Windows 7 is the best operating system that Microsoft has ever created. It may appear to be outdated nowadays, but the only thing Windows 10 has going for it is an interface full of squares and a promotion for a video game. That stuff should be left to the Office of Naval Intelligence. Windows 7 has an updated interface that is easy to use, the ability to print to the printer closest to you, and a better file storage system. It boots more quickly than other Windows computers and is less prone to glitches than older systems. A new searching system and the ability to preview what’s inside a folder before opening it guarantee that Windows 7 is the best operating system.
Windows 7 Product Activation
Activating Windows 7 is extremely important. Every user must activate his or her copy of Windows 7 within 30 days of booting it for the first time. Microsoft wants to know that all the copies of its software are being used legitimately, so it has implemented a system to check on every single copy of Windows 7.
If a copy of Windows 7 is not activated in the designated time, the computer will stop working properly. All the files will be accessible, but some of the features, including security features and updates, will become unavailable. This can put a computer at risk for various types of hacking.
The computer will force every user to enter a serial key in order to continue using Windows 7. Users do not have to register their computer with Microsoft, but they must activate it.
Finding A Windows 7 Activation Serial Key
A Windows 7 activation key consists of 26 letters and numbers divided into 5 sections using spaces. A Windows 7 activation key that does not use that format of alphanumeric characters is probably not legitimate.
If a user purchased his or her copy of Windows 7 in a store, his or her activation key would be on the computer or its packaging. If a user bought it online, the key should be in their confirmation e-mail. If the user obtained Windows 7 some alternate way, they may need to check their confirmation e-mail for a key or use an alternate method listed below.
Activate Windows 7 Online
If you don’t know how to activate Windows 7 online for free, this section will teach you.
Click on the start menu, and then click on “Properties”. It should open a dialogue box with the words “Activate Windows Now”. Click on that box.
If you have an internet connection, it will take you to a page to activate Windows online.
Type in your password if it asks for it.
Follow the instructions on the Activation Wizard to complete the process.
If you do not have an internet connection, it will take you to a page that says “show me other ways to activate”. Type in the serial key and click the “next” button. Then choose the type of activation method you want, telephone or modem.
Activate Windows 7 by Telephone
Use the online instructions above
Enter your product key
Click on “Activate by Telephone”
Select your location
Choose the phone number for your region
Call the number it gives you
Enter your activation code using the keypad when you are prompted to
Write down the confirmation ID
Enter the confirmation ID into your computer
If you are unable to activate your Windows 7 computer, a customer service representative will be able to help you. The telephone system can direct you to a representative. It is best to say that you have lost your product activation key, as saying you bought it without an activation key could get you in trouble.
Activate Windows 7 by Modem
Use the online instructions above
Type in your product key and go to the next screen
Click “Activate by Modem”
Find your location
Click the “next” button
Follow the Activation Wizard’s instructions
What to Do if Your Serial Key Won’t Work
If you’re serial key will not work, you may need to try another method of activation or retype your key. Humans can make mistakes and machines can be fickle. You may be attempting to use a product key for the wrong version of Windows 7, in which case you should try again with a new serial key. This will be shown with the “error 0xC004F061” message.
If you get a message saying your product key is invalid, you may need to replace your key. This message means somebody has used that key before you got to it. This can be done very easily online through a variety of sources, but there are some legitimate codes below.
When You Must Reactivate Windows
Sometimes computer setups change. If you format your hard drive, wipe your memory card, get a new memory card or extra RAM, or make some other major change to your computer hardware, you may need to reactivate Windows 7. You will also need to reactivate Windows 7 if you reinstall or upgrade Windows 7.
It is important to note that your old product key might not work when your reactivate Windows 7. If your computer setup has changed drastically, you may need to find a new one. You can take up to 30 days to locate a new product activation key.
Finding a Legitimate Windows 7 Product Key
There are several places that sell legitimate activation keys for Windows 7. These tend to cost $60 USD or your regional equivalent. These codes come directly from Microsoft themselves.
If $60 is too much for you, don’t worry. We have some legitimate product keys in the list below. The ones on the top of the list are more likely to work, but if they do not, keep going down the list until you reach the bottom. If none of these keys work, there are other places to look that will sell or give away serial keys.
