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Windows Product Key OEM?
I have a corrupt operating system. Now the problem lies in the laptop windows 7 is OEM and the product key has partially rubbed off the laptop. However I have managed to retrieve the product key from the hard drive. Though these keys do not match. So I am pretty sure this is a generic product key and if I reinstall and attempt to use it will be invalid as a product key is this the case? Also if I download an OEM install disc and install would it be possible to actually use the OEM key (as I have never installed OEM from scratch without a valid product key from the laptop sticker.)
I am familiar with contacting Microsoft but to contact Microsoft you need an active key that comes up on screen and for that you need a key that will not appear as invalid (I think) - as when you enter a valid product key and you need to activate by phone it pops up with a code you enter over the phone to activate. I have never once spoken to an advisor from windows its an automated machine and I can't recall ever hearing other options apart from entering the code windows provides you with when you try to activate a valid product key. However if the key is generic I doubt this will work as I obtained the key using recovery software and it does not match the laptop sticker as I can see the start of the key but not the last 5 - 6 digits. Not that it would matter if I reloaded the OS anyway as it is beyond repair and a reload is the only option.
at deobrdn2000 I have the OEM code, it also has no recovery partition as I have checked, I have exhausted all options for recovery, sfc, fix mbr, system restore, last known config etc. I have been working with command prompt to try to repair the unbootable machine and it will not happen, any IT tech would reload the OS even if there was a work around it would take too long to implement compare to a reload/restore
3 Answers
- FredLv 77 years agoFavorite Answer
Microsoft will not help with any problem if it is an OEM version. All support in this case comes from the manufacturer. If your warranty has passed, the manufacturer will not give you support either. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) version has been customized and another install disc may not load the proper drivers and even if it does, the key may not work.
If the system boots, or you have rescue disks, you can try a factory restore.
- 7 years ago
If all options fail you may have to buy windows again if you can not get the key off the side and use that for installing windows you can use a usb flash drive and get it off the internet the microsoft site has a program to put windows onto a usb once you download the file if you have another working laptop/desktop. The other option is to go to a shop and buy the disk version or if you have another working pc download ubuntu
- Anonymous7 years ago
if you contact your laptops manufacturer, they can provide you the oem code after they verifiy that it is one of their computers. most oem laptops though unless youves specially formatted it have a recovery partition which wont require your key to install as its programmed in already. if you post your model number i can find out if you do already have a recovery partition and how to use it.