Win 7 Product Key Help

[gasblender37]

I bought a used Dell 1545 with Win 7 ultimate. I know it origibally came with vista. When I got it and turned it on it downloaded over 100 updates which included sp1. After that I downloaded a product key program and got the win 7 product key. When I went to input the key, it said it was invalid. Is it possible that I should have inputed the key before the sp1 update or did I get a pirated copy of win 7 ultimate?
Any thoughts?
Thanks....

[bluke424]

Most likely you got a pirated copy or an OEM (preactivated) one.

[CowboyCoder]

I'm not sure what you mean by "downloaded a product key program". If it's an app that reads the registered key, that would imply it was already activated. As you go on to say activation was not possible, it sounds like you've downloaded some dodgy key gen app. Windows updates do not affect product activation in any way.

Sounds like you have a pirated copy of Win7. If you have a Vista sticker, put a call into Dell and they will supply an OS DVD so you can do a clean, legit install. If you want Win7 instead of Vista, then you'll need to buy a copy - should be available for around £64 online.

[SA Spurs1]

If you want to get an OEM DVD of the OS that shipped with the system you will have to do:

Ownership Transfer

Then once complete:

Request for Backups

If you are in the US

[James D]

After that I downloaded a product key program and got the win 7 product key. When I went to input the key, it said it was invalid. Is it possible that I should have inputed the key before the sp1 update or did I get a pirated copy of win 7 ultimate?

I also understood none about downloaded program and key. Do you want to say that you used that program, then reinstalled Windows 7 and then tried to put that key again or what?

Windows updates do not affect product activation in any way.

You are SO WRONG.
At first there is 1 update which finds exploits in mechanism of activation....
Second. My official legal branded Windows 7 Home Premium suddenly stopped working fine and had black screen with message of non-genuine Windows! I had to write my key which I found on the bottom.

[Mihael Keehl]

You could get a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade and fresh full install it on your laptop easily without having to go through the hassles for less than $100 on eBay. If you are interested, here are some links for sales for these products: Somewhere in the USA | Puerto Rico | Florida, USA.

I'd be a little weary of using the one from Google Page Ranking, only because if you get scammed it's a hassle because the US Government doesn't have litigation authority unless it's something of a serious matter.

[gasblender37]

Thanks for all the advice...I wound up buying a legal copy of Win 7 Ultimate and did a fresh install...