ACTIVATION KEY FOR DELL WINDOWS 7 HOME EDITION

Question

My laptop was affected by a virus that required that i do a complet format of the HDD to clean it. I tried the Dell back up and it failed . I then did a clean installation of Windows 7. The repaired installation now requires activation key . The key on my service tag at the bottom of the computer is now faded. Where can i get the activation key for the installation. Is Dell able to assist me with an Installation CD/DVD or my activation key for the original installed OEM. I have used Dell laptops all my life and wirk from home. Its the first time this has happened to me

DELL-Chinmay S · Answer

Hi Tasiyayi,

Are you facing any issues with Operating system activation?

Operating system installed on Dell computers is an OEM version and does not require any activation. It is always recommended to use OEM disc sent with the Dell computer. OEM version of Operating system will not require any product key and is pre-activated by Microsoft for Dell customers. In case you re-install Operating system from a non-Dell OEM CD, you might face issues in activating the Operating system.

You can also update the BIOS of your computer.

Note: Make sure the ac adapter is connected and the battery is charged 10% or above to update the BIOS. Also, disconnect all the external peripherals before updating the BIOS. All the programs should be closed and documents saved.

Steps to download BIOS:

Click on the below link: http://dell.to/QjjZDA
Enter the Service Tag of your system and select the operating system.
Go to “BIOS” and click on the BIOS available.
Click on “Download File”.
Select “For Single File Download via Browser”.
Click on “Download Now”.
Save the BIOS on your desktop.
Once the BIOS is downloaded on the desktop, right click on it and select “Run as administrator”.
Follow the prompts on screen and restart your computer.

Please share the findings.

Philip_Yip · Answer

I have been complaining about this issue for a long time; Microsoft made the Windows OEM COA of an extremely low quality paper material prone to fading. Dell started placing the COA under the battery in laptops and inside the computer cover for Desktops to combat this. However now Microsoft are now doing away with the COA entirely with Windows 8. I suggested that Dell also print the product keys in the BIOS system information just in case but this hasn't been done yet.

The Dell Reinstalaltion DVD should not require product activation but in some odd cases it does.

Usually these cases crop up when it is not cleaned installed via the Dell BIOS.

If you want a clean install which is recommended given you had a virus follow the instructions in my wiki Windows Reinstallation Guide/A Clean install of Windows 7:

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/3524/t/19480753.aspx

Otherwise you will need to phone Microsoft for product activation, Dell cannot assist with the Product Activation. As you are in South Africa phone these numbers:

You will be asked for an installation ID, just type 000000, it will prompt you that it is incorrect and ask you to try again a few times just keep typing 000000. It will then ask you if you want to speak to a Microsoft Activation Support Agent. You should be able to speak to the Support Agent and activate your product.

My last experience doing this wasn't so great however, the Support Agent had poor English and I was instructed to email her and I received no reply from the email so I will need to try again.

Windows General

ACTIVATION KEY FOR DELL WINDOWS 7 HOME EDITION

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