Solved Product key on the side of computer case

[NoelDP]

That's ONLY possible if there's a valid SLIC table on the machine - or you use a Loader.

I don't use loaders and I don't have the slic table. I am not a software pirate, never have been and never will be.

I'd be interested to see the MGADiag report from one of these machines with a 'transferred' license. - in theory (and in practice) a situation such as you say you have is simply not possible, unless you reinstall every so often after rearming to extend the grace period
.Activation with the OEM_SLP Key depends on three things
1) a proper SLIC table in the BIOS
2) the matching Key
3) matching certificates from the OS - which are properly only present in the OEM Recovery disks, and not the Retail or OEM System Builder disks

If any of those is faulty in any way, the system should declare itself non-genuine, and demand the input of a new Key - which would have to be the COA Key.

The only way what you describe could be possible is if for instance all your machines are Dell, and all are Vista of one edition or another

 

[alphanumeric]

That's ONLY possible if there's a valid SLIC table on the machine - or you use a Loader.

I don't use loaders and I don't have the slic table. I am not a software pirate, never have been and never will be.

The product key retrieved from a preinstalled OS on an OEM machine like a Dell or HP that uses a SLIC BIOS table will not activate online. By itself it also won't work with regular install media. This key is not a volume licince key.
If the key you used was in fact a volume license key then you likely used it illegally. Unless its your company and you own the licinse for it, or its a company issue to you.

 

[windude99]

That's ONLY possible if there's a valid SLIC table on the machine - or you use a Loader.

I don't use loaders and I don't have the slic table. I am not a software pirate, never have been and never will be.

I'd be interested to see the MGADiag report from one of these machines with a 'transferred' license. - in theory (and in practice) a situation such as you say you have is simply not possible, unless you reinstall every so often after rearming to extend the grace period
.Activation with the OEM_SLP Key depends on three things
1) a proper SLIC table in the BIOS
2) the matching Key
3) matching certificates from the OS - which are properly only present in the OEM Recovery disks, and not the Retail or OEM System Builder disks

If any of those is faulty in any way, the system should declare itself non-genuine, and demand the input of a new Key - which would have to be the COA Key.

The only way what you describe could be possible is if for instance all your machines are Dell, and all are Vista of one edition or another

Ok. You are misunderstanding the situation. Sorry. I am talking baout the key on the side of the case, not the slp key, Sorry.

 

[alphanumeric]

To my understanding and some personal experience, the key on COA sticker on an OEM PC should not automatically activate online. I've used the OEM keys several times to install Windows with my disks and always had to activate online and actually talk to a person. The 25 digit hash code would be rejected but once I explained what I did the Microsoft Representative would read me back a 25 digit activation code to type in and Windows would be activated. I've done this on Windows XP and Vista. I'd get asked to fix a PC and the owner has no disks or recovery media. Then the recovery option doesn't work. I haven't had to do this on a Windows 7 PC yet.

 

[karlsnooks]

WinDude,

Go to this link: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012

download and run mgadiag.

I'm sure that Noel can fill you in still more.

I'm also very interested in seeing what mgadiag has to say.

 

[NoelDP]

Ok. You are misunderstanding the situation. Sorry. I am talking baout the key on the side of the case, not the slp key, Sorry.

No - you have been mis-stating your situation.

EVERY PC from major manufacturers come with two Keys - the OEM_SLP Key with which it is originally installed, and which self-activates using the SLIC table and internal certificates; and the COA_SLP Key which requires Internet or Telephone activation.
Volume Licenses are a totally different beast, with highly specific license terms.
Retail Licenses are the ones which Home Bulders or enthusiast should be using
is activated it will require telephone activation,
Under no circumstances can an OEM License be transferred to a new machine. If it has been previously activated on another machine it will fail Internet activation on the 'new' machine. Telephone activation via an operator WILL be required - and explanations given and accepted. Answering the operator with incorrect or evasive responses will result in the activation being refused, and possibly the Key being blocked.

In general, the first time a COA_SLP Key is activated, it must be by telephone (to ensure that it is activated on the correct machine) - after that, activation by internet would be sufficient.

OEM_NSLP (System Builder) Keys normally activate by Internet - and cannot be moved to new machines.

In the case of both COA_SLP and COA_NSLP the only motherboard changes normally allowed by MS are warranty replacements.

 

[Brds7t7]

There are a couple of programmes you can use to backup your activation to an external drive or cd. This is helpful if you need to wipe the drive and do a fresh install from a disk. You can then restore your activation and won't have to do the phone activation.

 

[karlsnooks]

why do that?
Just make a backup copy of your product key and you are good to go.

 

[Brds7t7]

If it's an oem key on the side and you wipe the drive I thought you had to do a phone activation afterwards?

 

[NoelDP]

No -and so what even if you do? Most activation numbers are toll-free from landlines.

The only times you need to use telephone activation are
1) The first time you activate the COA_SLP Key on any machine
2) If hardware has changed significantly from the last activation
3) if you have activated a significant number of times in a relatively short period.

Otherwise, internet activation usually works, unless there are oter problems.

 

[Brds7t7]

Ah right didn't know that! I always thought it would be a phone activation. Only reason I've used the programme on pcs before is it was only one click and saved me a phone call and having to enter 25 digits. It's always worked well for me.

 

[NoelDP]

The confirmation code is a lot more than 25 digits
In most cases where telephone activation is required then it's actually necessary to speak to an operator, rather than just use the automated system, in order to verify apsects of the installation (e.g. number of machines using this product Key, etc.)
I've had to use telephone activation a few times where the internet wasn't available - and even over a mobile phone it's quick and painless (although the mobile costs can mount if you need to speak to an operator). Getting hold of an operator can be more difficult if you don't know your way around the road-blocks.

To ensure that you speak to an operator, when the automated system asks which service you require, do NOT respond. This should force an operator to pick up. (That beats the heck out of going through the confirmation code process and failing, then getting hung up on when the system times out on your wait for transfer to an operator!)

 

[Joan Archer]

I found it needs you to not answer the question twice for a real person to pick up, after that it's very easy.

 

[NoelDP]

Ah - the voice of recent experience! (how long did you have to wait for someone to pick up?)

 

[Joan Archer]

Not that long really once I'd not hit any buttons or spoken. The one who answered was really nice and helpful. The only gripe I have is that it was an 0844 number and I don't get them free with my plan.

 

[NoelDP]

Not that long really once I'd not hit any buttons or spoken. The one who answered was really nice and helpful. The only gripe I have is that it was an 0844 number and I don't get them free with my plan.

Couldn't you have used an 0800 number?
(try using Skype next time - 0844 is 7p/min +VAT + 8p connection fee for PAYG. 0800 are free)

 

[Joan Archer]

No it's 0844 800 2400 for the Customer Service UK, don't forget Noel this is my landline I was using. I get 0870 and 0845 numbers free plus all UK numbers starting 01,02,03 unlimited anytime.

This is what's so annoying when BT start to let you have those 0870 numbers free the companies change their helpline to 0844 so you have to pay.

 

[seavixen32]

Using the telephone number supplied with the Windows Activation Wizard is also useful.

Just don't answer any questions and you'll be connnected to an activation technician.

 

[seavixen32]

No it's 0844 800 2400 for the Customer Service UK, don't forget Noel this is my landline I was using. I get 0870 and 0845 numbers free plus all UK numbers starting 01,02,03 unlimited anytime.

This is what's so annoying when BT start to let you have those 0870 numbers free the companies change their helpline to 0844 so you have to pay.

Joan, have you checked this site?

SAYNOTO0870.COM - Non-Geographical Alternative Telephone Numbers

 

[Joan Archer]

Andrew, the reason I used the phone was for an Office activation. I had already gone through that process you show on all 3 computers I wanted to install the 2010 version I'd just purchased because it wouldn't do the online one saying it wasn't valid.

I wasn't thinking when I phoned so ended up going through the automatic activation with all the ID and activation numbers to input. I had to do this on all 3 computers, I'd bought Home & Student Family Pack of 2010 to allow me to put it on all our computers.

There was no problem and they were all activated but when I told Noel I had to do it this way he told me to phone and make sure that I had got a legal licence as it was odd I'd had to do it this way.

It really had me worried as I'd done this on the Friday so I couldn't phone anyone until the Monday. I'd been given the number by another of the operators when I'd been in the activation part trying to sort it out.

No worries though as my copy was legal and it was a retail product key so after all that I'm OK, although I've called Noel a few names for worrying me.