Activation Question

I bought an OEM copy of Windows 7 Pro x64 from Newegg. I installed it using the Product Key but did not activate it.

A couple days later I decided that I would build another computer and needing another copy of Windows, decided joining TechNet would be the cheapest solution.

So, I uninstalled the copy of Windows 7 Pro OEM that I purchased - again, it was never activated.

My question is, if I were to sell that OEM copy of Windows, can be activated by the new buyer?
Can I tell them it has never been activated (it hasn't) and that it will work for them?

Or has the act of entering the Product Key on install locked that OEM OS to that computer already?

If it is not activated then it is okay.go ahead

cluberti said:

+1 - an OEM copy, once activated, is tied to the machine hardware it is activated on going forward. However, the requirement is that it be activated, not just installed. Bagavan is correct here, and you are ok to remove that installation from one machine and install it on another, as long as you do not activate it on the "old" machine.

Thanks guys. That's what I thought, but I wasn't sure. I've asked this question on a couple other Windows forums and got conflicting advice. I don't want to ebay this disk and then have to deal with a hassle if the buyer ran into difficulty activating the OS.

It's not like I'm trying to cheat Microsoft. I bought it legitimately from Newegg and 2 days after installation I removed it and reformatted that drive. Since I've got 3 computers now, it makes more sense for me to be a TechNet subscriber.

I'll make sure the buyer is aware of the limitations of an OEM disk. Those limitations are why Windows 7 Pro x64 OEM is 'only' $140.

Are you sure your install was not activated when you went online? Theres a box that gives you that option while installing win7, reads something like "Activate automatically when i go online". If you didnt uncheck that box while installing, its possible your windows was activated, when you connected to the internet.

If not activated you could have changed the Product Key at Computer>Properties to the TechNet key, or use slmgr -ipk followed by a space and Product key from elevated Command Prompt.

Bill2 said:

Are you sure your install was not activated when you went online? Theres a box that gives you that option while installing win7, reads something like "Activate automatically when i go online". If you didnt uncheck that box while installing, its possible your windows was activated, when you connected to the internet.

No, I definitely unticked that box.

Right after subscribing to TechNet and right before I uninstalled I looked at Computter|Properties|System and it read:

28 days to activate. Activate Windows Now

cluberti said:

Find out for sure running slmgr /dlv.

Good idea but I uninstalled it with a reformat right after joining TechNet.

gregrocker said:

If not activated you could have changed the Product Key at Computer>Properties to the TechNet key, or use slmgr -ipk followed by a space and Product key from elevated Command Prompt.

I'm running Windows Ultimate x64 now, the disk I'll be selling is Windows 7 Pro x64 OEM. In retrospect, I should have joined TechNet prior to buying the OEM disk from Newegg but I wasn't aware of the program. Now I just want to recoup some of my $150 investment.