Windows not Activated! Reinstalled.

[Johnmakuta]

I switched out the HDD of an old laptop for an SSD and reinstalled windows using a key I used on a previous computer (no longer running). It's been a few months and my mother (the person using the laptop) told me ever since I left she has been getting that little "Windows is not activated) watermark on the side of the screen. It's been way over a month so I don't think her computer is just going to shut down but I really want to get that to stop. Any help? Should I just suck it up and buy a $30 key from Kinguin or is there a way around it?

[Lurick]

Why not just use the phone activation method and when asked how many computers it's installed on just say 1?

[Johnmakuta]

Just now, Lurick said:

Why not just use the phone activation method and when asked how many computers it's installed on just say 1?

I've done that before but I can't seem to find it this time. Could you link me to instructions or something?

[Lurick]

1 minute ago, Johnmakuta said:

I've done that before but I can't seem to find it this time. Could you link me to instructions or something?

When you go to click on Activate Windows Now it should give you the option after failing to activate to call a phone number. If you aren't getting to that step then just calling the number won't do anything.

[Moonzy]

did you install the right version of windows that the key is used for?

[Johnmakuta]

2 minutes ago, Moonzy said:

did you install the right version of windows that the key is used for?

Yes

[Moonzy]

1 minute ago, Johnmakuta said:

Yes

i made the same mistake recently, i installed Windows 8.1 in my friend's laptop which used the Windows 8.1 Single Language key... so... it wouldnt activate and i didnt know why

 

best to double check