Product Key "can't be used" for activation - why?


  1. NullCoding
    Posts : 3
    Windows 8 Pro x64
       New #1

    Product Key "can't be used" for activation - why?


    I recently bought an ASUS X54C-BBK5, an entry-level laptop if there ever was one, and it came with Windows 7 Home Premium x64 pre-installed.

    However, I installed a 60GB Corsair SSD. It is insanely fast. I used the Windows 7 Home Premium x64 install disc in our office (as this laptop didn't come with media) and got Windows installed in under 20 minutes. I then used the product key on the bottom of the computer to activate it. Okay. No problem. Installed lots of updates. Installed MSE. These all require Genuine Windows.

    About four days later, it starts popping up with a notification that "this product key cannot be used for activation." What gives? I intentionally paid for a computer that came with a product key, and it liked it initially - what changed?

    I will not purchase a new product key. That would end up being half the price of the laptop and I cannot afford that.

    What options do I have?

    note: I work in an office where we repair students' computers and we frequently need to re-install OS, which is why we have so much OEM unactivated media.
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  3. Maguscreed
    Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       New #2

    You just need to use the phone option and if they ask tell them you put a new ssd in it and reformatted.
    IF the key is valid they will give you a unlock code, and if you ever have to reformat again there should be no problem after that. Hardware profiling is part of how they connect the key to a specific person/computer.

    Activate Windows 7 by Phone
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  4. NoelDP
    Posts : 21,482
    Win 7 x64 Home Premium (and x86 VirtualBox VM)/Win10
       New #3

    Please follow this tutorial and post an MGADiag report - then we can see what the problem is.

    https://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/234159-windows-genuine-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html


    Please also state the Version and Edition of Windows quoted on your COA sticker (if you have one) on the case of your machine (or inside the battery compartment), but do NOT quote the Key on the sticker!
    http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Hardware.aspx
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  6. NullCoding
    Posts : 3
    Windows 8 Pro x64
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Excellent. Thanks much for the prompt replies. I will call after work and see what can be done.
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