Windows 7: Windows 7 OEM Product Key Activation Question

Hello, I just wanted to ask a basic question.
Sorry if it's a noob question or if this was asked, I just want to make sure I'm not doing anything wrong.

Anyways, a few days ago I had an error on my Windows 7 Home Premium x64 OEM and had to format it and reinstall it. Once I reinstalled it, I used the OEM Product Key located on a sticker on the bottom of my laptop.



When I right click "Computer" at the start menu and then click "Properties", I notice it says "1 day until automatic activation. Activate Windows now". Should I worry about this, or should this automatically activate my OEM Product Key with Microsoft in 1 day without any errors?
Just to let you know, I used the OEM Product Key before on my Virtual Machine. I hope that doesn't affect anything.

Also, I know the difference between an OEM key and a Retail key, but can someone explain how many times each can be used? Because I've read somewhere that an OEM key can only be used on the same computer it was pre-installed on as long as it isn't being used on more than 1 computer, something with the motherboard or something that makes it do that. And for the Retail key, I'm kind of confused about that.

Thanks!

Edit: Solved.

Welcome
An OEM key can be used as many times as necessary on the same computer. Once the MotherBoard is changed, it is no longer considered the same computer.
A retail key can be used as many times as necessary on only one computer at a time.

As far as automatic activation, basically, you not considered activated. I would try to activate now. If it does not work try by phone.
3 days until Automatic Activation?
Activate Windows 7 by Phone

When I click "Activate Now", it only allows me to activate by phone. I will do that in a bit, and I'll come back with results.

When you do it by phone, you have a chance to input yourself. It it does not work a rep will come on. I would think about the situation before calling, so that you will have accurate and detailed information for the rep.

I just called and got the Automated Person, and he said to say my Installation ID, I did, and the Automated Person found it in the system and told me to type the Activation ID. I put all the numbers in the group boxes as the Automated Person said, and it activated perfectly.

It gave me the popup saying "Activation was successful." (and some other stuff) and now I have this picture next to my activation status (when I right click "Computer" then click "Properties", it says "Windows is activated." then it lists my "Product ID" and on the right has the following picture below):


Edit: So does this means that my Windows is activated and I don't have anything to worry about it? If that is so, then I'll put this thread as "Solved".

Congrats, you are all set. Glad that it all worked out.

Thanks for your help Rich!
I'm so glad that I decided to make this thread, and do what you said. I wonder what would have happened if I didn't and what would have happened 1 day later.
Anyways, thanks a lot, I'm glad that I decided to register on this forum!

You are very welcome. Feel free to use any of our services in the future to learn or just to have fun.
From what I understand if you did not activiate, you would get warnings and you would lose Windows 7, a little bit at a time.

Now I'm very glad that I made this thread and you decided to reply!

Maybe you can help me with another problem? It's about a driver for my laptop.
I also created a thread for it on this forum in the "Drivers" section, but no one it replying anymore.
Anyways, you can find the thread here:
eMachines E725-4520 - Function Key Driver Question

I gave it my best shot in the other thread.