Windows Activation Help Please

Good day all! I was doing a little looking around on the computer and found the following message under the system tab:

1 day until automatic activation. Activate windows now.

It shows a 20 character Product ID with OEM after the first five characters. I looked on the bottom of the computer and found a 25 alphanumeric Product Key. I believe, under the system tab, it used to say that it was activated. We have had the computer well over a year and I have not done any mods or motherboard maintenance. It is an HP running 7 Home Premium/64 with SP1. Don't want to render the computer useless or run into something costly. Any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks! Duckman

try using the Activate windows now and enter the key you found on the bottom of the computer and see what happens.

scrooge

Scrooge, Thanks for the response. Please bear with me, I know just enough about computers to get into trouble. However, here I don't. What would/will/can happen if it's incorrect or it doesn't accept the key?

Duckman

it should just say to enter another key or make sure you entered the key correct.
there should be a button to call in your Activatsion number aswell.


scrooge

Scrooge, I will give it a go in the morning when I have more time. Must head off to work soon. What could happen if no action is taken on my part? Will post the results tomorrow. Again, thanks.

Duckman

if i'm not mistaken (and i may be) but i think after your time is up you'll just get a black screen and will not be able to see or use your desktop untill you Activate it.


scrooge

Scrooge, Done, It now says Windows activated and a Silverlight logo to the right that I never noticed before. The OEM key that I mentioned in an earlier post was also changed. Does Microsoft require this process periodically?

Duckman

Hope you don't mind me contributing to the thread, but the first number you mentioned (with OEM in it) is your operating system's Product ID. OEM stand for Original Equipment Manufacturer and tells Microsoft's activation database that you are using OEM software.

Under normal circumstances, you shouldn't need to activate this software because it should activate automatically whenever you re-install the software.

The Product Key that you mention should correspond with the one on your COA (Certificate of Activation) sticker on the outside of your computer.

I can only imagine that there was a query with Microsoft's validation database, which then required you to re-enter your Product Key (which is different from your Product ID).

Just to recap:

The Product ID tells Microsoft whether you are using OEM or retail software.
The Product Key is what you use to activate your software.
Activation is used to ensure you are using genuine Microsoft software.
Validation is a check that Microsoft carries out after your software has been activated and is used to counteract the use of pirated software.
With OEM software you shouldn't normally need to activate it.

glad to see you got it fixed...


scrooge

scrooge and seavixen32, Thanks for the help and info. Now I can pass along the info to family and friends if they run into this issue.

duckman