 7 Pro or call Lenovo and use your Serial and find out what O/S came with your system to get the right O/S version. Your other option is to buy the REcovery Media from Lenovo and use that to restore to factory install. We here can't help you with any help on activation as that will violate Notebookforum rules and you need to contact MS for this step.

 

Call MS - you should be able to read them your key and get a new one. No buying a new license needed.

 

Maybe this will help. Worked flawlessly for my Lenovo with Win7 Pro. https://www.facebook.com/notes/thar...tificate-key-token-and-more/10151361974083659

 

Unless it is blacklisted then you will have to prove to them otherwise....so not simple as you may think...

 

It's easier to call Lenovo and get your REcovery disk and reboot with those and not have to worry about the activation as that will make it activated....you spend a little to not have to worry about this and that activation method.

 

In USA many things are easier. The problem is that some people may live in other places

 

That is true but all they need to do is just contact their support and ask them about it and they will know if they have them or not. Sure not all places have them but then again if there is support then they can find them if they still have them.