I recently (almost a month ago) installed Windows 7 professional on my computer, and I got it free through my university's website. I didn't have windows on the computer earlier, only ubuntu. I didn't activate my new windows immediately, and now I have only some days left before the time ends. The problem is that I don't know how to find the product key. I have tried different programs, such as jelly bean, and they do find a product key, but when I type it in the activation window I get a message saying that it's a default product key and therefore not valid. I don't even know what it means, so I have no idea what to do. I'm unable to log into the website where I downloaded windows, since I'm not enrolled for the summer semester. Do I need to buy a new windows product key?

I'm not familiar with academic download versions, but it sounds like you have no real key installed. (The "default" key must be some sort of placeholder.) Magical jellybean keyfinder can't find what isn't here. Did you receive a key by email? I bought WIndows 7 from the Microsoft Store back in 2009, and they sent me an email with a download link, and a key. If not, buying one at retail is expensive ($300US for the full retail version). I wonder whether the university might be able to help you, even though you aren't enrolled for the summer term. Failing all else, there's a work-around. You can reset the activation grace period as many as 3 times, for a total time without activation as long as 120 days. Just run the command: slmgr -rearm to reset the grace period for another 30 days. That must be done from a command prompt with elevated (admin) privileges. (One way to do that: enter cmd into the search box that comes up when you left click the Windows orb in the lower left corner of the screen. The search box is in the lower left of the window that pops up. It should bring up cmd.exe. Right click, and choose "run as administrator".) http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/use-any-version-of-windows-7-free-for-120-days/ That may not be long enough to last you until the fall term (if you're going back), but it'll buy you some time. It's not a hack.

a message saying that it's a default product key and therefore not valid. That means you have not entered your key yet. The key should have come with Windows 7. It should have been included with the install disk, or emailed to you. If you don't have it ask your university (or the store you bought it from). Also, many University offers for Windows 7 are for Upgrade versions, meaning you might need an XP or Vista license - again ask them for what you have. Enter the Product Key: 1. Click the Start Button, and right click on Computer 2. Click on Properties. 3. At the Windows activation section on the bottom you can click to enter your key. Have Questions About Installing Windows 7? FAQ - Common Windows 7 Installation Questions & Answers

Hello, It may be a Volume License product so it's looking for host on your university's network to be able to activate. Open an elevated CMD prompt and run slmgr /dlv Post the output in a reply ( you can use Ctrl+C to copy the text from the dialog box)Thanks, Darrell Gorter [MSFT] This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. VAMT - Volume Activation Management Tool - Download link http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ec7156d2-2864-49ee-bfcb-777b898ad582&displaylang=en

Hi, Here's what the output Igot: Software licensing service version: 6.1.7600.16385 Name: Windows(R) 7, Professional edition Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, RETAIL channel Activation ID: e838d943-63ed-4a0b-9fb1-47152908acc9 Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f Extended PID: 00371-00170-177-000006-00-1035-7600.0000-1042011 Installation ID: 012566661385795393187062786942874421579540712351912743 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: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340 Partial Product Key: PW487 License Status: Initial grace period Time remaining: 42720 minute(s) (29 day(s)) Remaining Windows rearm count: 2 Trusted time: 12.5.2011 17:01:13

Hello, OK, that shows Retail is installed and from reading the thread it appears that a product key was not installed during setup. Setup will use a default key that will allow installation, however in order to activate, the product key needs to be changed. In your case the product key would need to come from the university where you got the media or to purchase a new product keyThanks, Darrell Gorter [MSFT] This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. VAMT - Volume Activation Management Tool - Download link http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ec7156d2-2864-49ee-bfcb-777b898ad582&displaylang=en

Hi, Thank you all so much for your replies. I ended up e-mailing our school's IT support (which is what I probably should have done in the first place...) and they were able to help me. So the problem is now solved. Thanks!