Windows 7 Reinstall - Windows 8 Pro Sticker

[donte10]

I've been having a problem trying to do a clean reinstall Windows 7 Professional back onto a computer that is either corrupt or when the hard drive goes bad and needs to be replaced. The computer comes with a Windows 8.1 Pro sticker, but is downgraded to Windows 7 Professional (this one is a Dell). On the computer I'm working on now, I'm upgrading the hard drive to an SSD drive and am looking to reinstall Windows 7 fresh.

I first used Fabs Autobackup to save all the data, which also pulled the Windows 8 Bios Key, along with a Windows 7 Professional Key. However, the product key for Windows 7 Pro won't successfully activate (this is not the first time this has happened to me). I receive an error: 'A Problem occurred when trying to activate, Code OxC004E003'.

What are others doing to accomplish this task? (In this case I don't want to clone - I have successfully cloned in the past). This time around I'm looking to do a fresh install.

 

[ohio_grad_06]

You will probably have to get hold of the vendor, ie Dell or whoever and purchase recovery media, since most likely they are using a volume license when they load things. I agree, not like the extra 5 bucks for the disc would hurt when you buy a 700 dollar computer imo.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Because you are downgrading you can legally use ANY key that will properly activate. Even one of your own. If you do have to call in you can explain that you are exercising downgrade rights. (But personally I just lie and tell em that it has never been installed before, as some of those Pakistani call centers don't seem to understand it. I know that I am legal and it is faster then arguing with poorly trained call center drone.)

 

[E Bell]

The error code 0xC004E003 simply means that the Software Licensing Service reported that license evaluation failed.

1. At en elevated command prompt, type SLUI 4 in the box and press OK. This will start the Telephone Activation Wizard.

2. Select your country in the drop down menu and click the Next Button. Follow the instructions on the screen.

3. If the telephone activation fails stay on the line for the next available representative.

 

[nlinecomputers]

You will probably have to get hold of the vendor, ie Dell or whoever and purchase recovery media, since most likely they are using a volume license when they load things. I agree, not like the extra 5 bucks for the disc would hurt when you buy a 700 dollar computer imo.

The error code 0xC004E003 simply means that the Software Licensing Service reported that license evaluation failed.

1. At en elevated command prompt, type SLUI 4 in the box and press OK. This will start the Telephone Activation Wizard.

2. Select your country in the drop down menu and click the Next Button. Follow the instructions on the screen.

3. If the telephone activation fails stay on the line for the next available representative.

Dell and all other major vendors use SLP keys that are not the same key as on the side of the machine. If he pulled a key using MagicJellyBean etc then he did not get a key that will activate. They will not activate it even on the phone. Been there got the the t-shirt years ago on that.

 

[freedomit]

Because you are downgrading you can legally use ANY key that will properly activate. Even one of your own. If you do have to call in you can explain that you are exercising downgrade rights. (But personally I just lie and tell em that it has never been installed before, as some of those Pakistani call centers don't seem to understand it. I know that I am legal and it is faster then arguing with poorly trained call center drone.)

Yep that's what I've been told, first ask the customer for a Win7 key otherwise just use any key from any PC

 

[pcpete]

Would it be useful to pull the 8 pro key from the bios before installing 7? When you go to activate(assuming it doesn't happen automatically)will Microsoft ask for the 8 pro key for validation?

 

[nlinecomputers]

Nope. It is a normal Windows 7 install. They have no knowledge that you are Installing 8 and as I said I don't bring that up as it just gets confusing. Sometimes they understand and will give you a proper activation key. Most of the time you just confuse them.

But usually you don't even have to call in. It just activates over the internet like any other key does. Remember that most OEM keys on the side of the machine are NEVER used. So they activate without issue. SO you grab a key off of another system in the office and go.

 

[Markverhyden]

You should be able to call Dell and order a W7 Pro disc from them since they have it on record as being a downgrade. I do know downgraded HP's ship with W7 and W8 discs but I've not seen Dell do that.