I have a pirated copy of Windows 7 Ultimate and now I need to buy a product key

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mistabeech

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Jul 4, 2015
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Hi all,

I downloaded windows 7 ultimate .iso file, installed it and used a key generator to activate it.

Now I have in the bottom right of my desktop "this copy of windows is not genuine".............can I just buy a product key online and enter it and then will microsoft leave me alone, or do I have to do a fresh install as I don't really want to do that?

Thanks in advanced guys and gals
 
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Darkbreeze
If you had Windows 8.1, there would be few other optional install methods. For Windows 7, either just installing clean or activating with the new license are the two options. Personally, if you're going to pay for a new version of Windows, I'd just get Windows 8.1, use Classic Shell to give it back the Windows 7 desktop and start menu if you prefer, which I do, and then upgrade to Windows 10 for free next month.
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mistabeech

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Jul 4, 2015
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Obviously buy it and when I say Microsoft are on to me I mean I now have "this is not a genuine copy of windows" on the bottom right of my desktop and everytime I open windows it asks me to enter a genuine product key
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Jun 24, 2014
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Go to Newegg, or the Windows store, and purchase the download. They'll send you the key via email I believe. You can then use that key with the method outlined above to activate it legitimately. It's really a better option to just reinstall as pirated versions often have features stripped out of them or contain malware, but reinstalling is an aspect that's up to you.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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Also, a license for Win 7 Ultimate is not inexpensive. And Ultimate is far more than you need.
Win 7 Home Premium will probably do you just fine, for 1/3 the3 price of Ultimate.

And as mentioned above, you should really do a full wipe and reinstall. No telling what nasty bits were included with that ISO you torrented.
 
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mistabeech

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Jul 4, 2015
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Can I install over the top after the buying the product key and keep the data on my laptop?

Also can a malware/virus detector seek out any hidden nasties if there are any on this copy that I downloaded?
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Jun 24, 2014
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If you had Windows 8.1, there would be few other optional install methods. For Windows 7, either just installing clean or activating with the new license are the two options. Personally, if you're going to pay for a new version of Windows, I'd just get Windows 8.1, use Classic Shell to give it back the Windows 7 desktop and start menu if you prefer, which I do, and then upgrade to Windows 10 for free next month.
 
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PCDesignerR

PCDesignerR

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Jul 30, 2014
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Does anyone have an actual exact link for where someone can PURCHASE a Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Product Key? I just scowered the Microsoft store and didn't see an opportunity to buy a windows 7 Ulitmate 64 bit product key anywhere without already having had a copy of windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Quite possibly MS has stopped allowing retailers to sell that particular level, after the release of Win 10.
And you haven't been able to purchase a 'key' for Windows 7 since Windows 8 came out.
 
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