How can I re-install windows without the activation key?

Akagi

Akagi

Akagi

Caporegime
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Hello all :)

I have an HP Pavillion DV7 3112-SA with genuine Windows 7 Home Premium.

The system is packed full of programs and data and I do not care about any of it, so I would like to just do a fresh install of windows and start again.

How do I go about this if I have an install disk, but have misplaced the activation key?

Is there an option to find the key within the OS so I can transfer it?

Thanks
 
kirbz said:
If the sticker isn't there then use magical jellybean keyfinder
Click to expand...

bignev72 said:
Or Produkey if Jellybean doesn't work.

Both free :)
Click to expand...

Most OEM pre-installed keys will not activate via Microsoft, the pre-installed key will be different to the one on the sticker and the only way I have ever found of them working is to use the shipped or burnt recovery media which is pre-activated. I could be wrong though...

OP, look for the COA sticker on the case.
 
Dano said:
Most OEM pre-installed keys will not activate via Microsoft, the pre-installed key will be different to the one on the sticker and the only way I have ever found of them working is to use the shipped or burnt recovery media which is pre-activated. I could be wrong though...

OP, look for the COA sticker on the case.
Click to expand...

found the licence key on the bottom on the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label, I probably should have looked there beforehand :p

So if I use an OEM Windows 7 Home Premium disk, will this key work? But only on this machine..?

Also if I install Linux on this machine, will the key work on a different PC? I'm not sure if microsoft's product key check works by checking if there is another copy of windows active with that product key, or if the key can only ever be used on one machine.
 
Yes, any windows 7 disc should be okay to install with.

The key is tied to the machine as per Microsoft's licencing terms in the EULA, it wont actually stop it from working on another machine though.
 
Dano said:
Yes, any windows 7 disc should be okay to install with.

The key is tied to the machine as per Microsoft's licencing terms in the EULA, it wont actually stop it from working on another machine though.
Click to expand...

cheers :) silly Microsoft and their useless security policies.
 
Can I download a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium (without a key) from somewhere legally? Isn't there a Microsoft page for that? I can't find my disk now...
 
I might just sail by the cove and retrieve my official ISO from there. It will be faster xD
 
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