Do I really need to reinstall XP?? error: 0xC004F061

[hkg36]

Hi guys,

I have just installed windows 7 on my new computer but they say product key is not valid.
I got windows 7 with the student offer ending jan 5th.

Problem is, this key is only for system upgrades.
Why I didnt install windows XP first? it was installed but I reformatted my harddrive, and I don't have the installation CD for windows XP

Anyone know a workaround for that? I've tried to contact microsoft support but nothing so far. They only answer me the generic answer from their support database;

"To install an upgrade version of Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP must be installed on your computer. If you formatted the drive before starting the installation process, you won't be able to use the upgrade product key to activate Windows 7. To activate Windows 7, you'll need to install your previous version of Windows, and then reinstall Windows 7. For help with the activation process, go to the Microsoft Support website"

is this for real????

thanks

 

[The_Prophecy]

See number 17: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/2065-63-common-questions-windows-version

 

[hkg36]

thanks I'll try that tonight

 

[Guest]

Just use Daz boot loader (google search) and install one of its random keys. This will activate windows and require a restart. Run Daz bootloader again and uninstall the key and restart. When your computer is restarted go to control panel -> System and change the product key to your own.

Problem solved, no need to install windows twice or not format your HDD.

 

[surfthesunset]

See number 17: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/2065-63-common-questions-windows-version

When I click this link it tells me this thread doesn't exist. Is this info still out there somewhere?

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey