Product key won't work

[blockie]

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]

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?
http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/85444-bad-installation-media-i-think.html#post739399

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]

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]

Yes, OEM key is locked to that install disk.

 

[kronckew]

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

see this linky

 

[Tews]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[derekimo]

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.

I realize you don't want to lose the way you have your computer setup right now,

but with the amount of difficulties you've had so far you would be so much better

off if you just did the clean install, lose the problems, and start your setup again.

That's just what I would do, seems a few others would suggest the same.

It really doesn't have to be this much of a hassle, that's my 2 cents anyway.

 

[blockie]

Used a magnifying glass to read the PK and realized that an eight (8) I was putting in should have been a "B". Worked this time. W7 is now activated.

 

[z3r010]

Used a magnifying glass to read the PK and realized that an eight (8) I was putting in should have been a "B". Worked this time. W7 is now activated.

Oh I have that T-Shirt!

IMO 8 & B should be banned from product keys.

 

[Bill2]

Used a magnifying glass to read the PK and realized that an eight (8) I was putting in should have been a "B". Worked this time. W7 is now activated.

I knew it! very glad for you Blockie! was contemplating whether to ask the dreaded question again (where did you buy the copy from?).

 

[Dwarf]

Used a magnifying glass to read the PK and realized that an eight (8) I was putting in should have been a "B". Worked this time. W7 is now activated.

Oh I have that T-Shirt!

IMO 8 & B should be banned from product keys.

You're not the only one!

In addition to 8 & B, what about 5 & S, 1 & I, 0 & O, 2 & Z ???

 

[blockie]

If I continue with any problems I will do a clean install. The latest install was a clean one and it was after my troubles.

 

[derekimo]

If I continue with any problems I will do a clean install. The latest install was a clean one and it was after my troubles.

Hope all goes well then, I thought you were still on that last install.

Thanks for the info.