Solved I have an MSDN windows 7 key on my computer, how long will it last?

NoelDP said:

MSDN Keys operate under special rules - which can change from time to time.
MSDN Keys allow 10 simultaneous activations, in contrast to the single activation allowed under Retail rules, but MS reserves the right to terminate the license at any time (although they haven't exercised that right, with the exception of abused keys, so far as I know).
TechNet had similar rights - but they are now subscription licenses, and have to be renewed annually. I don't know if MSDN either have, or are planning on going the same route.

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NoelDP said:

An MSDN Key, like a Retail one, has unlimited activations on the same hardware.
Unlike a Retail Key, MSDN licenses are restricted to use in a non-production environment.

It is not possible to buy 'a key' for any version of Windows - you MUST buy the complete package, or you can guarantee that it's counterfeit.

You need to check the License terms that came with your MSDN package for the precise terms, but my understanding is that any Key retrieved before at least July 2012 is perpetual - certainly mine from 2004-ish are still working fine (my subs expired in 2007)
The only reason I put that date in, is because it was the cut-off date for TechNet perpetual licenses.

As far as checking the genuine-ness of Keys is concerned:-
The best check is to be certain of your source - do NOT buy on eBay, Craig'sList, or similar flea-markets, as they are almost certainly going to be counterfeits.
Once you get the package, if it's not from an impeccable source, check it before opening for the quality of the packaging, and any typos, etc.
Once you open it, check the Disk(s) and make sure that there are no stickers instead of the imprinted hologram.

As far as the Key is concerned, you could ring the Activation Center to check it - but they will/can only give a yes/no response to whether it is currently blocked or not.
If you post an MGADiag report in the forums here, I or someone can give a more log-term view on the probability of it being genuine (and staying that way!). Unless it shows definite signs of being non-genuine, it's impossible to be 100% certain about it, but having read 20,000 or so reports, I've got pretty good at it

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Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.

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NoelDP said:

That's fine - Amazon itself is rock-solid (but the Amazon MarketPlace sellers are not)
Note that it says

Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.

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Note also the following....

1) It's an OEM license - which means that It cannot be transferred to another machine under any circumstances. The license lives and dies on the first motherboard on which it is activated (with certain strict exceptions)
2) There's no support from MS (that what the higher-priced Retail version includes)
3) you can just swap the Key into your current install (assuming it's for Win7Pro) and activate it, with no problems, if you need to.

If you want to be able to move the license to another machine, or upgrade the motherboard on that one, then you'd need a full retail license.

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VistaKing said:

The eBay link you provided shows a dell OEM windows 7 . Not what you looking for

Code:

OEM Windows 7 Professional 32bit with CoA License Product Key
Item Description:
This item is an [B]Original DELL Branded OEM[/B] Microsoft operating system installation DVD disc containing the full 32bit version of Windows 7 Professional including service pack 1 (SP1). (This is NOT an upgrade version)
The software is new and has never been installed on any computer.
The software is supplied with a genuine and unregistered product key.
The software will install on any PC desktop or laptop/notebook computer which is capable of installing and running 32bit Windows 7. (Please check your system is capable of running 32bit version)
Will install on self/custom built and other non-branded machines.
Will install on new machines or machines that have a new hard drive and/or no operating system.
Boot from CD and follow on screen instructions
Once installed and activated you will be able to receive full updates and support for your operating system
The item comes in sealed sleeve with the CoA sticker attached to front as per the second image in the gallery. Retail packaging is NOT included.

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NoelDP said:

Please post your MGADiag report - and look in the battery compartment and see if you have a COA sticker of any kind in there.

Please follow this tutorial and post an MGADiag report - then we can see what the problem is.

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/234159-windows-genuine-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html

Ignore errors produced when clicking on the Copy button - they simply mean that the tool could not create the backup files for some reason. The data is still copied to the clipboard for pasting to your response.

Please also state the Version and Edition of Windows quoted on your COA sticker (if you have one) on the case of your machine (or inside the battery compartment), but do NOT quote the Key on the sticker!
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Hardware.aspx

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NoelDP said:

It will only last until the vendor trips the abuse tag at the MS servers - then at next validation all the machines it is installed on will be flagged as non-genuine.

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NoelDP said:

All legit Retail copies come with both 32-bit and 64-bit disks.
All OEM copies only come with one disk - either 64-bit or 32-bit - but the Key will activate both 64-bit and 32-bit installs (but only one at a time!).

Technically, there is nothing to stop you buying and using an OEM Key - it's a case of ethics and law. The OEM license terms specify that the OS must installed on the machine in a particular way - for a third party to use.
If you're prepared to ignore that, then theoretically, MS could revoke the license and block the Key for that alone. So far as I am aware, they have never done so for a self-builder.

To my mind the biggest thing against OEM licenses is the fact that they cannot be transferred to new machines, and the motherboard cannot be upgraded.

NOTE:
As far as I know, Dell do not ship machines without a license of some kind - so what is your machine licensed for?
If it's for Windows7 Pro, then no problem - simply swap the COA Key in.
If it's for any other edition of Windows 7, life gets a little more complicated- but you could use an Amytime Upgrade Key

If it's for an earlier edition of Windows, then you could use a full retail Upgrade Key (and a bit of hassle).

If it's for Windows 8 Pro, then simply talk to Dell and see if they will provide a Win7 Recovery set for your machine.


DO NOT buy anything on eBay!! The instance you pointed to is COUNTERFEIT.

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NoelDP said:

My MSDN I acquired because I was a subscriber to MSDN (through being an MS-MVP for 5 years).

If you simply purchased the Win7 key, then you were sold one of dozens that the vendor sold - eventually it WILL hit the trigger-point as more people reinstall, or he cashes in on whatever remaining sales he can make.
Once that happens, the Key will be blocked - and validation will fail on all machines with that Key installed, and activation will fail on any new installs done with that Key.

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