Need Activation Code

Question

I purchased a Dell Inspiron N7010 about 4 years ago.

I have the Service Tag number and Dell express service code, and the receipt from Staples. Dell has information about my purchase in their system.

What I do not have is the activation code because the label under the laptop has worn out. The computer did not come with any software disks. I created a repair disk, which no longer works.

I had software problems, so I formated my harddrive and reinstalled Windows 7 from Digital River, whose link I got from the microsoft website. Knowing my product activation code was unreadable, I copied the product ID from the system page in control panel. My computer works beautifully. Unfortunately,the product ID I got from the System screen in the control panel, is not the number microsoft is looking for activation.

Is there anything I can do? Staples and microsoft said they cannot do anything. Support at Dell wants $120 to reinstall Windows 7, which is more expensive than purchasing a new Windows 7 operating system. I also feel Dell could give me a break because it was their label that worn out.

Will purchasing a Dell recovery disk solve my problem? Any other ideas?

Philip_Yip · Accepted Answer

Thank you for answering. Unfortunately, the new OS is already installed. Unless, I misunderstood the instructions it is too late to create an ABR backup.

The files are identical for all Dell systems which run the same version of Windows 7 e.g. every Dell which came with Windows 7 Home Premium has the same SLP key. I have backed it up for all versions of Dell Windows Vista and 7 so theres no need to back up in advance. Just follow steps 1a and 2 here:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/microsoft-product-activation/the-activation-backup-and-recovery-program-windows-vista-7-version/

LouiseC99 · Answer

Thank you for answering.  Unfortunately, the new OS is already installed.  Unless, I misunderstood the instructions it is too late to create an ABR backup.

Philip_Yip · Answer

This is a common problem, I spent much time looking for a way on how to fix it. The Dell Windows 7 Reinstallation DVD will use system locked preinstallation where it inputs a generic Dell system locked preinstallation key which activates if and only if a valid Dell BIOS is detected.

The ABR program with the backed up Dell files will apply this activation mechanism to an install with a Digital River .iso activating in the exact same way as the Reinstallation DVD or factory settings:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/microsoft-product-activation/the-activation-backup-and-recovery-program-windows-vista-7-version/

Follow the instructions in the video here:

More details here:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/windows-7-sp1-iso-download/

LouiseC99 · Answer

THANK YOU!!!! It worked!

Philip_Yip · Answer

You should note that your Product ID is identical to before. The install will be identical to the Reinstallation DVD except for some Dell branding which you can apply here (optional):

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/customising-and-using-windows-7/#DellOEM

Once you have all the drivers and Windows update, providing you wiped all the old partitions during installation you can install Dell Backup and Recovery to create a new recovery partition. See here:

The second and fourth video:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/dell-backup-and-recovery/

Windows General

Need Activation Code

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