Windows Product ID/Windows Activation

brogan · 14 Dec 2012 at 17:53

In the bottom right corner of my desktop I currently have this message:-

Widows 7
Build 7601
This copy of Windows is not genuine

I've heard this can happen when components are removed/replaced. I did remove the battery on my motherboard to reset the processor to stock clock levels due to the overclock was causing the system to crash (overclock set by Overclockers not me).

Also, in Control Panel> System and Security>System, at the very bottom, it says:-

13 days to activate. Activate now.

Below this is my Prduct ID but when I click on the 'Activate now' It asks for a 'product key' which I don't have and can't find anywhere in my box.

Any tips to activate windows?

zakblood · 14 Dec 2012 at 17:59

it auto net one doesn't work, phone them as its a free phone number, either way keys on pc,

use a Free Product Key Finder Programs from google and use the one it finds on your win 7 install when you call

brogan · 14 Dec 2012 at 23:48

Thanks a lot for the really quick reply!

I wasn't even aware these kind of programs excited so ill be sure to download one tomorrow and see if it works. I just did a quick Google search from my phone and it seems to be pretty straightforward. The product key will be saved somewhere in my registry from when windows was first installed? So hopefully this solves the problem .

Thanks again!

point decay · 15 Dec 2012 at 01:57

did you set up the date/time again after the cmos battery came out? probably whats caused the activation prompt

BigBoy · 15 Dec 2012 at 02:38

r3d zombie said:
did you set up the date/time again after the cmos battery came out? probably whats caused the activation prompt

This is the most likely reason for the problem, I have done it myself many times

brogan · 15 Dec 2012 at 10:31

Ah yeah, I probably did. What should I do?

I downloaded a key finder as advised above but the key that it finds is 'a deafult key and can not be used to activate windows'.

m4cc45 · 15 Dec 2012 at 10:58

You need the proper key - there should be a sticker on the side of the case or on a card and then you can go to the product activation and click on change key. Enter the key from the sticker. If it was pre-installed via OCUK or someone else and you don't have this key yet paid for a copy then I'd get in touch with them.

M.

zakblood · 15 Dec 2012 at 11:12

not everyone sticks the key on the side of the case, for me many reasons i wouldn't do it, a company like OC will, but some dont and give you the sticker only if its OEM, i just keep it, as you never know if you change the case etc, not the greatest things to lift off a case.

brogan · 15 Dec 2012 at 12:46

m4cc45 said:
You need the proper key - there should be a sticker on the side of the case or on a card and then you can go to the product activation and click on change key. Enter the key from the sticker. If it was pre-installed via OCUK or someone else and you don't have this key yet paid for a copy then I'd get in touch with them.

M.

Yeah I got the system from OCUK, but I definitely don't have a key despite having paid for windows. I'll get in touch with them on Monday, thanks to everyone for the advice.