Windows 7 product key issue

[Dominic9]

I upgraded to Windows7, which I was told on my HP account that it was free. Now after loading it from Microsoft i've been asked for a product key. I can't purchase one from Microsoft. So can someone please help me?

thanks

[Raj1788]

Hi @Dominic9,

Welcome to HP Forums, 

This is a great place to get support, find answers and tips, 

Thank you for posting your query, I'll be more than glad to help you out 🙂

I understand that windows is asking for the product key

Don't worry I'll be glad to help, however, to provide an accurate resolution, I need a few more details: 

Did you try using the recovery disk which came with the printer?

If not please use the recovery disk to fix the issue.

If the issue persists, follow the below steps.

Here’s what you need to know: 

• OEM Copy: If your computer came with Windows, it likely has an OEM copy. An OEM copy is tied to a specific computer and can’t be moved to a new computer. While you’re free to upgrade a PC’s hardware components or replace a failing hard drive, you can’t move your OEM copy to a new computer. 

• Retail Copy: If you purchased a boxed copy of Windows, it’s likely a retail copy. A retail copy of Windows can be moved to a new computer, but you’re only allowed to use that copy of Windows on a single computer at a time. That means you’d have to uninstall the old copy of Windows before you moved it to a new computer. 

Don't worry, though, as I'll be glad to help you out as you could attempt activating your windows using the following methods: 

Activate by phone (IVR) using Microsoft: 

• Step 1 – Click on Windows Orb and enter ‘slui.exe 4’ into the search box 

• Step 2 – From the search list, click on ‘slui.exe 4’ 

• Step 3 – From the drop-down list, choose the country you are residing now 

• Call the designated toll-free number; Read out the number displayed on the screen accordingly. 

• The IVR will then read out a list of character to you, enter it into the screen and Activate windows. 

Reinstall windows using the recovery media that you may have created shortly after the computer was purchased, if you haven't that's okay as you can order one online using the Official HP Website: Click here 

Keep me posted, how it goes!

If the information I've provided was helpful.

Give us some reinforcement by clicking the solution and kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Good Luck.

[Dominic9]

Hi thanks for response. But what I did was to install the Windows 7 and go to another retailer cheapsoftware.co.uk and then purchase the key for Windows 7. I then simply used this to activate windows 7. it was only £13. I didn't even have to use the download they gave me just the product key for the one I had installed.

Don't know what you are talking about the printer back up disc for???

Anyway thanks for your help. But I like to keep things simple, as I'm no computer wizzz

[Barachiel]

Hi @Dominic9 ,

Thank you for responding,

It's great to have you back 😉

It looks like you were interacting with @Raj1788 , but he is out for the day & I'll be glad to help you out, 

I'm the Barachiel & I'm at your service.

In this case, You could contact the company from where you purchase the product key, or contact HP's phone support team, to get the recovery kit for the operating system which came along with the computer at the time of purchase.

HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link: Open link:  www.hp.com/contacthp/ Enter Product number or select to auto detect.Scroll down to "Still need help?

Complete the form to select your contact options". Scroll down and click on HP contact options - click on Get a Case & phone number.

They will be happy to assist you immediately. If the unit is under warranty repair services under the manufacturer's warranty will be free of charge.

Best regards,

[Dominic9]

Thanks for the advice but, I don't know if that is what I'm trying to do. I got Windows 7 from microsoft who I gave control to my PC. The nice guy give me a download which then enabled me to download the upgrade to W7. However this didn't work initially and I gave up. A month or so later I stuck in the dics and it loaded! So at the end of the upgrade it asked for the product key. I never got one from the microsoft staff member. So I then contacted MS and they told me that I couldn't get one or buy one. So then I went on line and bought one from Cheapsoftware.co.uk and they gave me a product key. All went well for a month and then I got a warning that it was a counterfiet copy! So now I'm trying to fix this and I have no problem paying for a genuine Windows product but MS told me to go to another provider to get it???

This company in the uk now want me to do a clean install but as I don't really trust them. I don't want to do this and be left with no files/drivers etc and another dodgy copy of Windows 7.

Can I revert to a previous OS - Vista and not loose files??

I'm no expert and used Double Driver to copy drivers for things on my PC in case I need to do something drastic, so is this the best way to copy drivers in that case or do HP have a way I can do it??

would my original recovery discs have these drivers on them (3 of)??

Lastly I wish I did computer studies now