need to delete OS off recovery drive!

[gms]

OEM is not in the key string, I don't think... I'd have to look again to make absolutely certain, but I'm pretty sure.

I tried the product key on the rainbow sticker beneath the battery, and it wouldn't work...

I'm wondering if it's because the machine came with the 64-bit version and I re-installed the 32-bit version (from the retail purchase)?

 

[theog]

Is there a way to check in the System what product key was used to activate Windows?

You can find key used with app. Keyfinder | Magical Jelly Bean

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18630-product-key-number-change.html?ltr=P

x32 & x64 have the same key.

Have you run Jelly Bean?

 

[gregrocker]

OEM is not in the key string, I don't think... I'd have to look again to make absolutely certain, but I'm pretty sure.

I tried the product key on the rainbow sticker beneath the battery, and it wouldn't work...

I'm wondering if it's because the machine came with the 64-bit version and I re-installed the 32-bit version (from the retail purchase)?

As I explained in my first post, under the EULA you are entitled to use either 32 or 64 bit Win7 with each license.

You said your retail key didn't work either when first inserted. Click Change Product Key, then follow the prompts to make the call to MS to get it activated.

This is because the key on COA sticker is a batch key which has to be parsed for the specific key for that machine.