
Quote: Originally Posted by
gms
OEM is not in the key string, I don't think... I'd have to look again to make absolutely certain, but I'm pretty sure.
I tried the product key on the rainbow sticker beneath the battery, and it wouldn't work...
I'm wondering if it's because the machine came with the 64-bit version and I re-installed the 32-bit version (from the retail purchase)?
As I explained in my first post, under the EULA you are entitled to use either 32 or 64 bit Windows 7 with each license.
You said your retail key didn't work either when first inserted. Click Change Product Key, then follow the prompts to make the call to MS to get it activated.
This is because the key on COA sticker is a batch key which has to be parsed for the specific key for that machine.