I'm currently in the need of re-installing Windows 7 on my laptop. It has been activated but I unfortunately cannot find the activation information. I have the DVD that it was installed from though. I believe that I've read to be able to "de-activate" your install, then complete the install with additional re-activation material. Would this include the actual Activation key? I'm still looking through these forums for more information but if any of you have any suggestions/comments, they would greatly be appreciated!

Your situation needs a bit more information to make an intelligent assessment: Are you using a Retail disc, or are you using a manufacturer's Restore Disc? Did Windows come pre-installed on your laptop? There is absolutely no de-activation of Windows 7.

This is actually a TechNet .iso(Ultimate) from a company I have worked with in the past, before they went out of business a few months ago. I have the .iso/dvd but no activation information. It was activated online within their office. I would like to re-install the system due to recent applications causing degrading performance. Is there a possibility I could call MS and start some type of re-activation process? Also, this is a laptop that previously had XP on it.

Actually, the best for you would be to buy a "normal" version of Windows. Your old company was not allowed to give you a TechNet copy (not permitted for use in a productive environment, only for evaluation purposes), you are not allowed to use or (re)activate it (unless you have a TechNet subscription, of course, then you could simply download the key you need). So, calling MS support probably won't help much. And even if you can retrieve your forgotten key from your current installation by using some kind of sysinfo software (Everest, Sandra...), using this key for a reinstall renews a licensing problem that may lead to invalidation/blocking of the key. "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” (Thomas J. Watson, Sr.)

To sum your situation, you were given a technet copy of Windows from a company no longer in existence and you have been using that installed copy for your day-to-day computing needs. If those are true, you must remove the copy you have been using. it is a violation of the licensing agreement for you to use a Technet copy in a production environment, regardless if you have a technet subscription, unless you are performing testing and evaluation, which your post seems to indicate is not the case. The company you did some work for, regardless if they are still in business or not, can not give away Technet software and licensing keys. In laymans terms, you are using a pirated, non-licensed copy of Windows and should purchase a retail copy or, if you are evaluating, purchase a Technet subscription to do so legally.

Well, for now I guess I'll revert back to my XP setup. After using this laptop for way to much with Windows 7 has practically killed it. However, I did fall in love with Windows 7 and will most likely buy me a copy. Any suggestions on Pro vs. Ultimate, other than the cost? This copy is Ultimate, but I guess will become XP Pro within the next week or so. I hope you guys don't sue me for my lack of TechNet knowledge... :)

I agree. Windows 7 is far superior to XP and Vista. Aside from multi-language support and bitlocker, not much difference between the two. Here is a link to help you out: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/compare/default.aspx

All you really need to reinstall a legal copy of Windows 7 is the Product ID. You can find your product ID by downloading and running Magical Jelly Bean keyfinder at: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/ You may have to reactivate after the reinstall. Try web reactivation first and if that doesn't work use telephone reactivation. Jerry