Activating Windows 7 generates error code 0xc004F061
Possible Duplicate:
Can I upgrade a corrupted OEM copy of Windows Vista to Windows 7
I got a new SSD and wanted to start over with Windows 7 on that disk. I did a clean install (my mistake) on the SSD and just went passed the activation part (left the key blank). Now that I have my system all setup, configured, files pulled back from backup, and ready to go, I'd like to activate Windows 7. However, I now get this error:
The following failure occurred while trying to use the product key:
Code:
0xC004F061
Description:
The Software Licensing Service determined that this specified product key can only be used for upgrading, not for clean installations.
Do I really need to wipe my system again, install Windows Vista, and then do the Windows 7 upgrade in order to use my upgrade key? Is there some kind of work around?
Jon
Community3 Answers
Legally, the answer is yes. Sorry :(
You can try ringing the toll free Microsoft number and begging, they may let you off!
William HilsumYour best bet is to contact the Microsoft Activation Center (you can get the phone number local to you via the Manual/Telephone Activation part of the Activation Wizard).
Activation support calls are free, and they'll either get you going with it as-is, or confirm if you need to reinstall and pick 'Upgrade'.
Ƭᴇcʜιᴇ007I know this trick worked when Windows 7 came out but have not tried it in a while, however it still may be worth a shot. Install the full version without a key, then reinstall using the upgrade option on top of the initial version, enter your upgrade key. My first copy of 7 was just an upgrade so I had to do this a few times... I know it worked last time I tried about a year ago since then I got a regular windows 7 copy.
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