windows 7 Professional Key for Activation

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My son at school has a computer of mine that is asking for a activation key. Besides the ones I have where Can we get a legit new one w/o getting ripped off? Thanks!!

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You can only get an activation key (COA) with a purchase of Windows 7. Either from the MS Store or online retailers such as Newegg & Fry’s, which runs frequent promos on current Windows software.

Do NOT buy keys on eBay, many are stolen ones.

Cat

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The key should be on a label affixed to the computer somewhere.
Jerry

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Thanks Jerry

That might do the trick but, 7 premium that came with the computer has been up graded to 7 professional. So that is the problem unless we start all over, it must have taken 30 days to discover my key is not valid (that I used to upgrade with). We will need to get a legit copy somewhere and they are getting scarce it seems (pricey too).

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Also, many schools offers Windows products at very little or no cost, as long as the student has a verifiable email address associated with the school/university. Lots of choices of software are available to students enrolled in the MS DreamSpark program. Check with the school to see if this is offered.

https://www.dreamspark.com/institution/subscription.aspx

https://www.dreamspark.com/Support/FAQ/Default.aspx#FAQ

Along with Jerry’s advise above, if this install has been activated, Belarc Advisor (free for personal use) can retrieve the key, which may be different than the one on the affixed label. My HP that shipped with Windows 7 Home Premium wouldn’t accept the one on the label for a clean install, but did accept the one from a printout by Belarc that was created prior to formatting the partition. It’s good to have this printout, as Office keys are shown as well.

However, if this is a fresh, unactivated install, this will be of no use.

Has recovery media for the computer been created (usually a 3 to 5 DVD set or optionally on a 16GB Flash drive)? This task should be performed on Day 1 of ownership, as it’s too easily forgotten if delayed. If so, then reinstall the OS if needed.

As far as key selling goes, it’s illegal to sell keys w/o the software. MS may allow such purchased keys to activate/validate initially, but months down the road, many will boot to a black screen, with a notification that the user may be a victim of software piracy (or similar wording).

This is likely why MS has trashed the TechNet program, due to the abuse, especially the online selling of OS/Office keys.

Cat

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The pop up ms request for a key was probably for using an installation key that we had used on another one of my computers Cat. It did not occur right away upon upgrading less than a month ago till now.

We will continue to look for Win 7 Pro x64 disks with valid activation key———–thanks Cat

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You’re welcome, Mr T! That’s what we’re here for, is to give honest advise.

Sign up for promos at online sites such as Newegg & Fry’s, 7 Home Premium & Pro are often ran on promo, have seen Pro for as little as $89 (System Builder, formerly OEM version).

Cat

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Have your son call Microsoft. They are generally pretty understanding about stuff like that.

Joe

--Joe

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