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General discussion

I need quick help.

Aug 21, 2010 11:08AM PDT

I have to reinstall my win7 on account of a virus that took out explorer.exe... sysrestore, dskchk, and nothing would work. (I am able to backup my documents though, thank goodness) and I tried calling microsoft to ask but they're currently closed.

my question is though: I downloaded win 7 from microsoft and burned it to a dvd that doesn't seem to be working, even though there are no apparent scratches or anything, but still have the serial number. I DO have legitimate win 7 disks that I can use to install a fresh copy, but both disks have been used on other computers in my house

Will I be able to reinstall win7 and use the serial number for my computer, or am I supposed to deactivate it somehow?

Discussion is locked

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as long as you have an unused activation number
Aug 21, 2010 9:02PM PDT

I have used the same Win 7 install disc on several computers, always have to have a valid registration number for each though, I bought one from Arhive and several weeks later it turned out to have been an MSDN number and MS kicked it out. Arhive did send me a new one at no charge and so far so good.

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how could I use the serial number that's already on that com
Aug 21, 2010 9:11PM PDT

is there any way I can use the serial that's on the computer I have to reinstall, or would I have to call microsoft and try to get their help? It would be ridiculous if I'd have to buy a whole new one

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If the install is a retail key
Aug 21, 2010 9:45PM PDT

And the install DVD is from Microsoft, the installation will accept the key for a reinstall. If this is an OEM (manufacturer install), then you need to backup the certificate, also, and then reinstall after completion.

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Forgot to mention
Aug 21, 2010 9:47PM PDT

The version of the key has to match the version being install.