Windows 7 Dell DVD re-install

[edox1999]

Hello,
I installed Windows 7 on a PC with a Dell DVD. No license key had been asked at the time. My assumption is that the number was "written" to my PC motherboard. To solve a virus issue I had to re-install with the same DVD - without any HW change. However, after 30 days, Windows now says my copy is not valid. What should I do? Thanks

 

[COLGeek]

What version of Windows 7 (Home or Pro, etc) did you install? Was Win 7 previously installed on this system?

 

[howtobeironic]

Usually these DVD's are external recovery partitions, and they have an image of the brand new PC instead of having a Windows installation DVD, so these wouldn't ask for a license to install on the same hardware. I recommend that you drop a ticket to their support.

 

[william p]

Dells usually have the COA decal on them for the original OS. If your installing the same OS it should work.
For example I bought an Optiplex 380 for $20 with no HDD and no system disc. i installed an SSD and retail Win 7 Home Premium and used the Dell COA number. I had to call MS to explain the Retail/ OEM version mismatch and they gave me an exception number and certified the installation. You could try downloading an operating system image from Dell which would avoid this.

 

[edox1999]

What version of Windows 7 (Home or Pro, etc) did you install? Was Win 7 previously installed on this system?

It is Windows Home Premium. It was successfully installed for 3 years on the very same system. I did not do any HW update.