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- Why has HP locked my product key?
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04-07-2016 01:26 PM
I am trying to reinstall Windows 7 on my HP laptop using the ISO provided on the Microsoft website, as my current Windows has become faulty after 5 years of use (note: this laptop was purchased with Windows pre-installed). In order to download the file, I need to verify my Windows 7 product activation key; which I have documented. However, after submitting the information I was getting an error saying that Microsoft has encountered a problem with my key. I contacted Microsoft Support and was told that my product key has been locked by my computer's manufacturer (HP).
I have no idea how to get it unlocked, nor do I know WHY it has been locked, but I would like to be able to use my existing key to do a clean install of my OS... I am aware that this laptop is old and out of waranty but it has been perfectly fine up until recently. So, what reason is there that HP would lock my Windows 7 product activation key and how would I be able to use it?
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Thank you.
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
04-07-2016 01:51 PM
Hi,
Firstly you can NOT use an OEM Key Code to activate a retail installation. You need OEM version of Windows. In this case, you can contact HP in your country to order a recovery set.
Regards.
***
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04-07-2016 01:51 PM
Hi,
Firstly you can NOT use an OEM Key Code to activate a retail installation. You need OEM version of Windows. In this case, you can contact HP in your country to order a recovery set.
Regards.
***
**Click the KUDOS thumb up on the left to say 'Thanks'**
Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.
04-07-2016 03:13 PM
Okay, understood. Also, my 😧 Drive came with a recovery partition so if I were to use that instead and do a factory reset would I still require the Windows product or activation key, or would Windows keep that information after the reset? Just looking for the simplest way to recover/reformat my laptop as I am not in the country until next month.
Thanks.
04-07-2016 05:46 PM
Hi,
Using Factory settings to restore your machine using 😧 it will bring your machine back the original setup and no need to activate Windows,
Regards.
***
**Click the KUDOS thumb up on the left to say 'Thanks'**
Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.
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