How do I activate Windows 7?

techkid9

Honorable
Jan 28, 2014
11
0
10,510
Okay so i custom built my computer and I booted from a usb with windows 7 on it and I went through the installation and setup and everything and forgot I needed a product key.

Now I actually need to activate it. My question is can I go to best buy and buy windows 7 Home premium sp1 with the disc and product key and use the product key to activate windows 7 already installed on my computer.
 

techkid9

Honorable
Jan 28, 2014
11
0
10,510

but can i buy the disc from best buy that comes with a product key and just use the product key because I already have windows 7 installed buy not activated?

 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


If it is the same version, yes.
Where did you get the version you installed?
 
May I ask why you have not activated windows 7 on the machine.
Are you saying that you have used the install, and activation key on another system.

If that is not the case then i`m a bit worried.
Because you could just pay for a new licence key for windows 7.
And by asking if you get windows 7 service pack one and it will activate windows 7.

Even if you bought windows 7 as a file, or image to download and burn to a dvd or usb stick.
If legit you would of been e-mailed the activation key.
So it`s not a case of forgetting is it, unless you have used the key already on another setup.

I suspect the key has already been used or it is a pirate copy. So a service pack is going to check if the windows 7 is activated first.

And of course it has to be the same family type.
Based on the key.
 

techkid9

Honorable
Jan 28, 2014
11
0
10,510

I got it from digitalriver
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Then yes. Go buy it from BB and activate it with the key in the box.