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I have a Windows 7 PC hooked to an HDTV via HDMI. Connected to the PC are a CableCARD tuner and a tuning adapter, each via separate USB ports.

While going through the TV Signal setup in Windows Media Center I get stopped here: A lousy dialog message of the likes that MS promised to do away with in Windows 7

I called the cable company, hoping they would have one. Now, I don't want to confuse matters even more, but after explaining what I was looking at, the tech told me to give him my Host ID and then we would be able to get past this. I was under the impression that he would enter the Host ID somewhere, and then I just wouldn't see this screen anymore.

He told me to look on my CableCARD tuner, it's not there.

So, what are these two items I'm being asked for?

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Did you try running the Digital Cable Advisor (more than once)? – techie007 Jan 13 '12 at 2:32
@techie008 Yes, no dice. – Louis Jan 13 '12 at 2:43
Also, it could take many minutes (20+) for the card to become Activated from their end. If the rep. you spoke to did it just then, it make take a while. Once it has been activated from their end, and you run the DCA, it shouldn't ask you for that code. – techie007 Jan 13 '12 at 2:44
Okay, a different tech told me he can't activate it unless I give him the host id. He also said the product key is for Windows Media Center, and he doesn't know why I'm being asked for one as it should fill in automatically. – Louis Jan 13 '12 at 3:15
Was this a fresh isntall of Windows 7 when it was done? Do you have a valid Windows 7 key you could try? There seems to be a 'generic' key around for this situation (available with a little searching), but I'd rather not provide that here. Instead, perhaps contact your computer manufacturer, or MS? Microsoft phone support is free for activation problems. Or perhaps someone will come along with a direct answer/solution. :) – techie007 Jan 13 '12 at 3:23
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1 Answer

up vote 1 down vote accepted

Some ideas:

Did you try running the Digital Cable Advisor (more than once)?

Also, it could take many minutes (20+) for the card to become Activated from their end. If the rep. you spoke to did it just then, it make take a while. Once it has been activated from their end, and you run the DCA, it shouldn't ask you for that code.

Was this a fresh install of Windows 7 when it was done? Do you have a valid Windows 7 key you could try? There seems to be a 'generic' key around for this situation (available with a little searching), but I'd rather not provide that here, but if you can find it (not hard) perhaps give it a shot?

Otherwise, perhaps contact your computer manufacturer, or MS? Microsoft phone support is free for activation problems.

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