Question on using the ABR program to activate a downloaded version of windows 7

Question

Dell Inspiron N7110. Hard drive crash. Home made recovery disks did not work. Downloaded Windows 7 Home Premium from Digital River. Everything is running fine. Tried to install Microsoft Office 2010 also downloaded from Microsoft without success. I am guessing it is because the operating system has not been activated. I am trying to activate the OS using the ABR program suggested by Philip Yip. When I run the activation_backup program, I get the following message on the command line screen:

"Found Key: XXXXX-XXXXX etc. Warning file already exists Overwrite?"

I really don't know what I am doing here, but the key is not the same product key found on the COA on the bottom of the computer. Don't know whether I should overwrite or whether that will permanently kick me out of the activation process. I read there is an alternate procedure which involves calling Microsoft. Is that true? any suggestions on how to proceed? Thanks

Philip_Yip · Accepted Answer

You are referring to my guides. Did you follow the instructions in this video? I've added some video comments to explain the ABR mechanism in more detail and address the problem you mentioned.

Did you enter the 25 digit product key from the COA during installation? If so just select yes when prompted to overwrite the key as the key of your COA will be there hence the prompt:

"Found Key: XXXXX-XXXXX etc. Warning file already exists Overwrite?"

This will replace the key on your COA (which would need phone activation to Microsoft) with the Dell SLP key found in the Dell Factory Install/Reinstallation DVD and not require any phone or internet activation.

The key on the COA and the Dell SLP key are for Windows only they do not affect Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office can be activated on an unactivated Windows but theres little point activating Office until Windows is activated.

I assume you installed Microsoft Office with your product key and have a problem activating it? Or have you had problems installing it?

You may need to activate your copy of Microsoft by phone. You should explain your issues in more detail with Microsoft Office. Where are you getting the Office Key, is it on an MPI card?

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-office/microsoft-product-identity-mpi-card/

raylock · Accepted Answer

Finally had success The key was following your instructions exactly. Thank you for your help and your contribution to this site. I am sure a lot of people are grateful, as am I.

Still trying to download Office. My first download from a linked to HeliDoc.net failed. Probably should download an .iso file rather than the exe file. Again, thanks for your help.

Philip_Yip · Answer

P.S. The alternative method of phone activation is described here:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/microsoft-product-activation/phone-activation-windows-vista-7/

It is preferable to use the ABR program which gives an identical install to factory settings.

raylock · Answer

No, I did not enter the product key. The guide says " If you wish to carry out an OEM install you should skip entry of the product key during installation. After install use the ABR program with Dell/HP files." Did I misunderstand that instruction or did I misunderstand what an OEM installation is?

When downloading Microsoft office from the Microsoft site, I did enter the product code which was on a card that was packaged with the computer when I first purchased it. The installer downloads, in fact, I downloaded it several times. The installation fails immediately, however. I noted that each of the downloaded files was a slightly different size.

Thanks for responding to my plea for help (s)

speedstep · Answer

Windows 7 and the Key are NOT an office key. There are no OFFICE SLP Bios Keys.

Philip_Yip · Answer

Ok for the ABR program select yes, so Windows 7 is activated using the Dell SLP activation mechanism. As mentioned its preferable to do things this way opposed to the phone activation. If you have issues after doing this and restarting the computer let me know. i.e check the system properties after the restart.

The Office 2010 it seems like its not a problem with the key but rather the downloader. Perhaps theres a problem with the server.

For this reason I usually prefer direct download links. Like Windows 7 HeiDoc.net lists the download links. Direct download links often have less issues and it should be the same .exe downloading by inputting your key in the Microsoft website. heidoc.net also lists older versions of the .exe:

http://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/18-office-2010-direct-download-links

Philip_Yip · Answer

Finally had success The key was following your instructions exactly. Thank you for your help and your contribution to this site. I am sure a lot of people are grateful, as am I.

You're welcome. If you can use another internet connection for the download try that. My guess is you are disconnecting midway through the download although the files for Office are smaller than the .isos for Windows 7.

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Question on using the ABR program to activate a downloaded version of windows 7

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