need to get product key for Windows 7 ; have pic of label

[phneedhelpsoon]

I bought my computer at GoodWill, and the manufacter's warranty has expired.

I do not need to get the laptop fixed.

I need to authenticate Windows 7, but the label with the Product Key has 1 to 2 characters that are hard to read. The Microsoft people said I needed to contact HP for help. 

The barcode on the label is fairly intact. I took a picture of it. I just need to email in the pic, have someone scan it with a barcode scanner so that I can get the product key.

If anyone knows of something that will allow me to scan in the barcode through a computer program or android app, PLEASE let me know. Or if you have an alternate way to contact HP. Also, I would be willing to pay HP for the service time to do this. 

[CherylG]

1-I assume that you are getting a message  -Windows System may be counterfeit or that it cannot be authenticated.

2-Does the laptop still have a Recovery partition on it. Check "My Computer" to see all of the drives. If yes, post back. If no-continue reading

3-I thought it is policy of Goodwill to format the hard drive of donated computers and install their own OS, which I assume is done with a Refurbisher's license from MS.I may be wrong-but our local Goodwill told me they do that. Have you called or gone back to report the problem?

4-HP will not provide help with locating the license key. Their policy has always been to sell Recovery Media to reinstall that does not require the key.

5-HP no longer has Recovery Media listed for your model-but it is available here:

http://computersurgeons.com/p-21386-recovery-kit-659152-001-for-hp-pavilion-notebook-pc-model-number...

[phneedhelpsoon]

What does the recovery media kit do?

[CherylG]

1-Recovery Media reinstalls Windows using the OEM volume licensing key.

2-Recovery partition can be used also.You didn't reply if you still have it?

[phneedhelpsoon]

Not sure if I have the partition thing. The computer came with Windows 7. The previous owner installed Windows 10. I didn't like it, and so I clicked on the link to go back to Windows 7. Where I was, I needed to leave, and so I stopped the process, and could never get it going again. 

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

At this point you have two alternatives. Buy the Recovery Media and boot from it to reinstall Windows 7. Or use the free download from Microsoft to create a Windows 10 installation on dvd or usb flash drive to reinstall Windows 10. No license key needed - the laptop has a digital license on MS servers.

It would have made this simpler and quicker if you had started your post with the content in your last Reply.