Aspire 5372Z - License key (and other) labels on bottom of laptop worn and unreadable.

My 2 grandaughters both have identical Acer laptops bought at the same time. I have just replaced the failing hard disk in one (which was failing badly enough to require a clean install of Win 7 HP). The license key on the bottom was worn so a number of letters were dubious so, before starting, I used a utility to read the installed license key from the registery. This was completely different to the label and I can understand why that might be.

However, when I tried to use this key for reinstall I was informed by Microsoft that it had been blocked because of misuse. In the end I tried various combinations of the dubious letters on the license key label and was successful so this laptop is now OK.

Now, however, my other granddaughter is having problems, one of which is that all windows updates are being rejected. Although I need to check this when I get access, I suspect that she has the same internal license key in her Registery and this is why her updates are being rejected. In her case the labelsw on the underside are worn completely clean and there is no chance of reading them.

Even if the disk is still good enough to create recovery media - this is not going to help as the license key would still be blocked by Microsoft.

So - 2 questions :-

1. How could the pre-installed license key become blocked by Microsoft? Can this be undone?

2. If I need to reinstall this laptop then how can I get a valid Win 7 HP license key? I have no confidence that, if I buy recovery media from Acer, it will not be identical to what I could create myself with the currently blocked license key.

Accepted answers

All comments

JordanB

The computers don't have the same windows license keys....even if they were bought at the same time and are identical model #s. The inability to get windows updates is usually a big red flag for a MBR infection.

I'm sorry I don't know the complete answers to your questions, but I would definitely explore the possibilty of malware as being the source of all their/your current/past problems. When you say "blocked from misuse" and "can't get windows updates", that's the hallmark signs of serious rootkit, etc malware.

If I had a nickel for every friends granddaughter's computer that I fixed that was loaded with MBR infections and malware, I'd be a rich man. It's never the grandsons...it's always the grandaughters.... Smiley Wink

ColinAllinson

I understand your cynicism but the reality is :-

1. The license key in the registry was completely different to that on the key label. No one had fiddled with the PC installation during it's life since purchase.

2. After installing a clen install on a clean disk (eliminating the likelyhood MBR problems) the activation failed.

3. It was M$ that stated the activation key (that was supplied on the original ACER install and read from the Registry) was blocked due to misuse.

None of this answers the question. Whether it is because of invalid license key or because the system is compromised, I need to get a valid Win 7 HP license key. Options to buy one seem to be limited to dodgy suppliers who deliver the key electronically (so no guantee of exclusivity).

I am not sure the point you are making about granddaughters rather than grandsons - I only have granddaughters (7 of them).

JordanB

Yeah, I'll tell you what. I knew I shouldn't have tried to help you. When someone Smiley Wink its tongue in cheek.

Use google.

www.google.com

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/productkeysactivation/qt/key-finder-faq.htm

ColinAllinson

As you will see above - I have already used a key finder and that tells me what I already know.

As the key label has completely worn off and options to buy valid Win 7 HP licences seems limited - I am looking for suggestions how to get a valid one.