Product key won't work

blockie · 10 Jun 2010

I have W7 Ultimate on my computer and I MUST activate it with a new product key. OK with that.
So purchased a new, unopened, legal OEM W7 Ultimate. Was going to use that product key to change the product key on my installed W7. Tried it and was not accepted. Not real upset about it because I can do a clean install of the OEM W7. However, I have the installed one set up the way I want and would rather not have to reinstall all my programs.
Is my problem that I am trying an OEM key with a non-OEM installation?

derekimo · 10 Jun 2010

Is this still the old seven you had that wasn't activating or something?

It's not the one you're talking about here is it?
Bad installation media I think

I'm not sure about the oem or not, but with all the problems you've been having you may just want to bite the bullet, do the clean install and be rid of the problems.

kodi · 10 Jun 2010

blockie said:

Is my problem that I am trying an OEM key with a non-OEM installation?

Yes it would be the problem.
OEM key Must be on OEM install

metalmania31 · 10 Jun 2010

Yes, OEM key is locked to that install disk.

kronckew · 10 Jun 2010

before giving up & doing a clean install, try doing an in-place update install.

see this linky

Tews · 10 Jun 2010

IMO... Upgrade installs tend to be an iffy proposition at best... A clean install is the recommended path, and the option to give you less problems...

Bill2 · 10 Jun 2010

The OEM key will get tied to the hardware only AFTER activation. All win7 disks are identical, a disk may install only a particular version because ei.cfg is configured that way. Also branded OEM disks (not the one you have) are customized by the Royalty OEMs in special ways.

I see no reason why your OEM key should not activate your existing install. Can you tell us exactly what error you get? Post a screenie.

SIW2 · 10 Jun 2010

Yes, OEM key is locked to that install disk.

Yes it would be the problem.
OEM key Must be on OEM install

I don't where you guys heard that. It is not the case.

blockie is taking about a purchased packaged product - called System builder (oem ).

That is completely different from the pre installed oem versions.

Bill,

I would do a clean install - you have had so many issues with that installation - ( I think you originally bought what turned out to be a pirated version ? )

Bill2 · 10 Jun 2010

SIW2,

I agree Blockie should do a clean install IF there is no way that key will work.

Blockie,

Just try one thing. No, its nothing radical. Open CMD as administrator, at the prompt type:

slmgr -rearm

Hit Enter. Close the cmd window.

Now try using your new product key.

blockie · 10 Jun 2010

AFTER I ATTEMPT TO CHANGE MY PRODUCT KEY TO THE ONE I RECEIVED WITH THE OEM W7 I PURCHASED, THIS IS THE MESSAGE I GOT.
The attempt to change was made via Start...Computer....Properties. Sorry about the CAPS. Didn't realize that Caps Lock was on until I looked up.