This is a handy tip I found on the MS TechNet forums which I belong to, so I though I might share it.
PROBLEM:
My computer recently got a virus and I had a great deal of problem getting it off. It prevented me from connecting to the internet. My computer has now been cleared of viruses but now says I don't have a genuine version of Windows 7(I think it was when I first got an internet connection again).
However, it wants me to reinstall which I really don't want to do. I have the installation CD and the key given with it. Can someone link me or explain to me exactly what I must do to reactivate windows 7 without needing to reinstall.
Much appreciated
SOLUTION:
Problem solved, and for anyone else who is interested. Hit the Windows Key and the pause/break key at the same time.
Click change product key - enter / change to a valid key when prompted and then wait for the online activation to complete.
You should now have a valid version of windows.
P.S Microsoft should really mention this alternative when explaining about reactivating a genuine version of Windows 7.
Note: I did edit this a little for ease of readability.
PROBLEM:
My computer recently got a virus and I had a great deal of problem getting it off. It prevented me from connecting to the internet. My computer has now been cleared of viruses but now says I don't have a genuine version of Windows 7(I think it was when I first got an internet connection again).
However, it wants me to reinstall which I really don't want to do. I have the installation CD and the key given with it. Can someone link me or explain to me exactly what I must do to reactivate windows 7 without needing to reinstall.
Much appreciated
SOLUTION:
Problem solved, and for anyone else who is interested. Hit the Windows Key and the pause/break key at the same time.
Click change product key - enter / change to a valid key when prompted and then wait for the online activation to complete.
You should now have a valid version of windows.
P.S Microsoft should really mention this alternative when explaining about reactivating a genuine version of Windows 7.
Note: I did edit this a little for ease of readability.
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