New Key !?

Adrian said:

Stu49 said:

Tews said:

You cant use an upgrade for the same version that you already have installed... unfortunately, you will need to do a clean install ... I know its not what you want to hear, just consider it a lesson learned... follow this tutorial on how to do a clean install from an upgrade DVD... Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

but it's asking for a NEW key !! so why won't it accept the one I've bought ??

Stu, your dilemma is that the OEM does not match the key. If the copy you purchased off of ebay is pirated no matter what key you purchase will not activate it. As Tews suggested you must perform a complete clean installation.
Your Premium Disk that you purchased? Will have the Product key. I know its a major pain but thats your only option.

If that's the case then I could have saved money by buying the Professional version !? C'est la vie !!

It should arrive tomorrow, so I'll be back with results ! Fingers crossed ur wrong !!

Where does OEM come into anything ?? If it was a copy of a retail MS disk ??
Don't follow that !?

Stu49 said:

Adrian said:

Stu49 said:

but it's asking for a NEW key !! so why won't it accept the one I've bought ??

Stu, your dilemma is that the OEM does not match the key. If the copy you purchased off of ebay is pirated no matter what key you purchase will not activate it. As Tews suggested you must perform a complete clean installation.
Your Premium Disk that you purchased? Will have the Product key. I know its a major pain but thats your only option.

If that's the case then I could have saved money by buying the Professional version !? C'est la vie !!

It should arrive tomorrow, so I'll be back with results ! Fingers crossed ur wrong !!

Good luck Matey, will be here!

[QUOTE=Adrian;814477]

Stu49 said:

If the copy you purchased off of ebay is pirated no matter what key you purchase will not activate it.

Then why is it asking me to purchase a new key and taking me to a MS site to buy one !? I must be able to type one in then or it's being very stupid !!??

??

[QUOTE=Stu49;814516]

Adrian said:

Stu49 said:

If the copy you purchased off of ebay is pirated no matter what key you purchase will not activate it.

Then why is it asking me to purchase a new key and taking me to a MS site to buy one !? I must be able to type one in then or it's being very stupid !!??

??

Microsoft is not always overly helpful... but they have leaned you in the right direction.

By the way, I believe the difference that Tews is making in OEM keys has to do with the license designation. He is are correct in saying that these aren't interchangeable. e.g. you can't swap an volume license key for an OEM key, or a WAU key, etc. However as a repair install re-licenses it might work, i really don't know and I can't find the info I was reading from Gregrocker earlier to post it.... but I will ask him for us. ;-)

I've sent Greg a message. But something more important occurred to me.

If the key is a stolen key, where did the software come from? Was it on a disk sent by the same guy on ebay or did you download it direct from Microsoft? Because if the key is bad, do you really want to trust the software from this guy, there could be all sorts of malicious code in it.

TimStitt said:

I've sent Greg a message. But something more important occurred to me.

If the key is a stolen key, where did the software come from? Was it on a disk sent by the same guy on ebay or did you download it direct from Microsoft? Because if the key is bad, do you really want to trust the software from this guy, there could be all sorts of malicious code in it.

He said he had DLd it directly from MS ! I thought it was a bulk license, but obviously not ! I think it was simply copied from his DL and the Key added to the packet. Probably the same key sold over and over !! He disappeared off eBay a couple of months later !! Have sent his email addy to MS though

Thanks for all ur help guys :)

This story is a real bummer and the exact reason that I am skeptical of buying anything off eBay and specifically never buy software. For Microsoft software, your best bet is to invest in your own personal copy of Technet standard. For $199...it gives you almost everything you could ever want, with multiple keys, etc.

Sorry I was traveling today and just got Tim's PM. The solution is indeed a Repair Install as it completely resets activation and makes the installation a clean slate for a new Product key, - whether full retail, factory OEM, and specifically an Upgrade such as you purchased.

But Tim's warning that the install DVD might itself be corrupt is a concern. For example, the pirate seller might have slipped in a BIOS-mod emulation to activate it, although I don't think that would survive a Repair Install, which reinstalls the OS while transferring over files, settings and programs, assuring System File integrity in process.

This is providing you do the Repair Install with a verified install disk whose ISO passes official HASH check for Win7 Ultimate. using a tool like Hashtab. You can avoid this by obtaining your install media from a trusted source. I would also test the original install media as having it pass HASH would relieve any fears, although failing HASH doesn't count it out I would be wary of it and study it closer.

I would also use the best lightweight free AV solution Microsoft Security Essentials as it is being updated to detect all activation exploits and other tampering.

gregrocker said:

Sorry I was traveling today and just got Tim's PM. The solution is indeed a Repair Install as it completely resets activation and makes the installation a clean slate for a new Product key, - whether full retail, factory OEM, or an Upgrade such as you purchased.

The Upgrade is actually done in place by the Repair Install which clears the use of Upgrade version key. It provides a great convenience since you don't have to reinstall programs, files or settings. Since this is your aim, and your aim appears to be true, then it is certainly worth a try and our support.

The worst that can happen is you might have to clean reinstall but that would only be if some other BIOS-mod-emulation hack was slipped in by the eBay seller which was finally detected, instead of just a failed key.

@GregRocker - Thanks for jumping in here Greg and clarifying for us (especially me), I know you've had multiple threads on this subject and I've mentally tagged it as one of your areas of expertise (Note to self to bookmark useful threads in the future).

Stu49 said:

He said he had DLd it directly from MS !

@Stu - He's already proven not be trustworthy, so I would lean towards a fresh install for the sake of security..... and if you haven't already complain to EBAY as well.

zigzag3143 said:

The added problem is since it is not a Genuine MS product you can never be sure what has been added or removed. It may not even be initially evident but can cause havoc down the line

@ZigZag - Exactly, we have no idea if the original product has been tampered with.