How do I activate Windows 7 by phone, if I do not have the option?

Brds7t7 said:

Solo123 said:

shadow2201 said:

What the disc says is slightly less important than where are you getting the product key from? Did you purchase a product key for Windows 7 at some point, or are you taking the product key from an old dell computer and trying to use that key to install Windows on your new custom built computer?

I bought the CD which came with a product key off ebay almost two months ago.

Sorry Solo but buying licence keys from eBay is a risky business. Sounds like that key is not designed to be activated on a non Dell system.

Ok, thanks very much for your help.
I had no idea keys were so specific.

Retail keys can be used on any system, as long as it's only activated on one system.

OEM/System builder keys can be put on a custom build PC but will be tied to that PC/Motherboard.

OEM Manufacturer keys like Dell, Acer, HP etc are only designed for those systems and usually have a COA sticker attached to the system.
There are some sellers on eBay who will sell OEM manufacturer keys that have been previously activated on other systems. They're violating the OEM licence terms and shouldn't be selling those.

I'm not sure of your options in Ireland, but you could try Amazon? Don't buy from a marketplace seller though, I would only buy if shipped directly from Amazon.

Brds7t7 said:

Retail keys can be used on any system, as long as it's only activated on one system.

OEM/System builder keys can be put on a custom build PC but will be tied to that PC/Motherboard.

OEM Manufacturer keys like Dell, Acer, HP etc are only designed for those systems and usually have a COA sticker attached to the system.
There are some sellers on eBay who will sell OEM manufacturer keys that have been previously activated on other systems. They're violating the OEM licence terms and shouldn't be selling those.

I'm not sure of your options in Ireland, but for could try Amazon? Don't buy from a marketplace seller though, I would only buy if shipped directly from Amazon.

Ok, thanks. So I should look for a "Retail Key", and it should definitely work on this machine? Would I need to reinstall Windows for it to work or just enter the new key?

Retail keys are very hard to come by now. They only come with a full boxed product. You could be paying a lot to find one. If you do look for one of those on eBay you'd need to make sure the listing has full photos of the box.
Make sure the seller has good a good reputation, is a long time seller. Here is a good example, as you can see it's fully boxed in shrink-wrap packaging.

Windows 7 Home premium 32 and 64 bit version | eBay

windows 7 home premium brand new unopened 32 and 64 bit | eBay

But, I won't be held responsible for anything bought from eBay. It's at your own risk.

Brds7t7 said:

Retail keys are very hard to come by now. They only come with a full boxed product. You could be paying a lot to find one. If you do look for one of those on eBay you'd need to make sure the listing has full photos of the box.
Make sure the seller has good a good reputation, is a long time seller. Here is a good example, as you can see it's fully boxed in shrink-wrap packaging.

Windows 7 Home premium 32 and 64 bit version | eBay

windows 7 home premium brand new unopened 32 and 64 bit | eBay

But, I won't be held responsible for anything bought from eBay. It's at your own risk.

Ok, I understand. Whats the usual retail price for these?
If I bought a "OEM/System builder key", does that mean if I replaced my Mother Board, it wouldn't work on another?

For a retail boxed product? Expensive, as they're not easy to find now. You'd have to do some searching around.
OEM/System builder packs are a lot cheaper. If the motherboard dies you may be able to phone microsoft and explain that you're replacing the board as long as it's not being transferred to a new PC . But that's entirely at MS discretion.

Not sure why, but every time I've tried to buy software from Newegg it always comes up as "unavailable for UK" when I'm in the cart.
Not sure if this is some sort of restriction on shipping to the UK? Anyone else had any luck with this?

AddRAM said:

You can look at this page as an example, you can switch it to England at the top of the page and see if anything comes up.

Buy Microsoft Windows Ultimate, Professional, Home & More - Newegg.com

OEM is fine you do not need retail.

https://softwaregeeks.co.uk/product/...8P8HAQ#reviews
Would this work on my PC? And do you think this seller is legitimate?