Windows Key Activation issues.

I was going to post this in Alienware but it More on Mirosoft issue. My M17x laptop had a Raid issue and I look in the box and book I notice I did not have the windows 7 Ultima cd. I had to get a replacement and a New hard drive.

The tech seid I should just be able to use the Product key on the laptop to activate it. It did not work. There was a Activate by Phone 58 by phone and 48 by keyboard. 102 digit Nightmare. The system work Great for a few Months. The Other hard drive Faild in a raid. I beleave the small hole in the box where fedex punched it was was the reason both drive became damage.

When I redid the Raid this time. I had no option to Activate by Phone. So I called Dell again and order another Windows CD .

It come down How do I get a New Product key from Alienware or mirosoft with out paying for it. So I dont have to keep ordering new Windows 7 cds.

It already heading into dell saying it Mirosoft resposabilty to resolve this. I have a feeling Mirosoft going to say it dell resposabilty to resolve this. I think I might be the Ginnie Pig of this issue.

 

Make sure you are not connected to the internet (turn off the wireless or disconnect the ethernet cable). On the Activate Windows Now screen you should have the option 'Show me other ways to activate'. If you select that you should have a menu item 'Use the Automated Phone System'.

 

I agree with you about not being connected. But was not getting the activation by phone screen. Here the fix. But I still like to get a product key

Step 2: Phone Activation.



1. Click on Start.

2. Type slui 4 in Start Search box. (There is a space between slui and 4)

3. Press Enter.

4. Select your location from the drop menu.

5. Click on Next.

6. Dial the Toll-Free number.

7. Enter the Installation ID and get the Confirmation ID.

8. Enter the confirmation ID on the phone system gives you.

9. Click on Next and then finish.

 

It should be in the sticker, bottom of your laptop.

 

Ahh so you want to keep your product key instead of activating via phone every time you reformat? Well download this: Keyfinder, write down a backup of that key for future purposes.

 

The key at the base of the laptop should work. Make sure it's the same version disk.. Home Premium 64 bit, etc. Make sure the letters and numbers are correct. Sometimes B looks like an 8, 0 or O, 1 or I, O or Q, etc.

 

nikolai090: i like that keyfinder program! kool

 

Check my post out here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...cds-consumer-win-7-systems-7.html#post6345276

You can use the OEM Dell key with a Dell or Microsoft disc.

 

machine makers haven't been supplying recovery or OS-reload discs for at least 5 years. you have to make them yourself either by running a set of utilities on the machine hard drive or by downloading files from the maker.

 

That key does not work in vanilla installation. Key in the bottom sticker is a valid OEM key to be used with standard install discs.

Using a keyfinder in a factory preinstalled PC gives you a certain volume license type OEM key, that will work only if used with special manufacturer-customized install disc or if key/bios matching Certificate file is installed manually (or with ABR tool).

Without that Certificate file, key is useless (and it's the same key in all manufacturer's pc's, easier to find from the net than install keyfinder anyways).

 

Until recently, this was not true for Dell computers (at least their business line).

Michael

 

Inspirons also came with all the disks (OS and Software).

 

It won't validate online, but the phone activation works.

 

Working as intended As with WinXP OEM licenses, not all of them activate automatically anymore.