Windows 7: Trying to activate oem with a new activation code.

hi All

I recently had problems with my Dell laptop so I bought a new computer and took my ssd drive from the dell and put it in the new machine so I wouldnt have to reinstall everything. All works fine apart from in control panel/system it says "2 days until automatic activation.Activate windows now"

So I bought a new oem version from amazon but when I entered the product key, it says "the product key cannot be used to activate windows on this computer."



Any suggestions what to do? The last thing I want to do is reinstall windows as I use it for work and dont have the time to setup everything again.

Thanks

Paul

Press the Window flag key and the pause key. Go to the bottom of the page.
Control panel to system.

Actually i`ve just discovered the version install is an Service Pack 1 oem and the one I bought doesnt have SP1. Would this be the problem?

Yes thats where I saw the issue. I`ve tried activating it from that screen with a new id that I bought. But now i`m thinking its a SP1 issue as the one I bought is non-SP1.
Thanks

Hi,

I speak under correction here, but I do not believe you will be able to install a new OEM version of Windows on your Dell laptop. An OEM is tied specifically to a unique set of hardware, more specifically the motherboard.

How much did this OEM version off Amazon cost you?

Regards,
Golden

It was this one for £70 (ukp) Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 64 bit, English, 1 Pack, DSP OEI (DVD) (This OEM software is intended for system builders only): Amazon.co.uk: Software

Its actually not for my dell laptop, I moved the ssd from the laptop to my new desktop. So its now complaining that the drive is in a new PC.
like I say, I have noticed my windows 7 install has Sp1 installed and the windows 7 i bought is not SP1. could it be that?

See third paragraph down on this page... Windows 7 activation error: invalid product key

Thanks

Hi Paul,

OK, I misunderstood about the Dell, although I'm still not sure about the OEM - you could be right. I've asked gregrocker to have a look at this if he gets a moment - he specialises in this sort of thing.

Regards,
Golden

Great thanks.

The problem is caused in part by SP1 and the SSD.

I've no doubt the Dell SSD is an OEM version and as such will be tied to the Dell computer. If you try and install it in another computer you'll get an error thrown up.

If the OEM OS you bought does not have SP1, you can't use its product key to activate the SP1 version.

It could well be you'll need a new hard drive and a clean install of Windows, but I'm sure gregrocker will put us right.

Thanks. The ssd was actual installed by myself its a crucial c300. I reinstalled windows onto it from the dell windows install disk supplied with the laptop.

Do you think phoning microsoft activation line will help, or will I need to return this version.