You're stuck with Windows 7 activation issues.
You're stuck with Windows 7 activation issues.
I possess a Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit setup that I've been running since 2012. The product key has been applied repeatedly across multiple installations on the same machine and once on my MacBook Pro with Bootcamp. Recently, I added a Samsung 840 500GB EVO SSD, reinstalled Windows 7 using that drive, and wiped my 1TB HDD to start over. It seems the activation system has reached its limit, refusing to accept the key even though it was originally included in the installation disk. Windows is now warning me that it will deactivate features if I don’t have a valid license within 24 hours. Should I really search for a Windows 7 installation media just to obtain a new key? I’m unsure where to look, as stores nearby only carry Walmart and Best Buy. I gave up on upgrading to Windows 8.1 last summer because my computer froze and crashed during the process—my dad managed it smoothly on Parallels on his MacBook Pro. It’s possible someone else used that key before. It never crossed my mind that I’d use it so sparingly, but it makes sense now. Most people wouldn’t reinstall Windows 7 three or more times on the same system. What advice would you have? I’ve found a few websites offering keys, but they’re already sold out and I don’t want to risk breaking the law by purchasing another $100 just to keep using Windows 7.
Microsoft offers you an alternative option. Fees might be involved.
Contact Microsoft via phone or email—they can assist you. I’ve dealt with this multiple times using both XP and Windows 7.