Windows 7

[wolfej]

I just recently purchased a Dell laptop and it was advertised as having Windows 7 Professional. I received computer and it has Windows 7 Professional - Build 7600, but it is not activated. I was sent the "Product Key", but no disc. When I try to activate I get a message that it is the default key, but it needs the MAK key.

Person I purchased it from is avoiding me as it was a long distance purchase. Does anyone know of a way to activate? It is a Dell M4400 laptop with Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. I thought it would be a "OEM" version, which used to not need activation. Is Windows 7 "OEM" completely different than say Windows XP "OEM" as far as no activation needed?

Thanks ahead of time for any help!!

[MrJinje]

I just recently purchased a Dell laptop and it was advertised as having Windows 7 Professional. I received computer and it has Windows 7 Professional - Build 7600, but it is not activated. I was sent the "Product Key", but no disc. When I try to activate I get a message that it is the default key, but it needs the MAK key.

Person I purchased it from is avoiding me as it was a long distance purchase. Does anyone know of a way to activate? It is a Dell M4400 laptop with Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. I thought it would be a "OEM" version, which used to not need activation. Is Windows 7 "OEM" completely different than say Windows XP "OEM" as far as no activation needed?

Thanks ahead of time for any help!!

He shouldn't be sending you any Product Key, it should be on the bottom of your laptop. What does the COA sticker say, my guess is this guy installed Windows 7 Trial on a Vista machine. It is damned near impossible to change enough hardware to lose OEM activation on a legit laptop. If there is no COA sticker, then it is not a OEM laptop.

Can you run this script and tell us the installation date. Any install date within the past two weeks is suspicious.

systeminfo.exe | find /i "Original Install Date"

Edited November 25, 2009 by MrJinje

[wolfej]

The original OEM operating system was Vista. He said that Windows 7 was an eligible upgrade for the computer, but I think that's a false statement because I believe it was originally purchased before June/July 26th, 2009. That making it ineligble for upgrade and I'm not sure, but have they finally starting sending out the upgrades yet? Seems like I saw where there was some "chapped butts" about the delay.

I'll run the script shortly and see what I get back. Then post results for you and I certainly appreciate the help. If I could confirm if it is a "pirated" copy. I might have a smoking gun to back after him with. I would rather just get it running because I'm wanting to do training in AutoCAD, so that I can hopefully find a job and I don't need this hassle. I have two teenagers to keep up with and now it looks like I have purchased a computer from a poor excuse of a human being.

If I can't get it running by some type of patch or an existing key. Not sure what it meant by MAK key? What are my purchase options since I do not have an actual dvd of Windows 7 Professional 64-bit? It appears that Microsoft has really stirred the pot up well with their new pricing versus what version you have or want. Quite honestly I don't understand it.

Thanks again for you very prompt and direct help and please feel free to pm me if that's possible or you can email directly to me at travelingman007@gmail.com if needed.

[PC_LOAD_LETTER]

http://www.microsoft.com/howtotell/windows...?displaylang=en

if based on what you read there confirms your suspicions that it is not a legit version of windows you can report it here:

http://www.microsoft.com/howtotell/reports...?displaylang=en

[cluberti]

By the way, you are supposed to transfer the original Windows disc (or recovery CD/DVD), and any and all documents relating to the OS and any other OEM software installed on the machine from Microsoft with the sale of the machine as per the licensing agreement that the seller agreed to when using the product. If you didn't get the Vista DVD or a recovery DVD, or any other documentation, that copy of Windows is most likely not legit (and considering the COA is for Vista, you can be certain it's not).

Never trust online auction sellers, and not because there aren't honest ones out there - the problem is there are just so many more who are out to screw you. To get a legitimate install on that laptop, you're going to have to contact Dell and have them ship you (at your cost for shipping, likely) a new Vista DVD or a recovery DVD for the laptop. If you want Win7 on it, you'll have to purchase it.

[John305]

Well trying to get the restore cds wont work either as hp ,dell and other laptop manufactures look up the registration info and if your name is not listed they will do nothing for you the seller has to transfer it to your name

[PC_LOAD_LETTER]

Well trying to get the restore cds wont work either as hp ,dell and other laptop manufactures look up the registration info and if your name is not listed they will do nothing for you the seller has to transfer it to your name

Ive contacted Dell through several channels in the past to obtain owner info on laptops we have found on our campus and have been assured that registration info only exists for sales directly from dell.com or phone sales through Dell direct. Its quite possible that this laptop was purchased via retail channels or through a reseller and no registration data exists to verify against. I would still request backup disc from dells site and see if they send it since their site does not mention verifying ownership.

[MrJinje]

Let's say he manages to get DELL to send him the upgrade DVD. Depending on when the original buyer bought the lappy, he may also need to update his BIOS with the August 28th release. (includes update for Windows 7). Without that BIOS the DELL Windows 7 Upgrade DVD should fail to activate.

M4400 Downloads Page

BIOS Info

Can be checked at boot-up, just hit escape or delete or whatever button DELL uses to enter the BIOS and find out if you already have BIOS version A15. No reason to flash the BIOS if you already have the new stuff. (also if you have A15, we probably owe apology to sleazy internet sales guy)

Fixes/Enhancements

------------------

1. Added support for Win 7.

2. Updated PXE OPROM.

3. Updated Nvidia VBIOS.

4. Fixed issue where external USB CD drive can not boot.

5. Added workaround for Windows issue causing printer connected to Docking Station to intermittently disappear after redock.

6. Improved access speed for PCMCIA card.

Edited November 26, 2009 by MrJinje

[cluberti]

Until he gives the man his rightful copy of Vista that came with the lappy and stops using false advertising, no we don't .

[MrJinje]

Until he gives the man his rightful copy of Vista that came with the lappy

Most machines don't come with DVD's. Can the OP open diskmgmt.msc and tell us if there is a recovery partition. If so, at least you have a legit copy of vista to fall back on.

Judge Wapner Asks: Which is it Wolf, did he say it was Windows 7 eligible, or did he flat-out lie.

The original OEM operating system was Vista. He said that Windows 7 was an eligible upgrade for the computer, but I think that's a false statement because I believe it was originally purchased before June/July 26th, 2009.

If you have both a recovery partition and the A15 bios, it is likely the seller was telling the truth, at least as far as this comment is concerned.

Can you post a link to his item listing, I'd like to see how he worded it, before I assume he is scumbad.

Edited November 26, 2009 by MrJinje

[wolfej]

I ceertainly appreciate all the feedback and let me supply you with some more information. The "COA" sticker states that it came with Windows Vista Busines 32-bit and he did supply me with the OEM copy of Windows Vista Business 32-bit. Here is a quote from the advertisement where I purchased this computer.

"You're bidding on a Dell Precision M4400 laptop computer. It's in very good condition - I used it a few times and then decided I prefer my MacBook. It has a fresh installation of Windows 7 Professional installed on it and is ready to go - you won't need to install anything to get it going. It also comes with a Windows Vista Business Edition installation DVD and the charger. I've listed the specifications below. It was over $1600 new, even now if you look on Dell's site you'll be hard-pressed to find one with a similar configuration for less than $1500. My loss is your gain! Thanks for looking!"

The other problem that I am having is thers is no sticker on the bottom of this laptop that gives me the "Service Tag" or "Express Service Code". I entered the bios and retrieved the "Service Tag" from there, but the Dell website will not take it. It states that it is invalid or something to that effect. The version of Windows 7 given through system information is "6.1.7600.16385"

Was needing the "Service Tag" because some things are not working like the "Card Reader" ans a couple of other things. Is there any other way to retrieve the "Service Tag"? I used the automated program from Dell website and it said that it was unable to retrieve or find the "Service Tag".

It has been flashed up to thhe A15 bios version

Is there a way to copy the operating system back off of the "C" drive. I'm doubtful about this one.

With Windows 7 can't you backup the activation, so that you don't have to keep reactivating if you need to re-install operating system?

The "Original Install Date" was 10/22/09 03:10:50am

Edited November 26, 2009 by wolfej

[MrJinje]

I'd quick delete all that loader talk, not allowed on this forum. See Rules 1.A

1.a This is not a warez site! Links/Requests to warez and/or illegal material (e.g., cracks, serials, etc.) will not be tolerated. Discussion of circumventing WGA/activation/timebombs/license restrictions, use of keygens, or any other illegal activity, including, but not limited to, requests for help where pirated software is being used or being discussed, will also not be tolerated. You will be warned on your first offence.

Technically I am not a mod so I cannot warn you, but you have been warned.

[Kelsenellenelvian]

You can go to the site and plug in the model # and get all drivers for that type of system

From there it is just a shoot-in the dark to get the right drivers.

Try them all and write down\save the working ones for later use.

No there is no backup method (Yet) plus be very carefull about using third party loaders those are illegal.

Here is the win7 x64 drivers page http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/...N&TabIndex=

Edited November 26, 2009 by Kelsenellenelvian

[MrJinje]

There is a token restore backup method, Paymyrent over at MDL has created an easy to use application that does this.

Token Restore is not a loader, and it cannot be used as such. It cannot activate a non-activated Windows machine or anything illegal. All it can do is back up and restore an existing retail activation of a single machine. This does not break any of the rules under my interpretation.

Here is a link to the original thread.

Link for Paymyrent's Token Restore - for Retail Windows 7 only. I will send him a PM and ask him to join up and start his own thread at MSFN.

[Kelsenellenelvian]

I stand corrected.

I was not aware one was made yet.