Retrieving Windows 7 product key

superelitist

I was recently given an Acer Aspire 7540-1284 by a friend. It seems to work perfectly, except the hard disk has failed. I have a spare 2.5" available, so I'd like to download and reinstall the OS -- but the CoA on the bottom of the computer is worn, and I can only make out a few of the characters. The serial number is easy to read, but the computer is already out of warranty, so it seems I can't ask Acer directly. How else would I get a replacement product key for this computer?

Vince53

Super, here's a plan that MIGHT work. Start up your laptop as far as it will go, and try to insert the Windows 7 installation DVD into the DVD drive. Restart, and you might get to a screen that will allow you to repair or enter Safe Mode. It is easier for a hard drive to start in Safe Mode than in a regular start-up.

 

If it works, go to Control Panel, System, and copy your Windows 7 key.

superelitist

Vince53, thanks for the quick reply, and it's a good idea, except that by 'the hard disk has failed' I mean it failed- about as much as a disk can fail. The BIOS won't recognize it as a device. Other computers won't recognize it as a device. Putting it in a plastic bag in the freezer overnight didn't work either. And forensics would probably cost more than a new copy of Windows 7, which I can't afford anyway

 

But thanks again!

gcsgupta

The System Properties window does not show your product key, it shows your Product ID. The COA and the Product key are two different things.

 

If Windows is pre-installed on a computer by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the operating system is automatically activated without the need for interaction from the user. In this case, it uses the master product key issued to OEMs called a System Locked Pre-installation (SLP) key. On each boot, Windows confirms the presence of specific information stored in the BIOS by the manufacturer, ensuring the activation only remains valid on that computer, even if the product key is used on another machine. My Acer gave me an ability to create a back up OEM OS disk and also has a hidden partition in it to reset the computer back to original, you may try checking with your friend and see if he has them created. You may also like to try if Acer still sells the media, its very low priced, I have Microsoft allows the OEMs to keep a shadow copy of the OS for a certain time, I would recommend you to try at Acer website and see if you can order them for your computer.

 

You might try the link below:

http://store.acer.com/store/acerna/en_US/home

 

OEM licenses of Windows:
1) Are bound to the first computer installed on and can't be moved to a different computer.
2) If the mobo is changed on the computer, the OEM version will not longer work, because this is considered a new computer ( literally you are building a new computer)
3) Microsoft does not allow transferring it to a different computer. (hence this is economical when compared to purchasing a retail OS from a store)