Clean install of OEM Win 7

[urbanrider]

So I got a oldsih Win 7 laptop that was so full of virus and malware it was ready for a clean install. I tried using the recovery partition but it brought me back so far that windows update wouldn't work and trying to figure how to manually update windows up to a point where it would was tedious and time consuming.

So I clean installed from a Windows 7 disk I had lying around and when I tried to activate it Microsoft said the key had be used its maximum allowable times and I needed to call ASUS. So I called ASUS and they said I needed to install Windows 7 from a recovery disk that I had to buy from them for 50$, which seems like a scam and I assume there's an easier way out there.
So I recovered the computer back to a system image I made and am back to square 1.
Any recommendations on clean installing a OEM windows 7 and keeping it activated?

 

[TheConsiderateIlliterate]

There shouldn't be a problem if you use the same key that's on the computer you're wishing to do a fresh install on, but if that's registered on something else then I can see that being an issue.

I had to do an OEM install on my friends computer. I ended up calling Microsoft when it came to the registration because it would not accept it. Since I was using the same code on the same computer, they provided an alternative code over the phone that worked and it was rather seemless.

 

[urbanrider]

I had to do an OEM install on my friends computer. I ended up calling Microsoft when it came to the registration because it would not accept it. Since I was using the same code on the same computer, they provided an alternative code over the phone that worked and it was rather seemless.

What type of installation media did you use? Just a standard Windows 7 disk/usb?

 

[TheConsiderateIlliterate]

I brought over a Windows 7 disk of my own that was the same edition as his (Home Premium). I then copied down the Product ID (R-click My Computer > Properties) from his OEM version.

I then reformatted, tried using that product key and received an error message of some sort where it instructed me to contact Microsoft. I told the tech that I was rebuilding my friends computer and wanted to use the same Windows key because it's a legitimate copy of Windows. I read the key to him so he could confirm and he provided me an alternative code to use and that was it.

 

[urbanrider]

After a bit of digging I think I might have figured out my problem. From the sounds of it large manufactures ship computers with Pre-Installed Windows with 2 product keys. A OEM SLP key that comes pre-installed from the factory that works specifically with the manufactures hardware and a second COA SLP key that comes on the sticker on the outside of the computer.

Now I pulled my key out of windows with MagicalJellybean key finder, which I assume is giving me a OEM SLP key, not the COA SLP key that Microsoft wants to hear for phone activation. Unfortunately the sticker on the side of the computer has worn off…which kind of makes me think I'm out of luck on this one.

Leaving me with:
-Hoping my system image kept the recovery partition intact
-Pay 50$ for a ridiculous recovery disk from ASUS
-Junk the computer like it should have been a few years ago 😛