Windows 7: Will new product key work on existing system?

I have a nearly new system with a Gigabyte motherboard. Everything had been running ok the errors began appearing and the system went into a start up loop.

After having it examined by a computer engineer the only thing he could do was to re install a trial version of Windows 7 in the hope that when I activate it (in the next 30 days) the motherboard will accept the new product key.

I am at a loss as to why my system crashed initially but after several technicians have looked at the system this is the best they could do.

If its going to be an issue I wont activate and will start using a Linux OS if I have to.



Any advice would be appreciated (from a newbie).

Where do you buy your old DVD & product key from?

The system was already set up when I bought it.

Why did the computer engineer not use the COA product key on the side of the PC?

What operating system did your computer come with?
What motherboard did your computer come with?
Have you changed the motherboard?
What COA sticker is on your computer?
This information will help us help you.

In addition, what key do you have to activate and why woudln't "engineer" use that key to finish the job?

Is it a full, upgrade or OEM retail key? If OEM which is provided by a builder then it should have the COA sticker with key on the box. If not then the OS was not legally transferred to you. Ask the builder for the key.

This is where the problems start, the original system would not boot and I did not have a key for the original system. Once the engineer had determined that the only way to boot was to do a fresh install he installed a 30 day trial. Its Windows 7 64 bit and the motherboard is from Gigabyte. There is no OEM sticker anywhere on the box. I have done everything I can to get details of original system key but have not been able.

I was given a DVD and associated paperwork with the PC but I cannot find it (sods law) so I am happy that the initial install was legal. Looks like shoddy workmanship re the OEM sticker not being on the PC case.

I would call the builder and ask them why there is no COA sticker since its required to legally resell Windows 7.

It's not just shoddy, but illegal. You cannot resell Windows 7 Builder's OEM without providing a COA sticker with Product Key. It's possible it's on the disk but you lost the disk, so you'll have to either get it from the builder or buy another OEM replacement copy.

Thanks for your answer. I had resigned myself to this anyway. With regard to the computers builder, I suppose you live and learn. I am reassured and grateful for your help.

How is everything, is the system working ok ?

You mention " New Product Key" where did the technician get the key from ? Did he write it down and give it to you for future use ?

As asked, is it a retail key or an oem key ? What did you pay for ?