jdana
asked on
Looking for a clean Windows 7 license key
I've been reinstalling some more robust Dell laptops and workstations in the office with Windows 7. I've been using a Dell Windows 7 Pro OEM installation DVD. After I'm done with the install, I click the "Activate Windows now" link in Control Panel / System, pay $140 to Microsoft for a license key, and I'm off to the races.
This time around, the "Activate Windows now" link failed. I got on the phone with Microsoft. They aren't selling the Windows 7 license key any more. (Why am I not surprised?) Anyway, they recommended that I buy a Windows 7 OEM key from Amazon or NewEgg. I'm happy to do so, but I want to make sure the license key I buy is compatible with Dell Windows 7 Pro OEM installation. I'd be very unhappy if my current install said, "I don't like that license key," and I had to reinstall Windows 7 from scratch using the newly purchased installation DVD. So.... Where can I find a license key that my current installation is most likely to accept?
This time around, the "Activate Windows now" link failed. I got on the phone with Microsoft. They aren't selling the Windows 7 license key any more. (Why am I not surprised?) Anyway, they recommended that I buy a Windows 7 OEM key from Amazon or NewEgg. I'm happy to do so, but I want to make sure the license key I buy is compatible with Dell Windows 7 Pro OEM installation. I'd be very unhappy if my current install said, "I don't like that license key," and I had to reinstall Windows 7 from scratch using the newly purchased installation DVD. So.... Where can I find a license key that my current installation is most likely to accept?
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jdana--
If you buy from Amazon and probably Newegg, I believe they will refund your money if the installation DVD does not work.
But you could try phoning or emailing them first.
For Amazon
http://gethuman.com/phone-number/Amazon-com/
http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Professional-System-Builder-Packaging/dp/B00H09BOXQ
If you buy from Amazon and probably Newegg, I believe they will refund your money if the installation DVD does not work.
But you could try phoning or emailing them first.
For Amazon
http://gethuman.com/phone-number/Amazon-com/
http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Professional-System-Builder-Packaging/dp/B00H09BOXQ
So you say MS tells you what to do but you don't trust them and come to ask here? Oh...
MS is right. I have used a DELL OEM DVD with several keys we had bought. It does not matter that it's Dell branded.
MS is right. I have used a DELL OEM DVD with several keys we had bought. It does not matter that it's Dell branded.
If yes ask a computer shop to burn an OEM DVD and pay a small fee for them.
After you can install and activate both installations.
Or call DELL to get clean OEM DVD's.