Windows activation on Dell

Bossk128 · 26 Feb 2011 at 18:20

Help! Just wiped windows 7 from a new Dell laptop for a friend with the aim of reinstalling from genuine media and the legal key attached to the laptop. However Windows states this license key is not available for activation . It is a Dell license key so perhaps its volume licensing, but how do I activate it?

Bossk128 · 26 Feb 2011 at 18:26

Windows home premium 64. That's the same version oI used to install. Windows is happy with the key, ie it's accepted, but activation is the problem. I should have known out wouldn't be this easy!

Bossk128 · 26 Feb 2011 at 18:29

That's a great idea.It won't automatically provide that phone number. I'll google out but if you know of a link to the phone number, that would be appreciated.

Thanks OCUK!

Bossk128 · 26 Feb 2011 at 19:09

Bossk128 · 26 Feb 2011 at 19:42

Tar. Just got off the phone to MS, told me to get to Dell. The restore partition doesn't exist anymore, this was the whole reason for wiping the thing!! I wanted a stock install. I'll go to Dell Monday and get them to activate.

Am I still in the right? All I want is a straight install with no crapware. I don't need to purchase media.....

Bossk128 · 26 Feb 2011 at 20:17

hm so the problem might be with my media? It was a digital download from mIcrosoft using the a digital river link. Looks like I might need to get Dell media..

Bossk128 · 26 Feb 2011 at 21:26

I'm going to try https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form
And see if I can get free media.

Bossk128 · 27 Feb 2011 at 00:41

It is a retail disc. MS asked about the laptop and the vendor. I expected them to realise it was Dell as soon as I gave them the key. I'll try different media tomorrow and report back.

Bossk128 · 28 Feb 2011 at 11:20

Aye, I'm trying to get a genuine Dell image. I did find one available which requires a dual layer DVD so haven't burnt it yet. Unless anybody knows how to trigger a network install using an iso?

I'm also trying to get an official Dell disc from Dell.

Bossk128 · 28 Feb 2011 at 11:53

Aha I totally forgot about usb installation. Ta, that's my task for this evening!

Bossk128 · 28 Feb 2011 at 16:47

OK quick question before home time: can the iso-tool be used on a usb hard drive, or does it have to be a flash drive?

Bossk128 · 28 Feb 2011 at 22:54

Success.Used Dell media and it didn't even ask for a license key, nor need activated. MSE Iron and Thunder installed. Jk defrag too, all good. Cheers all!