Answered by:
Product Key confirmation

Question
-
I was recently given an "old" system. The Win 7 Home Premium Product Key is still on the "system box". The hidden recovery partition also seems to be intact.
MS Office 2007 Pro is installed.
The donor doesn't have ANY installation disks. He says that "everything" came installed from the vendor.
He also has no documentation except for the Product Key label for Win 7 on the system box.
I have run several product key finder programs. Using the product key they have generated -- all of which are the same -- I have tried to download the installation files for Off 2007 Pro from MS. I get an invalid product key error message and can't download.
I may want to re-install Win 7, MS Works, and MS Off 2007 Pro because I cannot get Win 7 SP1 to install despite trying ALL of the recommendations on MS's KB.
I feel fairly comfortable that the Product Key on the box is probably valid and that I will be able to re-install Win 7 Home Premium and MS Works. I would still very much like to first determine that the Product Key for Win 7 is valid.
I have no comfort, however, about the MS Off 2007 Product Key and I can't even download the installation files anyway.
How can I determine if the respective Product Keys are valid and receive a confirmation from MS to that effect? I haven't found anything online where this can be checked with MS.
One saving grace is that I saved an image of the HDD so that I should be able to restore to the current state if things go bad.
- Changed type Noel D PatonModerator Friday, November 8, 2013 7:40 PM not a discussion?
Thursday, November 7, 2013 12:43 AM
Answers
-
As Carey says, Office Pro Plus is a Volume License Only product - and is often pirated. In your situation the license is definitely not valid, and there is no publicly available download for it anyhow.
The Windows Key appears to be a valid OEM_SLP - which is only valid on machines installed using the manufacturer's Recovery media.
Computers that come pre-installed with Windows from large manufacturers usually come with two Product Keys.
OEM SLP: This is the key that came in Windows (from the factory). It works by connecting to a BIOS flag (the SLIC table) found only on computers from that Manufacturer. It also checks for the existence of proper matching licenses in the OS itself. Once it sees both, it self-activates every time the machine is rebooted.
COA SLP: This is the key seen on the sticker located on the side, bottom or in the battery compartment of your machine. This key is for use if the OEM SLP self-activation stops working for whatever reason.
Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth No - I do not work for Microsoft, or any of its contractors. - Proposed as answer by Noel D PatonModerator Thursday, November 14, 2013 9:21 PM
- Marked as answer by Noel D PatonModerator Thursday, November 21, 2013 12:22 PM
Friday, November 8, 2013 7:57 AMModerator -
Not quite - it's only in Windows 8 where the OEM Product Key is actually stored in the BIOS. :)
In Windows 7 the Product Key exists on the Recovery media, and relies on the proper certificates and license being present in the BIOS and media to self-activate at every boot.
The proper reinstallation media is either the Recovery media (either created by the built-in app for the purpose, or purchased from the manufacturer) - in which case the Product Key isn't required - or using Retail media, in which case the Product Key from the COA sticker must be used.
If the machine doesn't have a COA sticker, it is technically not licensed for Windows, unless you have a Retail Full license for whatever OS you install.
Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth No - I do not work for Microsoft, or any of its contractors. - Proposed as answer by Noel D PatonModerator Thursday, November 14, 2013 9:23 PM
- Marked as answer by Noel D PatonModerator Thursday, November 21, 2013 12:23 PM
Wednesday, November 13, 2013 1:11 PMModerator
All replies
-
After doing some more reading, it appears that maybe I can be sure of Win 7 HP's PK since I can and have downloaded updates even though I can't install SP 1. Am I correct about this point?
If so, that leaves finding out:
* If the PK rendered by the key finder programs for MS Off 2007 Pro is valid or not.
* How that can be confirmed beyond relying on the error message I get when trying to download Off 2007 Pro installation files from MS.
* If the PK is not correct for Off 2007 Pro how can I determine it when the system is about 4 years old and the donor has NO documentation, CD case, installation disks, etc.
Thursday, November 7, 2013 1:03 AM -
MGA Diagnostic Report is Required:
To properly analyze and solve problems with Activation and Validation, we need to see a full copy of the diagnostic report produced by the MGADiag tool (download and save to desktop - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012 )
Once downloaded, run the tool.Click on the Continue button, after a short time, the Continue button will change to a Copy button.Click on the Copy button in the tool (ignore any error messages at this point), and then paste (using either r-click/Paste, or Ctrl+V ) into your post.Carey Frisch
Thursday, November 7, 2013 1:57 AMModerator -
"After doing some more reading, it appears that maybe I can be sure of Win 7 HP's PK since I can and have downloaded updates even though I can't install SP 1. Am I correct about this point?"
Can someone please respond to just this one point without dealing with the other issues? Thanks.
Thursday, November 7, 2013 4:25 PM -
I probably will try to do this later today.
First, however, a few questions.
* Will the tool JUST deal with WIN 7 HP?
* Will it also deal with the MS OFF 2007 Pro?
* If the tool with JUST deal with WIN 7 HP, is there any need to run the tool since I have been able to install updates - although not WIN 7 HP SP1?
Of course, I could still run the tool even if it does not help with respect to MS OFF 2007 PRO.
Thursday, November 7, 2013 4:29 PM -
The MGA Tool will tell us the exact version and edition of Microsoft Office that is installed. We can then advise you further. Thanks!
Carey Frisch
Thursday, November 7, 2013 5:24 PMModerator -
It will also deal with your install of Win 7 OS.
Please do not read this sentence. Please ignore the previous sentence.
Thursday, November 7, 2013 6:31 PM -
Just to expand a little on previous answers....
MGADiag will give details on activation and validation status for Windows XP, Vista, and 7, as well as Office versions from Office 2002 (Office XP) to Office 2007.
Office versions 2010 and up have their own mechanisms, and questions regarding them should be posted in the appropriate Office Community forums starting here...
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/office/forum/office_install?tab=Threads
Windows 8 activation/validation questions should be asked in the Windows Community forums, starting here....
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_install?tab=Threads
Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth No - I do not work for Microsoft, or any of its contractors. Thursday, November 7, 2013 9:10 PMModerator -
Based on the report that follows, to my untrained eye it looks like I have a valid WIN 7 HP and valid OFF 2007 Pro+.
The PK for WIN 7 on the bottom of the laptop, however, does not match the PK listed in the report below. The part of the PK listed in the report does match a CD Key yielded with one or more product key finder programs.
The PK finder programs found a PK for OFF 2007 Pro+. I didn't see one in the report below and the one generated by the PF finder programs did not allow me to download the installation files for OFF 2007 Pro +.
Qs:
1. Does the system have a valid PK for WIN 7 HP x64?
2. If so, is it the one on the bottom of the laptop which is supposed to be the case? Is it some other number?
3. Does the system have a valid installation of OFF 2007 Pro +?
4. If, so what is the PK that will enable me to DL the installation files from MS?
Thanks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->
Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-WJ2H8-R6B6D-7QJB7
Windows Product Key Hash: ckKNc+BBPDWmo1LUlOkraNjlQ34=
Windows Product ID: 00359-OEM-8992687-00006
Windows Product ID Type: 2
Windows License Type: OEM SLP
Windows OS version: 6.1.7600.2.00010300.0.0.003
ID: {D6005E3E-B109-4E5E-B8CE-B090ACFAFED2}(1)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Home Premium
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7600.win7_gdr.130318-1532
TTS Error:
Validation Diagnostic:
Resolution Status: N/A
Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGA Data-->
Office Status: 100 Genuine
Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007 - 100 Genuine
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: B4D0AA8B-604-645_025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3_E2AD56EA-765-d003_E2AD56EA-766-0_E2AD56EA-134-80004005
Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Allowed
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed
File Scan Data-->
Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{D6005E3E-B109-4E5E-B8CE-B090ACFAFED2}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7600.2.00010300.0.0.003</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-7QJB7</PKey><PID>00359-OEM-8992687-00006</PID><PIDType>2</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-3782472068-3506334114-1418223312</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>Acer </Manufacturer><Model>Aspire 5542 </Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>Phoenix Technologies LTD</Manufacturer><Version>V1.03 </Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="6"/><Date>20090811000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>B9BB3607018400F4</HWID><UserLCID>0409</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>Central Standard Time(GMT-06:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>ACRSYS</OEMID><OEMTableID>ACRPRDCT</OEMTableID></OEM><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>100</Result><Products><Product GUID="{90120000-0011-0000-0000-0000000FF1CE}"><LegitResult>100</LegitResult><Name>Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007</Name><Ver>12</Ver><Val>3CCF3D4F10AA586</Val><Hash>yQpyaR6sYTdHeNRKo1rXshOuNEI=</Hash><Pid>89409-707-0092901-65303</Pid><PidType>14</PidType></Product></Products><Applications><App Id="15" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="16" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="18" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="19" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1A" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1B" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="44" Version="12" Result="100"/></Applications></Office></Software></GenuineResults>
Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002
Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7600.16385
Name: Windows(R) 7, HomePremium edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, OEM_SLP channel
Activation ID: d2c04e90-c3dd-4260-b0f3-f845f5d27d64
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00359-00178-926-800006-02-1033-7600.0000-2332009
Installation ID: 001884834934117703096543040461840724686482525824910785
Processor Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338
Machine Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339
Use License URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341
Product Key Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340
Partial Product Key: 7QJB7
License Status: Licensed
Remaining Windows rearm count: 1
Trusted time: 11/7/2013 5:44:46 PM
Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0x00000000
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 9:16:2013 10:33
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:
HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: LgAAAAEAAQABAAEAAAACAAAAAgABAAEA6GGaYgzSxm7Q5Zon6kU80a7/qHYYeQ==
OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A
OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes
Windows marker version: 0x20001
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: yes
BIOS Information:
ACPI Table Name OEMID Value OEMTableID Value
APIC PTLTD APIC
FACP AMD ANT
HPET PTLTD HPETTBL
MCFG PTLTD MCFG
SLIC ACRSYS ACRPRDCT
SSDT AMD POWERNOW
Friday, November 8, 2013 12:23 AM -
1) The license for Windows 7 Home Premium is genuine. It is the original master OEM product key used by the factory for preinstalling the Windows 7 operating system. It is not supposed to be the same product key affixed to the PC.
2) The license for Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007 is shown as "genuine", but it is a "Volume License" which was probably pirated from the internet. There is no download available for it from Microsoft.
Carey Frisch
Friday, November 8, 2013 6:27 AMModerator -
As Carey says, Office Pro Plus is a Volume License Only product - and is often pirated. In your situation the license is definitely not valid, and there is no publicly available download for it anyhow.
The Windows Key appears to be a valid OEM_SLP - which is only valid on machines installed using the manufacturer's Recovery media.
Computers that come pre-installed with Windows from large manufacturers usually come with two Product Keys.
OEM SLP: This is the key that came in Windows (from the factory). It works by connecting to a BIOS flag (the SLIC table) found only on computers from that Manufacturer. It also checks for the existence of proper matching licenses in the OS itself. Once it sees both, it self-activates every time the machine is rebooted.
COA SLP: This is the key seen on the sticker located on the side, bottom or in the battery compartment of your machine. This key is for use if the OEM SLP self-activation stops working for whatever reason.
Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth No - I do not work for Microsoft, or any of its contractors. - Proposed as answer by Noel D PatonModerator Thursday, November 14, 2013 9:21 PM
- Marked as answer by Noel D PatonModerator Thursday, November 21, 2013 12:22 PM
Friday, November 8, 2013 7:57 AMModerator -
Remaining Questions:
1. If I try to re-install WIN 7 PRO, which PK do I use? I would have thought the one on the bottom of the laptop. Suppose, I re-format the c:\ partition and then try to re-install, what PK do I use?
2. The donor said that he bought the laptop "as-is" (OFF 2007 Pro + installed) from the local branch of a medium size electronics/tech store. Let us assume that the store does not pirate software. Please also keep in mind that donor has NOTHING in the way of documentation (e.g., no sales slip, no disks, no jewel cases, etc.) and is not very computer savvy so that his memory of how OFF 2007 got onto his system might be unreliable. What are the chances that the store legitimately installed OFF? What are the chances that it would have a PK to give me for the system -- assuming it can document the purchase from the donor from its own records? I realize this is a stretch.
3. Is MS Works likely to be on the hidden restore partition or would I lose that also if I re-installed WIN 7? Is there a way to check if MS Works' installation files are in the hidden restore partition?
The most important issue is re-installation of WIN 7 and the correct PK for doing so whether I re-partition c:\ or not.
OFF 2007 PRO+ is nice to have on the system, but I could live without it.
Thanks.
Friday, November 8, 2013 6:09 PM -
The "Hidden recovery partition" used to reinstall Windows 7 does not require a product key. The license is BIOS-locked and activation is automatic.
You won't know what programs are reinstalled until you actually use the recovery partition. Microsoft Works may or may not be included in it.
Q. What are the chances that the store legitimately installed OFF?
A. Zero
Carey Frisch
Friday, November 8, 2013 6:21 PMModerator -
Re: #2
Regardless of the source of the Office install, it cannot be used on your system legitimately. It is a Volume License Only product and as such is allowed to be used ONLY by the business that paid for said Volume License, in the actual Volume Licensed environment. Even if they had a key and gave it to you, you would still be using illegal software.
Please do not read this sentence. Please ignore the previous sentence.
Friday, November 8, 2013 6:25 PM -
Thanks, but ... "Suppose, I re-format the c:\ partition and then try to re-install, what PK do I use?" Same answer: the re-install would occur via the recovery partition?
Suppose I install a new HDD in this laptop because the old HDD crashed. I have downloaded the WIN 7 ISO. What PK is used to install to a new HDD?
Friday, November 8, 2013 6:27 PM -
You would want to contact the manufacturer and purchase a Recovery CD so you could use it with the new HD.
Please do not read this sentence. Please ignore the previous sentence.
Friday, November 8, 2013 6:30 PM -
Could I not NOW save an image of the "hidden" recovery partition and use it to re-install?Friday, November 8, 2013 7:04 PM
-
"Suppose I install a new HDD in this laptop because the old HDD crashed. ... What PK is used to install to a new HDD?"
OEM SLP?
or
COA SLP?
BTW, it looks like I don't have to purchase a Recovery CD from the mfg. since the mfg. provides for creation of a Recovery DVD from the system which I have done.
The main point now is which PK is used with the Recovery DVD created from the system.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013 8:38 PM -
It is an OEM SLP OS. As such, based on what Noel Paton listed above, the PK is taken from the BIOS. Therefore I believe that you would not need to use a PK because it self activates as long as you use the Recovery DVD.
Please do not read this sentence. Please ignore the previous sentence.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013 9:10 PM -
Not quite - it's only in Windows 8 where the OEM Product Key is actually stored in the BIOS. :)
In Windows 7 the Product Key exists on the Recovery media, and relies on the proper certificates and license being present in the BIOS and media to self-activate at every boot.
The proper reinstallation media is either the Recovery media (either created by the built-in app for the purpose, or purchased from the manufacturer) - in which case the Product Key isn't required - or using Retail media, in which case the Product Key from the COA sticker must be used.
If the machine doesn't have a COA sticker, it is technically not licensed for Windows, unless you have a Retail Full license for whatever OS you install.
Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth No - I do not work for Microsoft, or any of its contractors. - Proposed as answer by Noel D PatonModerator Thursday, November 14, 2013 9:23 PM
- Marked as answer by Noel D PatonModerator Thursday, November 21, 2013 12:23 PM
Wednesday, November 13, 2013 1:11 PMModerator