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Resolved How to tell if win 7 is genuine without installing it?

Discussion in 'Windows 7' started by NeverBoring, 2010/08/14.

  1. 2010/08/14
    NeverBoring

    NeverBoring Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I feel as if I should start from the beginning. I sold an unopened new Windows 7 HP product, which I purchased from Microsoft. I changed my mind shortly after the purchase and bought Windows 7 Ultimate, which I now have installed and love.

    The buyer returned it to me after opening it and attempting to install it using both the 32 and 64 bit disks. Fortunately I was able to retain the purchase price. I wish to sell it as a used product, but only if it can be installed and be activated by the new buyer.

    Is there a procedure for which the activation key can be checked to see if it is still valid, without installing it? The first buyer may have installed and activated it, causing the disks to be useless without a usable key. Thank you.
     
    NeverBoring,
    #1
  2. 2010/08/14
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    broni,
    #2


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  4. 2010/08/15
    NeverBoring

    NeverBoring Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, your reply does not address my question.
     
    NeverBoring,
    #3
  5. 2010/08/15
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    Why would that be?
     
    broni,
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  6. 2010/08/15
    NeverBoring

    NeverBoring Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Honestly, I thought it was quite obvious. I apologize if you suspect I was intensionally rude, however I attempted to keep the reply concise.

    My question: How to tell if Windows 7 is genuine without installing it? It appears that the site's information address an installed Windows 7. Please reply if I missed something.

    I shall add; what is specific to an installation and its subsequent validation is the product key, and whether or not it has been used. (yes, you know that ;))

    Thank you for your interest.
     
    NeverBoring,
    #5
  7. 2010/08/15
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    You can't, because every Windows DVD is same. It's all about product key.
    Used already, faked, illegal, etc.
     
    broni,
    #6
  8. 2010/08/15
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    The keycode you have will always be valid...Trying to find out if the guy you sold it to activated it last week is another story...Trying to find out if he kept a copy of the keycode is impossible.

    But looking around Microsoft's web site and you should be able to find a phone you can call to see if its been activated or not.
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #7
  9. 2010/08/15
    NeverBoring

    NeverBoring Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thank you for the timely and informative reply.
     
    NeverBoring,
    #8
  10. 2010/08/15
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Ive been following this thread and was wondering. How did you resolve this issue?
     
    lj50,
    #9
  11. 2010/08/15
    NeverBoring

    NeverBoring Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I called as suggested and learned that the product key was valid and had not been used. Another happy ending.
     
    NeverBoring,
    #10
  12. 2010/08/16
    rsinfo

    rsinfo SuperGeek Alumni

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    But can you block the key so that nobody else can use it ?
     
    rsinfo,
    #11
  13. 2010/08/16
    NeverBoring

    NeverBoring Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I have no definitive answer to that question. My guess is that it can only be locked by its submission during verification.
     
    NeverBoring,
    #12
  14. 2010/08/16
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    Nope. First person to use it wins;)
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #13

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