Source
r/windows•
Meta8

Re-installing Windows 7 OEM

Hi,

I just bought an HP laptop, and decided to re-install all of Windows 7 to start clean. Using the ISO found here (for the same edition), and the license key found at the bottom of the laptop, I was able to re-install it.

However, it's now saying that it can't activate Windows and that I might need to do a phone activation. My only question before calling is, would they frown upon me if I tell them I used an ISO found online to re-install Windows? The computer only came with recovery disks.

Posted Sep 7, 2010, 1:18 PM UTC

512
KyldeThe Janitor•

don't tell em, seriously, I too had to phone in after a re-install (with "legit" media),simply act ignorant, say the disk came with the laptop

7
exist2resist•

Note that depending on your manufacturer each OEM iso is different from manufacturer to manufacturer. So I suspect you have the wrong OEM version/not the one compatible with your lappy, and you installed a 30 day trial. Also there is a possibility the ISO is loaded with malware, call your manufacturer and get them to ship you a Disc. Also generally HP puts a recovery partition on their computers, look for button combination during boot up.

2
svenska_aeroplan•

I've never had to do it, but from what I hear, the process is handled by a robot. You just have to answer that your not using the same license on another PC.

5
Rinascita•

Yep, you don't talk to an actual person. It's an automated voice that walks you through a few prompts and then gives you a code to enter in the activation screen.

Fast and painless. Total time was no more than 5 minutes for me.

2
ddigby•

Huh? Did you read the first response on the comment you linked?

"I will also note, these are the retail version of the disks, same you would get if you went to best Buy, etc. to buy it.

These will work with an OEM key that is on the machine (assuming the same version) like from Dell, etc. The only difference is that you will have to call in to activate. You will get an automated question asking how many machines it is installed on. After answering one, it will allow you to activate. If you ever reinstall on the same machine, you will not have to call in as the key is bound to that machine in MS's system (because its oem)."

2
Meta8OP•

No, I had not. Thanks!

2
CorporateDirtbag•

If you never need to do this in the future, use ABR (http://directedge.us/content/abr-activation-backup-and-restore)

It allows you to back up your activation and restore it painlessly. Works great if you want to switch from a 32 bit to a 64 bit edition of Windows as well :)

2
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
ramp_tram•

It's great how if you're legit you have to jump through hoops, but if you're using a cracked copy it's just activated as soon as it starts up.

1
NEWSBOT3•

yeah, HP use custom keys. you probably didnt need use a iso , they tend to have recovery partitions. see if you can find a windows 7 HP iso, i would try that.

1
[deleted]•

Hypothetically speaking, one could use a program called "removeWAT" to force activation.

1
rususeruru•

Usually phone activation isn't a problem but it can be a hassle...

Have you tried this:

http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2009/10/23/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-the-answer.aspx

Also there is a file called ei.cfg on the disk that sets the channel, retail or OEM for the disc. It's located in the Sources directory on the installation medium. Set retail to OEM and it may prevent problems in the future.

EDIT: whoops sorry for the necro-post. I imagine the problem is resolved by now.

1
Fazookus•

Me nice to whoever is doing the phone activation... they get more abuse than just about anybody, given that the caller is pretty much guaranteed to have an unusable computer due to Microsoft's 'innovation' and will be seriously pizzed off.

-2