Windows 7: Key wont work a 2nd time?

I installed my Windows 7 then a week later my D drive started to fail. Since both C & D where mega old I decided to replace both. I started an image burn for the C drive, but it failed because it stated my C drive had bad sectors also (but it kind of sounded like it saved what it could, just all might not be there)..

So I was going to do a clean install on my new drives, but the key would think for a minute then say "invalid Key".. Me and a friend checked, double checked, re-typed.. Re-typed.. Nope.. (once when I did type a letter wrong it can back immediately saying "invalid Key".. But when the key was right it waits then says invalid key..

So now I am trying the image burn with the questionable data.. But, why is my key no longer any good? Is it because I changed hard drives and they think I am installing it on a different computer? Or is once all you get.. And pray you have a good image burn? I mean it does even offer an option to call someone so I can verify I am me, and my reinstall is legit..

What version are you to activate?

Hi and welcome


If it is a n OEM key it only works with the current hardware. Since your hardware has changed you my have to call MS for a key

Ken J++

Just leave the entry blank for Product key when installing Windows...it will continue

After Windows is done installing...try to activate again via Computer->Properties->Scroll don to the bottom and activate

If it still doesn't work than it will ask you if you want to call MS...just use the number it provides and explain the situation to the rep on the other end. No problem!

Thanks guys.. Because my image burn did crash and burn.. I am unsure what a OEM key is, but I bought it during the $49 for standard $99 for professional pre-buy. This one is my $99 professional.

So back to reinstalling Windows 7 from scratch again. I have a feeling that this will not be the only software that will be complaining about be activated one week apart from the original activation...

And I am frustrated that all my hard work of the other installation is dead.. I mean I didn't even have time to get all set up to do an image burn before the D: drive started sputtering. But I thought my C drive was fine, and kept on installing and fixing so I could do a good image burn.. What a waste!

Sometimes things end up that way...at least you got two nice new drives now!

Just follow my post above and you should be fine

That price and description indicate that you bought a retail upgrade version.

If you try to simply install it on a blank HD, the key won't work. However, there are work-arounds:

Clean install with Windows 7 upgrade media? Get the facts! | Ed Bott’s Microsoft Report | ZDNet.com

You may have to activate by phone, although if only the hard drives were changed, maybe not.

   Quote: Originally Posted by moosetracker

Thanks guys.. Because my image burn did crash and burn.. I am unsure what a OEM key is, but I bought it during the $49 for standard $99 for professional pre-buy. This one is my $99 professional.

Whatever version of the installer your using is not going to be a problem. The main reason why the license key is showing invalid is due to the changes in the hardware. There is a threshold for making changes on your hardware - around 80%. Each HDD is 50%, and if i'm not mistaken you had replaced both that's why it's asking you to verify the license key

Just call MS and tell them of the changes that you've made to the hardware, its really easy and they can reload your license key in 10mins max

I don't think that's the problem. The message would be that the key is already in use.

The OP may get that anyway, after the key is accepted.

Nice to know it will only be for major computer upgrades. IWith XP I rebuilt the computer about twice a year, due to my husband emailing practices about jokes from every tom, Dick & harry.. We get viruses and I never had a problem with the key.

I am just starting to try the image burn.. My first attempt fizzled.. Here hope for whenever my next attemp comes along..

I'm thinking to not reactivate the key until close to the 30 days. Someone said with 2 drives failing it may not be my hard drives with the problem, it my be my mother board.. So I think running it throuh it's paces for a while to see if there are any other hardware issues may be a good idea.. MS might not be too accomadating if I have to called agian a week later.