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Windows 7 activation error: invalid product key


Windows 7 activation error: invalid product key

If you receive an error indicating that your product key is not valid when installingWindows 7, it could be for the following reasons:
  • You might have mistyped your product key. Try retyping it.
  • You might be using a product key that doesn't match the version of Windows 7 that's installed on your computer. Check the product key to make sure it is for the version that you are trying to activate. You can't use a product key for Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 (SP1) to activate a copy of Windows 7 without SP1.
  • The product key is for an upgrade version of Windows 7 and a previous version ofWindows wasn't on your computer when Windows 7 was installed. To install an upgrade version of Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP must be installed on your computer. If you formatted the drive before starting the installation process, you won't be able to use the upgrade product key to activate Windows 7. To activateWindows 7, you'll need to install your previous version of Windows, and then reinstallWindows 7. For help with the activation process, go to the Microsoft Support website.
    For more information about Windows 7 activation errors, see Windows 7 activation error: 0xC004F061.
We recommend that you install Windows 7 with your current version of Windowsrunning. If you want to format the hard drive, and you are using an upgrade version ofWindows 7, you'll need to start your computer using the Windows 7 installation disc or a USB flash drive, click Custom (advanced), and then click Drive options (advanced).
To verify your product key, look for the product key sticker on your computer or inside the Windows package—or in a confirmation e‑mail if you purchased and downloadedWindows 7 online. Go to the Microsoft website to see examples of product key stickers.
If you still can't find your product key, you might need to buy a new one to activateWindows. You can purchase an additional copy of the same edition of Windows 7, which contains a product key that you can use. For more information, see Get a new Windows 7 product key.
If you're unable to enter a product key without getting an error message, you can leave the box empty and click Next, or you can click Skip. This will allow you to finish setup, but your copy of Windows 7 won't be activated. You must activate Windows within 30 days of installation. For information about activating Windows 7 after setup, see Activate Windows 7 on this computer and Activating Windows 7: frequently asked questions.
The product key won't be valid if you're running a non-genuine copy of Windows. For more information, see What is genuine Windows?
Article ID: MSW700002
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Wired and wireless network connection problems in Windows

Wired and wireless network connection problems in Windows


Introduction

This tutorial is designed to help you identify and fix problems with wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) network connections in Windows.
You might experience network or Internet connection issues in Windows for a number of reasons. Some common issues that can cause these problems are:

Wireless networks only

  • A wireless network adapter switch that's not enabled
  • WEP, WPA, or WPA2 security key or passphrase issues

Wired networks only

  • Cables that aren't connected properly

Both wired and wireless

  • Corrupted or incompatible drivers
  • Missing updates
  • Network connection settings
  • Hardware or software problems
Note

Note

This tutorial doesn't cover network connection problems related to specific programs.

How to use this tutorial

For best results, complete each tab before you move on to the next one. If you are troubleshooting a wired network problem, skip the Connect tab because it only applies to wireless networks.
Test your network connection after each step before going on to the next step.
You might find it helpful to print this tutorial by clicking one of the file formats on the top right side of this page. Having a printed copy might make it easier to follow the instructions.

Connect to a wireless network

If you have a laptop or a PC with a wireless network adapter, you can see a list of available wireless networks and then connect to one of those networks. The wireless networks will only appear if your PC has a wireless network adapter installed, the adapter is turned on, and the wireless access point is in range.

To view and connect to wireless networks in Windows 7

Watch this video to learn how to view and connect to available wireless networks (0.36)
Get Microsoft Silverlight
  1. Click the wireless network icon Picture of the wireless network icon in the notification area.
  2. In the list of wireless networks, click the network you want to connect to, and then click Connect.
  3. If you're connecting to a secure network, type the security key, and then click OK.

To view and connect to wireless networks in Windows Vista

  1. Open Connect to a Network by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button and then clicking Connect to.
  2. In the Show list, click Wireless.
  3. Click the network you want to connect to, and then click Connect.
  4. If you're connecting to a secure network, type the security key, and then click OK.
    If you don't see the network you want to connect to, click Set up a connection or network. A list of options will appear that includes manually searching for and connecting to a network, as well as creating a new network connection.

To view and connect to wireless networks in Windows XP

  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.
  2. In the left pane, under Network Tasks, click View available wireless networks.
    Note

    Note

    If you don't see the network you want to connect to, click Refresh network list. If you see the network but the signal is weak, move the PC closer to the wireless router.
  3. Click the network you want to connect to, and then click Connect.
  4. If you're connecting to a secure network, type the security key, and then click OK.
Warning

Warning

Whenever possible, you should connect to security-enabled wireless networks. If you do connect to a network that's not secure, be aware that someone with the right tools can see everything that you do, including the websites you visit, the documents you work on, and the user names and passwords that you use. Changing your network location to Public can help minimize the risk. For more information, see Choosing a network location and How do I know if a wireless network is secure?

Connect to a wireless network using Wi–Fi Protected Setup

If you’re using Windows 7 or Windows Vista Service Pack 2 and your router supports Wi–Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or Windows Connect Now (WCN), you can add a PC to the network by following these steps:
  1. Click the wireless network icon Picture of the wireless network icon in the notification area of the taskbar.
  2. Click your network, and then click Connect.
  3. Instead of typing a security key or passphrase, press the Wi–Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button on the router. The router will automatically set up the PC to connect to the network and apply the network's security settings.
Note

Note

WCN sets up the network connection with security turned on by default. You can change the security settings later if desired.

Check hardware

Many network connection problems are caused by hardware that isn't set up properly. Here's some information about how to check your cables, check or reset your modem, and check for problems with your network adapter.

Make sure your hardware is compatible with Windows

For a list of compatible hardware, visit the Compatibility Center for your version of Windows:

Check the wireless switch (wireless networks only)

If you’re using a laptop, make sure that the network adapter switch on your laptop is turned on. Many laptops have a physical switch somewhere on the top, front, or side of the laptop that turns the network adapter on or off. There's usually an indicator light on the laptop that shows if the wireless network adapter is enabled.

Make sure all cables are connected properly

Loose or disconnected Ethernet cables, DSL or cable connections, telephone cords, USB cables, or power cables can cause network or Internet connection issues. Check all of these connections to make sure they are properly connected. This section mainly applies to wired networks, but if you're trying to connect wirelessly to your own home wireless network, you should check the modem and cabling to the modem as described below.
Picture of various types of cablesTypes of cables

To check DSL Internet connections

  1. Check the phone line that runs from your phone jack to the phone line port on the DSL modem.
  2. Make sure there's no DSL filter between the phone jack and the modem.
  3. Check the Ethernet cable that runs from the Internet connection on the DSL modem to the network adapter on your computer.
  4. Make sure the DSL modem is plugged into a power outlet and the power to the modem is turned on.
  5. To avoid dropped Internet connections, make sure all telephones that are connected to the same line as the DSL modem are connected to a DSL telephone phone line filter.

To check cable Internet connections

  1. Check the coaxial cable that runs from the wall to your cable modem.
  2. Check the Ethernet cable that runs from the cable modem to the network adapter on your computer.
  3. Make sure that the modem is plugged into a power outlet and the power to the modem is turned on.

To check dial-up Internet connections

  1. Check the telephone line that runs from your telephone jack to the telephone port on your computer's modem to make sure the connections are good and the phone line isn’t damaged.
  2. Verify that you're calling the correct number, including any required access numbers (such as 9), and that the number isn't busy.
  3. Make sure call waiting is disabled on your telephone line when you connect to the Internet, so that incoming calls don't disconnect the Internet connection.
  4. Most dial-up modems only work with analog phone lines. Verify that you have analog phone lines installed, or, if you have digital phone lines installed, verify that your computer has a digital modem.

To check USB network adapters

If the cable that connects an external modem to your computer is a USB cable, you must perform some additional checks. A USB cable has different connectors on each end. One end is flat and rectangular, and the other end has a square connector with angles on two of the corners. To check a USB connection, follow these steps:
  1. If the modem is attached to the computer by using a USB hub, try to bypass the USB hub by plugging the cable from the modem directly into one of the USB ports on your computer.
  2. If the modem is plugged into one of the ports on the front of a desktop computer, try plugging the USB cable into one of the ports on the back of the computer instead. Some computers don't provide sufficient power to the front USB ports. This can create problems with the connection to the modem.
If you’re having trouble determining the correct way to connect a cable, check the documentation that came with the modem, the network adapter, or the computer. If you made any adjustments to the cable connections, test for an Internet connection before going on to the next step. To test for an Internet connection, open your browser and try to access a website that you know exists (for example, http://www.microsoft.com).

Check the indicator lights on your modem

Check the indicator lights on your modem or Internet connection device (this can be either a modem, a modem and a wireless router, or a combined router-modem device). Most of these devices have an indicator light that is labeled "Broadband link," "Internet," "Online," or something similar that indicates a connection to the Internet. If you're unsure, refer to the documentation that came with the device.
Illustration of a cable and DSL modemTypical cable modem (left) and DSL modem (right)

Reset the modem

In some instances, the IP settings or network configuration that you receive from your Internet service provider (ISP) might be incorrect or need updating. Sometimes, the connection between the modem and the ISP might experience problems. To update the settings on the modem or the router, reset (restart) the modem. This creates a fresh connection to the ISP. Use one of the following methods to reset the modem, following the steps for your modem type.

To reset an external modem

  1. Disconnect the cable that connects your computer or router to the modem. This can be either a USB cable or an Ethernet cable.
  2. Turn off the modem using the power switch on the front or back of the modem. If the modem doesn't have a power switch, disconnect the power cord from the back of the modem, or unplug it from the wall.
    Note

    Note

    Some modems have a backup battery that prevents the lights from going out. For this type of modem, press and quickly release the Reset button. If you don’t see a Reset button, remove the battery instead.
  3. Wait several minutes, and then turn on the modem and reconnect the cable from the computer or the router to the modem.
  4. Restart the computer.
  5. Test your connection to see whether you can access the Internet.

To reset an internal modem

  • Restart the computer.

Use Device Manager

Use Device Manager to verify that your network adapter is working correctly:
Note

Note

You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.

Check the network adapter in Windows 7 or Windows Vista

  1. Click the Start button Picture of the Start button, type "device manager" in the search box, and then, in the list of results, click Device Manager. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  2. Double-click Network adapters, and then right-click your network adapter.
  3. Click Properties, and then, under Device status, check to see that the device is working properly.
  4. If the network adapter is disabled, click Enable Device to enable it.
    Note

    Note

    If the network adapter isn’t working properly, you might need to download and install the latest driver for it. (If you received an installation disc with the network adapter or with your computer, the driver might also be on the disc.)
    If you're still having problems finding the latest driver for your hardware, go to the "To download and install a driver yourself" section on theUpdate drivers tab of this tutorial.

Check the network adapter in Windows XP

  1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
  2. Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
  3. Double-click Network Adapters, and then right-click your network adapter.
  4. Click Properties, and then, under Device status, check to see that the device is working properly.
  5. If the network adapter is disabled, click Enable Device to enable it.
    Note

    Note

    If the network adapter isn’t working properly, you might need to download and install the latest driver for it. (If you received an installation disc with the network adapter or with your computer, the driver might also be on the disc.)
    If you're still having problems finding the latest driver for your hardware, go to the "To download and install a driver yourself" section on theUpdate drivers tab of this tutorial.
For more information about managing devices with Device Manager in Windows XP, see How to manage devices in Windows XP .

Make sure the correct network adapter is being used

Some computers might have multiple network adapters. For example, if you bought a new desktop computer and during the purchase you upgraded to a different network adapter, you most likely have an onboard network adapter (a network adapter built onto your computer's motherboard) as well as a secondary network adapter inserted into an available slot in the computer. You can verify this by looking for two network ports on the back of your computer. (Network ports look like large phone jacks.) Laptops normally have just one network port unless you’re using a USB network adapter.
Follow these steps to check for and set the correct network adapter as the default.

To set the default network adapter in Windows 7

  1. Click the Start button Picture of the Start button, type "view network connections," and then click View network connections.
  2. If multiple network adapters are installed, the default adapter will have a check mark and be labeled "Default."
  3. If the correct network adapter is listed as disabled, right-click it, and then click Enable.
  4. If the wrong network adapter is listed as the default, right-click the correct device, and then click Set as Default Connection.
  5. Close the network connection dialog box, and then test for a network connection.

To set the default network adapter in Windows Vista

  1. Click the Start button Picture of the Start button, type "network and sharing center" in the search box, and then clickNetwork and Sharing Center.
  2. In the left pane, click Manage network connections.
  3. If multiple network adapters are installed, the default adapter will have a check mark and be labeled "Default."
  4. If the correct network adapter is listed as disabled, right-click it, and then click Enable.
  5. If the wrong network adapter is listed as the default device, right-click the correct device, and then click Set Default.
  6. Close the networking window, and then test for a network connection.

To set the default network adapter in Windows XP

  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.
  2. If multiple network adapters are installed, the default adapter will have a check mark and be labeled "Default."
  3. If the correct network adapter is listed as disabled, right-click it, and then click Enable.
  4. If the wrong network adapter is listed as the default device, right-click the correct device, and then click Set Default.
  5. Close the networking window, and then test for a network connection.

    Use an automated troubleshooter

    An automated troubleshooter is a tool that can find and automatically fix some problems with your computer. These troubleshooters aren't designed to fix every problem, but they're a useful tool to try because they can often save you time and effort.
    Different versions of Windows use troubleshooters in different ways. Windows 7 uses troubleshooters from within the Windows 7 Action Center. Windows Vista and Windows XP use troubleshooters that can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center and then run on your computer. To use an automated troubleshooter, click the link for the troubleshooter for your version of Windows.

    Windows 7

    Run the Network troubleshooter first and then test your Internet connection.

    To open the Network troubleshooter

    • Right-click the network icon Picture of the wireless network icon or Picture of the wired network icon in the notification area of your taskbar, and then clickTroubleshoot problems.
    You can also run specific troubleshooters to focus on a particular network or connectivity problem. For example, if you are unable to connect to the Internet or access a particular website, there might be a problem with your Internet connection. Try using the Internet Connections troubleshooter to fix the problem. Follow the steps below.
    If you can't connect to a computer on your home network, or on a corporate network, there might be a problem with your computer's network adapter. The network adapter might need to be reset, or the adapter driver might need to be updated. Try using the Network Adapter troubleshooter to fix the problem. Follow the steps below.

    To open other troubleshooters

    1. Click the Start button Picture of the Start button, type "troubleshooting" in the search box, and then click Troubleshooting.
    2. Click Network and Internet, and then click the troubleshooter you want to run.
    For more information about network connection issues, see Networking home computers running different versions of Windows, Why can't I connect to a network? and Why can't I connect to other computers?
    For more information about Internet connection issues, see Why can't I connect to the Internet?
    For more information about network adapter issues, see How do I fix network adapter problems?

    Windows Vista

    When a network problem occurs in Windows Vista, Network Diagnostics helps to diagnose and repair the problem. For example, when you see some error messages such as “Page cannot be displayed” or “Server is not available,” you have the option to use Network Diagnostics to identify the problem. For other types of network problems, you can access Network Diagnostics by right-clicking the network icon Picture of the network icon in the notification area of your taskbar, and then clicking Diagnose and repair.
    For more information on troubleshooting network connection problems in Windows Vista, seeTroubleshoot network connection problems, Troubleshoot network adapter problems, and Troubleshoot Internet connection problems.

    Windows XP

    Follow these steps to run the network troubleshooter in Windows XP:
    1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
    2. In the right pane, click Network and Internet Connections.
    3. In the right pane, click Network Connections.
    4. Right-click Local Area Connection, and then click Repair.


      Update drivers

      A network adapter driver is software used by your computer to communicate with your wireless network adapter. Outdated, incompatible, or corrupted network adapter drivers can prevent network connections or cause intermittent disconnections.
      If you recently upgraded from one version of Windows to another, it's possible that the current network adapter driver was designed for the previous version of Windows. If you've had recent power outages, viruses, or other computer problems, it's possible that the driver has become corrupted. Downloading and installing the latest network adapter driver can resolve these types of problems.
      Here are three ways to find and install a driver:
      • Use Windows Update. You might need to set Windows Update to automatically download and install recommended updates. Installing any important, recommended, and optional updates can update system features and other software that might help to fix your network connection problems.
      • Install software from the device manufacturer. For example, if your computer or network adapter came with a disc, that disc might contain software that installs a driver for the network adapter.
      • Download and install the driver yourself. You can search for a driver on the manufacturer's website. Try this if Windows Update can't find a driver for your network adapter and the adapter didn't come with software that installs a driver.
      For more information about updating your network adapter driver, follow the steps below that apply to the version of Windows you have on your computer. For information about network adapters that are compatible with Windows, go to the Windows Compatibility Center.

      Windows 7

      Windows Vista

      Windows XP

      Show all

      To install the latest Windows updates, including drivers

      To download and install a driver yourself

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