Microsoft can't activate Win7 professional?

[ScooterX64]

I am still in shock. I just popped the shrink wrap on a new copy of Win7 pro and did a clean install using the 32 bit DVD, everything was fine until the activation process. When I entered the product key I got a dialog key saying it wasn't a valid key for Win7 professional. Stuck in a loop right there with no help or work around. Since I knew I could finish install without the key I kust went on and then after setup completed sucessfully I attempted to activate and got the same dialog and stuck in the same loop. Went on line to product support and via there ended up running slui.exe 4 which kicked me into the phone activation - I went through the automated portion babbling numbers into the phone like an idiot and at the end was told that they could not validate my product and was kicked off to live help. Abishek cam on the line and politely had me tell him the first set of numbers and then verified the last set with me and - wait for it - wait for it - told me that Microsoft can not validate my copy of Win7! And then told me that I should go back to my retailer and have them get me a valid product key!

I was stunned. Microsoft provided a defective product and just cleanly and simply left me with nothing other than a have a pleasant evening (too late for that I am afraid)

The copy I have was given to me so I don't even know where to go now (I'd buy a Mac but I still need to run Windows on it.

 

[Casca]

Re-install. Do not enter key. Install will complete. You will have 120 days (30 + 30*3) to resolve the issue.

 

[ScooterX64]

I already am there. I just have no idea how to solve this. I can rearm 3 times and then it is dead. Since I got it for free I guess I should just consider it it worth what I paid for it and move on.

I am just absolutely outraged at Microsoft though.

 

[Casca]

Your outrage is likely better directed at your supplier. The key may be blacklisted.

 

[gregrocker]

Put in the Product Key at Computer>Properties activation link. If it is rejected, make the robocall to MS to see if that works. If not speak with an agent. They will refer you to Customer Service if they cannot help.

Customer Service will verify the Product Key and open a Tech Support case to see what about the install may be causing it to fail activation. If you bought a legit copy of Win7, it is very unlikely it won't be solved soon.

 

[ScooterX64]

It's a retail copy so the supplier = Microsoft. If the key was burned MS could have told me that.

I never get there (a rejected key) It just says is is not valid. The only thing I can do is install w/o the key.

I am installing wiuth the 64 bit DVD right now to see if this si just some kind of issue with the DVD media.

 

[Brink]

Hello Scooter, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Take a deep breath, and double check to make sure that you didn't enter a wrong number or letter. It's real easy to mix up a letter o with a number 0 for example.

Have you already tried activating by phone? This is not the same as online product support.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[barryware]

Hello Scooter, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Take a deep breath, and double check to make sure that you didn't enter a wrong number or letter. It's real easy to mix up a letter o with a number 0 for example.

Have you already tried activating by phone? This is not the same as online product support.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

"B"' & "8" is also a problem.. Use a magnifying glass to insure the key is being read right.

If the key is not accepted upon 1st enty, it is not being read / entered correctly. Activation is a whole different matter.

 

[Jacee]

Curious as to what you mean by "shrinkwrap". My Windows 7 came in a cardboard box ... same shape as Vista's was, but not plastic.

 

[CarlTR6]

Curious as to what you mean by "shrinkwrap". My Windows 7 came in a cardboard box ... same shape as Vista's was, but not plastic.

Likewise.

 

[fseal]

Assuming you try out the suggestions for transposed letters and numbers above...

There are tons and tons and TONS of fake Windows 7 packages out there with either outright fake keys or keys that have by now been blacklisted. Mostly overseas but they do make it into the US and get sold at swapmeets and such.

You need to go back to the person that "gave it to you" to get it strightened out. They may not know it is fake, the person they bought it from might not know it's fake.

But any reputable dealer should take it back or exchange it, if it was bought from a guy that knows a guy and handed to you for free... you're probably looking at buying a legit copy in the future.