Can't Get Key? Here's HOW, How To..Extra KEYS

[composer]

If you are like me, you spent quite a bit of time going back and forth, screen after screen, F5 after F5.

Today you though, okay, its up and running so surely I can get a key only to be confronted with another error, not found, or inncorrect page loading.


If this happens, keep the browser you have open.....

Go here

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx

Select your 32 or 64 language from pull down.

Make sure you are logged in to LIVE email.
Click on arrow.
Then you will get an error, if not, you should see the key by now, if you do get an error..you want to get to a page when MSFT tells you to copy the link into the broser, when you do, open a different browser, past the link (after making sure cookies are cleaned), it will ask you to log in again and when you paste, and click VERIFIED (live email), you should then see a new key.

Also, I got another key from a poster and think we should all list who gave us a key for others who may be upset if they missed out.


I got ONE from LIMNEOS (thank you) and one from Steve Martin ruplikmastik - the one I am using now, plus my own key.

Anyone that has a key to spare should keep in mind all those that helped them if you are able to get a key today. Let's make sure everyone can be involved and spread the keys if you don't need to have them all.

Just a thought.

Cheers

 

[Abhimanyu]

just change 32 to 64. So now i have 4 keys! lol. This is stupid!

 

[SIW2]

Keep going and you'll get 5 of each -then they start repeating. Everybody gets the exact same keys.

SIW2

 

[pcclueless]

extra windows 7 keys??

Hi All,
I have just purchased windows 7 home premium, I have not yet installed it though. I thought I would be able to install it on all of the pc's laptops in the home but apparently I can't I need extra keys. I have read the posts here that say it is possible to get extra keys but I am a complete dummy when it come to these things ( I don't even know what live mail is! ) can someone explain to me how I go about getting the extra keys, ( I need another 4 ) and please assume when explaining that I am totally clueless. Many thanks in advance.

 

[z3r010]

Those posts are for the windows 7 beta (pre-release) for the full product you are only allowed to install the OS on one PC.

 

[marsmimar]

To add to z3r010's post:

To obtain a new genuine Windows 7 product key, you'll need to buy an additional copy of the same edition of Windows 7, which contains a product key that you can use. For more information about how to get Windows 7 in your country or region, go to the Shop webpage. You can also purchase Windows 7 at retail locations.

Source

 

[pcclueless]

Oh! Ok Thank you, do you know if there is an option to purchase extra keys without having to buy the whole thing each time?

 

[marsmimar]

To avoid any erroneous information, I'd suggest you contact the Microsoft Store to see if you can purchase just the product key(s) without the installation disk(s). They have a toll free number: 1-877-274-5045

Or you could browse throught their website for additional information:

Purchase Windows 7 Upgrades and Featured Accessories

 

[pcclueless]

I have tried looking on the Microsoft web site and they only mention schools and businesses from what I can see, nothing about individuals. I find it very hard though to believe that you have to purchase a whole package for every PC & laptop in your home. I will try and find a UK number to ring them and ask. Thank you for your replies, Take care all.

 

[Bill2]

I have tried looking on the Microsoft web site and they only mention schools and businesses from what I can see, nothing about individuals. I find it very hard though to believe that you have to purchase a whole package for every PC & laptop in your home. I will try and find a UK number to ring them and ask. Thank you for your replies, Take care all.

Whats your problem? MS is not charging you extra for the disks and the packaging.

 

[pcclueless]

Yes they are charging extra, for each laptop and desktop I will have to buy a package I have 4 laptops and 1 desktop so it will cost a small fortune to buy an OS for each one. I had hoped that as they were all being used in one home I would only have to buy it once, it appears that is not the case. I have now spoken to Microsoft and they have confirmed each one will have to be bought separately, However there is an option to buy a family pack which can be used on 3 units so it looks like I will have to sell the original one I have bought and buy 2 home packages in order to load it on to all my PCs.

 

[Bill2]

Yes they are charging extra, for each laptop and desktop I will have to buy a package I have 4 laptops and 1 desktop so it will cost a small fortune to buy an OS for each one. I had hoped that as they were all being used in one home I would only have to buy it once, it appears that is not the case. I have now spoken to Microsoft and they have confirmed each one will have to be bought separately, However there is an option to buy a family pack which can be used on 3 units so it looks like I will have to sell the original one I have bought and buy 2 home packages in order to load it on to all my PCs.

Good you've gotten rid of the notion a single key can be used on multiple computers. The only exception is the Home premium family pack as you have discovered thats good for 3 machines.

 

[pcclueless]

Well it is a lesson learned for me, in hindsight I should have checked before I bought, still I will know better for any future purchases from Microsoft. Once again thank you for all your advice. Take care.

 

[marsmimar]

I'm not sure if this is actually possible but if it is it could save some money. I think you might be able to do a clean install using the family pack upgrade version rather than the full install version. If this isn't possible due to EULA violations or something else I hope one of our more knowledgeable members will chime in.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

 

[seavixen32]

I recently used Windows Anytime Upgrade to upgrade from Win 7 Pro to Ultimate and all I had to do was let Microsoft raid my credit card, in return they e-mailed me a product key.

Windows 7 - Microsoft Small Business Centre

The easiest way to install from the upgrade version of Windows 7 is to install it WITHOUT entering the product key. Next, carry out a custom install, enter your product key this time and you'll finish up with a full version of Win 7 that will activate just fine.

It would appear that the first install somehow tells Windows you qualify for the upgrade.

 

[Bill2]

I'm not sure if this is actually possible but if it is it could save some money. I think you might be able to do a clean install using the family pack upgrade version rather than the full install version. If this isn't possible due to EULA violations or something else I hope one of our more knowledgeable members will chime in.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

The family pack IS an upgrade version. OP needs a qualifying base license for each machine he plans to use the pack on (XP/Vista though not necessarily installed on the machine).

I recently used Windows Anytime Upgrade to upgrade from Win 7 Pro to Ultimate and all I had to do was let Microsoft raid my credit card, in return they e-mailed me a product key.

Windows 7 - Microsoft Small Business Centre

The easiest way to install from the upgrade version of Windows 7 is to install it WITHOUT entering the product key. Next, carry out a custom install, enter your product key this time and you'll finish up with a full version of Win 7 that will activate just fine.

It would appear that the first install somehow tells Windows you qualify for the upgrade.

The Anytime upgrade can only be used to switch from a lower win7 edition to a higher one, it cannot be used on a machine running XP or Vista. Second, AU is also a single license, it can only be used on a single machine at any given time. Overall, the home premium family pack is the cheapest version available for multiple computers (not talking about technet/msdn licenses).

Although it wouldnt be a bad idea to explore technet. 2 home premium family packs would cost around $300, while for a little more the OP could get a technet license with many more keys I think.

 

[marsmimar]

Thanks for the clarification, Bill.

 

[seavixen32]

Thanks also for the clarification, Bill.

The issues of upgrades and licensing seem to be more complicated by the day. I'm in no way advocating piracy, but it's easy to see why people do it.

Even when you've forked out hard-earned money for the latest operating system you don't actually own it as the intellectual rights rest with Microsoft. All we're doing in fact is paying a lot of money for a licence to use the software.

I found this interesting article that suggests buying an OEM licence may be a cheaper option even with its limitations. Is it OK to use OEM Windows on your own PC? Don't ask Microsoft | ZDNet