Do I need a product key, or can I run W7 without it

[JRom_246]

I installed windows 7 Ultimate with out a product key, I just never entered one when it asked me to input one and installation went fine! Do I need to purchase one and go back and enter it or can I run W7 fine with out it? Its been running fine for about 24 hours now.

Also I installed Microsoft Office and when I added the Excel Shortcut to the desktop the icon doesnt come up properly? It doesnt show the Excel Logo Icon, it has like a corrupt file icon. But when i double click it, it opens Excel without a problem?

 

[kevin83]

i think Windows will work for 30 days without a product key then you will be locked out of installing or updating software, and the background will go black when you startup to signify the machine is on lockdown until you enter a key.

 

[yoji]

I installed windows 7 Ultimate with out a product key, I just never entered one when it asked me to input one and installation went fine! Do I need to purchase one and go back and enter it or can I run W7 fine with out it? Its been running fine for about 24 hours now.

Also I installed Microsoft Office and when I added the Excel Shortcut to the desktop the icon doesnt come up properly? It doesnt show the Excel Logo Icon, it has like a corrupt file icon. But when i double click it, it opens Excel without a problem?

It will nag you for a while and then if you dont put a valid key in - it will block many features from working.... so in summary... you need a key.

come back when you got a valid win7 install and we will see about the icons... seems a bit of a waste of time atm in view of your situation.

Cheers

 

[JRom_246]

Damn I was hoping not to get that annoying black background and stupid message saying, 'this windows is not authentic' or whatever lol
I will stick it out the 30 days and see what happens I can get a Key from my uncle I just hate asking him for stuff lol but if i have to i will

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE HELP 'kevin83' & 'Yoji'

 

[unksol]

windows 7 will not install without a product key. therefore you are using pirated software, which is insecure and probably why your icons are trashed. the lockdown bit applies to activating it, the product key is still required to install it. "getting a product key.from your uncle" wont solve your problem. and if he doesn't have a spare license is still illegal

 

[JRom_246]

My uncle is a computer programmer who has an agreement with Microsoft, HE PAYS THEM FOR WINDOWS, he puts Windows software on his clients PCs he has unlimited supply of Product Keys! IT will Definitely solve the problem LMFAO

 

[COLGeek]

Still you are using illegal software, keep that in mind. Also, taking a tone with folks here who help others of their own volition is very disrespectful.

Do the right thing and license your software properly. Good luck!

 

[vrumor]

Im sure he is since many programmers put windows on their clients PCs.

 

[PMentior]

windows 7 will not install without a product key. therefore you are using pirated software, which is insecure and probably why your icons are trashed. the lockdown bit applies to activating it, the product key is still required to install it. "getting a product key.from your uncle" wont solve your problem. and if he doesn't have a spare license is still illegal

This is just wrong. I have 2 Windows 7 install disks that will let me install without entering a key. If you leave the box blank it will tell you that "you have 30 days to enter a key" and all that.

 

[funguseater]

Windows 7 has a trial period built in. Google it, you can extend it for up to 4 months. WITHOUT piracy or hacks. (for the concerned)

Bye!!!

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

This topic has been closed by Area51reopened

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Best answer selected by Area51reopened.