7 wont activate auto.

Nevakonaza · 17 Oct 2011 at 12:35

Hey guys,

Anyone else have this same problem,with Windows 7 never activating online anymore unless you phone their automated thing on the phone?

Then it activates fine.

I wouldnt mind but they charge you on the phone for it,Cant understand why it wont just activate online like it did when i first got my copy of windows.

RJC · 17 Oct 2011 at 12:43

Mine does the same, I think there might be time limit between online activations. But don't quote me on that.

Phone number is a 0800 and should not cost anything.

Nevakonaza · 17 Oct 2011 at 12:46

RJC said:
Mine does the same, I think there might be time limit between online activations. But don't quote me on that.

Phone number is a 0800 and should not cost anything.

Im not sure how many times i have re-installed windows since ive had it...but was just wondering if i was alone or not with this issue.

Yeah i know its a 0800 number,But when i phone it says the call is chargeable?....meybe because im on a mobile?

Swordfish · 17 Oct 2011 at 12:48

If you have done a re-install and used the key on your PC/Laptop it will work for authenticating it during install but you often get the message that the key cannot be activated automatically once trying to activate from within Windows. What you do is click on enter a new key and leave the space for the new key blank and then click next/activate. Works every time (Vista & 7).

Nevakonaza said:
Yeah i know its a 0800 number,But when i phone it says the call is chargeable?....meybe because im on a mobile?

Yes

Nevakonaza · 17 Oct 2011 at 13:18

Swordfish said:
If you have done a re-install and used the key on your PC/Laptop it will work for authenticating it during install but you often get the message that the key cannot be activated automatically once trying to activate from within Windows. What you do is click on enter a new key and leave the space for the new key blank and then click next/activate. Works every time (Vista & 7).

Did not work for me.

Looks like il just have to phone them yet again,I dont have a landline phone so have to use my Mobile.

Swordfish · 17 Oct 2011 at 17:38

Nevakonaza said:
Did not work for me.

Looks like il just have to phone them yet again,I dont have a landline phone so have to use my Mobile.

Strange one. I've down this hundreds of times without an issues. Where are you reading your key from?

Nevakonaza · 17 Oct 2011 at 21:42

Swordfish said:
Strange one. I've down this hundreds of times without an issues. Where are you reading your key from?

Just left clicking on "My Computer" and selecting "properties"..."Reytype your product key" and leaving it blank like you said?

or am i doing it all wrong? :confused:

Swordfish · 18 Oct 2011 at 09:40

Nevakonaza said:
Just left clicking on "My Computer" and selecting "properties"..."Reytype your product key" and leaving it blank like you said?

or am i doing it all wrong?

Basically, yes.

Right click My Computer
Select properties
Click on x days until automatic activation
Proceed as normal to activate
When you get the message that your key cannot be used to activate automatically you get 3 options. (Buy a new key, Telephone or Enter a new key)
Select Enter a new key
When the new key box appears leave the contents blank and select next.
You will then be asked if you wish to activate your current key. Select Yes and it will be done within a few minutes.

For this to work you must be using the CAO key from the base of your laptop or side of your PC.

If you have used software to retrieve a key from your hard drive for example and used that this key then this will not work as the keys used to install by manufacturers are OK when entering during the install stage but cannot ever be activated as they are used in bulk by the manufacturers when preparing the drives for fitting to the machines.