Valid Microsoft phone number?

[Grizzled]

Wondering if anyone knows a valid number for microsoft. I reformatted my rig for a clean up. Broke the raid on my SSd's to run dual boot linux(unbuntu). Windows does not recognize my code key for validation. Yes some of us actually paid money for windows products. Microsoft was wise to not even put a phone number on their website. Anything I looked up on the web for a phone number for them seems to be a scam number when looked into deeper. Im willing to jump to linux, but i would rather make sure I can get all my hardware working first.

[quido]

is this a troll?

[Grizzled]

No this is not a troll. I bought win7 pro on release.

[citizen1080]

You can install and boot into windows without a key code installed. You have 30 days to enter it. If you bring up the registration window inside windows it has a option for a lost key or some shit. You call a number, read off a code your pc gives you, and they validate your windows.

[Grizzled]

S$%^. My brain is recalling long lost memories. My purchase was and upgrade version. I think if I remember correctly I have to install Win7 twice, because I upgraded form xp. First install puts an os down on ntfs, the second does the upgrade and for some reason treats it as such.

[citizen1080]

you should be able to just pop an older standalone version of windows in and still just use your upgrade disk...i have a old win95 install disk i use to get around using a win7 upgrade on a fresh install.

Also, you could just install windows 10. Since it is free for everyone in the world soon.

[Grizzled]

I tried just outright installing unbuntu, it didnt like my wireless keyboard and mouse. I have to get a wired set, to get the wireless set up.

[Grizzled]

Its free for now, soon there will be monthly charges. I should have learned linux 20 years ago. After reading MS's monthly charge system they want to invoke, it was the reason for me to want to switch. Going to upgrade my win7 to win7 and see what happens.

[citizen1080]

little to no experience with linux. You're on your own there =p I have a wired keyboard and mouse i keep in my spare parts bin for your exact issue. Although i run all wired accessories on my personal desktop anyways.

[citizen1080]

Its free for now, soon there will be monthly charges. I should have learned linux 20 years ago. After reading MS's monthly charge system they want to invoke, it was the reason for me to want to switch.

Yea...im just hoping steam releases their OS soon...i read about it awhile back...but haven't kept up on it.

[Thulack]

Sad part about windows is that since 7 came out they sent out 1 update that actually checked for fake windows keys. I've been using the same hacked version of windows 7 since before it came out for retail. Installed on 100+ computers aslong as you hide the 1 microsoft update(KB910733) or something like that you are in the clear.

[Grizzled]

Steam Os? I must look into this.

Yeah Thulak, I really had no desire to leave winxp behind. The purchase of SSD's were the motivating factor.The OCZ forums had quite the interesting restucturing of windows to get SSD's to not eat themselves alive. After performing those mods for winxp and vista, win 7 was worth it. Win7 and XP are my 2 purchased microsoft products.

Windows is an absolute pisspoor OS, always has been. It is designed to have holes in it. Each generation, they add more layers to the core and making more holes.

[Grizzled]

Ok looks like the steam OS is their own Linux version. It has the same pitfalls I have went through already. I had to burn Unbuntu to a disc because I dont have a flash drive that will act bootable. My mobo supports it, the drive itself does not. etc, etc.

http://http://store.steampowered.com/steamos/buildyourown

[Swish]

Sad part about windows is that since 7 came out they sent out 1 update that actually checked for fake windows keys. I've been using the same hacked version of windows 7 since before it came out for retail. Installed on 100+ computers aslong as you hide the 1 microsoft update(KB910733) or something like that you are in the clear.

Done the same, but there was an update around September/October last year that caught me... not sure on the number.

Just clicking the box away each time :p

EDIT: Found that update and uninstalled it, if that works I owe you a beer ;)

[Thulack]

Done the same, but there was an update around September/October last year that caught me... not sure on the number.

Just clicking the box away each time :p

EDIT: Found that update and uninstalled it, if that works I owe you a beer ;)

I can send you the activator i use on non genuine windows if you want just PM me. One that KB update is run uninstalling it wont revert back but after you uninstall it you can run the activator to get it back to genuine.

[Darksinga]

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus

?????

[Grizzled]

Well I got windows reinstalled, upgrading win7 to win7 did the trick. I did however botch the dual boot. Windows does tend to be greedy with drive assets. None the less, by some miracle Unbuntu is working with the wireless stuff. 3rd install is the charm I guess. I will say this, whatever driver they use for older ATI cards really works. Movie trailers look pretty darn crisp. Looks like this old 5850 has some life in her yet.