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    Cannot activate windows from iso file (this is a default key), Can anyone help?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by james_uk, Dec 8, 2014.

  1. james_uk

    james_uk Notebook Guru

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    Hi, unfortunately my Lenovo e530 laptop run into a little issue recently and i was looking for a way to reinstall windows but without having to do a whole factory reset, as with the built in setup files, there only appears to be the option to restore to factory default and no 'repair only' install where it would keep files / programs etc..

    Anyway i found the latest iso of windows 7 64 bit pro, which is what was on mine in the first place, i assumed that the setup would automatically find my old key and just accept it and activate without any issue, but thats not the case

    when i try to activate it i keep getting the following message:

    'The product key you have entered appears to be a default product key and cannot be used for activation. type a different windows 7 pro key'.

    although the product id does show as the correct one.

    What am i going to do, is there a way around this without me having to just wipe my laptop and do a factory reset?

    Thanks

    James
     
    james_uk, Dec 8, 2014
    #1
  2. ajkula66

    ajkula66 Courage and Consequence

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    Is the product key that you're entering the one from your COA?
     
    ajkula66, Dec 14, 2014
    #2
  3. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    My Digital Life: Default Windows 7 and Vista Product Keys
    Just to confirm, the key is NOT one of those listed?

    If my feeling is correct, installing windows over the old one but not entering a key will delete previous key and use one of the default keys as listed above. Then it would give you certain amount time (30 days) to enter a proper key.

    Flip laptop upside down, remove battery. Use that key and see what happens :)
     
    KLF, Dec 17, 2014
    #3