Reinstalling windows for new motherboard but can't activate

[Cont3mplation]

I recently purchased a new motherboard and CPU to set up for a gaming rig and didn't want to have to purchase a new license for Windows. I'd been given an unused OEM license by a relative who works at a repair shop and I set it up originally fine. Since then I've deactivated it on that pc and moved it to my last one, which worked fine and it has been active there since. I now wanted to move it once again to this new pc, so I deactivated the key and formatted that drive. However on inputting the key I get the "type a different product key for activation" error message. I've tried restarting and even reinstalling from the disk that came with that license but no luck. Am I doing something wrong as this worked fine previously doing the same move to a different motherboard. Any help appreciated, thanks in advance

 

[oscer1]

Hi an OEM is usually tied to the computer it was installed too. Usually can't be transferred to another computer.

 

[townsbg]

There is no deactivating an OEM key because it is stored on M$'s servers along with the computer's information. Only a retail copy can be transferred to another computer. You can still buy OEM copies on Newegg. Windows 7, 8 and 10 Home and Professional - Newegg.com

 

[Cont3mplation]

See I thought that too, and that's what all the proof I looked at says, but I'd successfully managed to swap it once before even with it being an OEM (to an entirely different motherboard) but I guess maybe I just fluked it. I tried reinstalling it and activating on the pc I'd taken it off and it worked fine so I guess I'll just have to leave it there and get another cheap key somehwere, thanks anyways

 

[Paul Black]

Hi Cont3mplation, welcome to Seven Forums,

Here's a snippet from the link I have attached below.

To re-activate a Windows 7 PC, you’ll need to open the Windows Activation tool. To do so, click the Start button, type “Activate” into the Start menu, and click the Windows Activation shortcut. Select the “Show me other ways to activate” option and go through the wizard, selecting the “Use the automated phone system” option. You’ll then be given a toll-free number you can dial. If everything goes properly, you’ll be given a confirmation ID you can enter into the Windows Activation tool to make Windows genuine again. If the automated system fails, you’ll be put on the line with a Microsoft customer service representative. Explain your situation and they’ll hopefully allow you to re-active your installed copy of Windows, making it genuine again.

How To Make Your Windows 7 PC Genuine Again After a Hardware Upgrade

I hope this helps!

 

[townsbg]

See I thought that too, and that's what all the proof I looked at says, but I'd successfully managed to swap it once before even with it being an OEM (to an entirely different motherboard) but I guess maybe I just fluked it. I tried reinstalling it and activating on the pc I'd taken it off and it worked fine so I guess I'll just have to leave it there and get another cheap key somehwere, thanks anyways

Perhaps the key he gave you was licensed for a certain number of computers and you have maxed it out. Paul Black's link would have you attempt an activation over the phone and that could work but it is up to the operator on whether or not to help you. It's worth a shot though. If you have to buy a new one you don't want to just get a new key just anywhere. Otherwise you could end up with a key that it also maxed out or worse pirated. I would trust NewEgg enough to know that it would be legit and would activate. An alternative would be to switch to Linux. There are Linux fans here who could help you with that.