Really basic Win7 activation question

fish99

fish99

fish99

Soldato
Joined
19 May 2005
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Location
Doncaster
Hi,

Just upgraded my PC with new CPU, mobo and ram. I had legit Win7 HP 64-bit on the HDD but wanted a nice fresh install since I was changing so much hardware. So wiped the drive and did a fresh Win7 HP 64-bit install.

So the dumb question - you are actually allowed to do this aren't you? The online activation failed and said I had to phone Microsoft, so if I phone them and tell them what I've done they'll activate my OS correct?

TBH it's a bit annoying to get this hassle when you've actually done the right thing and bought the OS (retail too, not system builder/OEM). If it's retail then surely I should be able to reinstall it as often as I want, as long as it's only on 1 PC.

Cheers,
Simon.
 
I think even with retail discs, you only get so many online activations before you have to call Microsoft.

It's no problem though, is even automated so you don't have to speak to anyone (or it was last time i did it).
 
Don't know the exact figures but with retail versions my understanding is that you get a few activations in X number of days. Most people will never hit that though so it'd never be an issue.
 
It's 180 days between online activations iirc. Just phone them. If you're lucky you'll get throug to a super polite Pakistani/Indian man inexplicably called Peter or similar, explain the situation and he'll give you a response code. Usually just an automated system.
 
Thanks guys, you've put my mind at ease. I'll give them a ring in a few hours.

Maybe they should have a system where you can revoke an installation which then stops working (either straight away or a day or two later), before you do a reinstall.
 
fish99 said:
Maybe they should have a system where you can revoke an installation which then stops working (either straight away or a day or two later), before you do a reinstall.
Click to expand...

I've often thought this, similar to iTunes deactivate computer for music purchased in the iTunes store. It would certainly make doing a fresh install a lot easier
 
You have 30 days to activate if you untick the "activate Windows when I'm online" box during the install. This means you can install all your programmes, drivers etc, run a stress test programme to make sure it is stable and then activate when you are happy.
 
Jamauk said:
I've often thought this, similar to iTunes deactivate computer for music purchased in the iTunes store. It would certainly make doing a fresh install a lot easier
Click to expand...

It takes 2 minutes if you are unlucky and have to call MS. No point in implementing a deactivation system as it isn't really needed.
 
Got my Win7 install activated. The automated system over the phone is pretty straight forward.

Kinda humourous actually, typing in a 54 digit number with your handset, then getting another 54 digit number back :p Also kinda hard to see how doing that proves I don't have Windows installed on 50 PCs.

Anyway, cheers for the help.
 
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