invalid OEM Windows key

[eschatological]

Hey,

I bought an OEM copy of Windows 7 for my new build, and I can't seem to activate windows at all from the key on the CD case. The damn print is small as hell, but I've tried almost every variation I can think of (Bs for 8s, Xs and Ys, Gs and Cs) I don't know if my eyesight is just failing or if this happens when you buy OEM copies of Windows.

Any advice?

[Wrestler10307]

Call Microsoft and they can probably help you better than we would be able to here.

[Gravewyrm]

Hey,

I bought an OEM copy of Windows 7 for my new build, and I can't seem to activate windows at all from the key on the CD case. The damn print is small as hell, but I've tried almost every variation I can think of (Bs for 8s, Xs and Ys, Gs and Cs) I don't know if my eyesight is just failing or if this happens when you buy OEM copies of Windows.

Any advice?

When prompted for the Key, tick the checkbox below the field you would enter the key into. Do not enter anything for a key. This will allow you to finish the install. Once you have all your drivers installed, you can then activate online, and be done. You have 30 days to activate. This allows you time to troubleshoot stuff before you do the activation.

[eschatological]

I did finish the install after skippping. I've updated all the drivers, but I don't see how activaitng online solves any problems, as it's still asking for the key off the box which I have but isn't working.

[chazus]

Where did you buy the OEM from?

You should just be able to use the link when it doesn't work to contact/call microsoft and get it sorted out.

Alternatively, if you feel like it, you can get an image and PM me it (DO NOT POST IT HERE) and I can verify the numbers for you.

[eschatological]

I'll do the MS thing, I was just hoping there was a solution that didn't involve calling customer service.

I got it from some place called Outlet PC. It was on pcpartpicker.com, so I didn't think twice about it.

[chazus]

Where did you buy it from? You mentioned 'case' but OEM usually don't come in a case...

[eschatological]

I edited it in. Outlet PC.

It was a CD jewel case like PS/XBox games come in (rectangular) with a UPC and the product key sticker on the back of it, along with the booklet inside

- - - Updated - - -

Also, if I call MS, will they frown on an end user purchasing an OEM copy of Windows?

[Javelin3o4]

AFAIK the OEM copies for Win 7 were supposed to be sold with a pc component cause they were supposed to "tied" to that component but it never really mattered. I doubt they are going to care, all they usually care about is that the code is legit and its installed on 1 computer. Worst case would be the code is fake or blacklisted and they don't activate it and offer to sell you a legit key. I'd take a look at micorosft's site they have examples of what the COA Stickers should look like to tell if they are fake because it shouldnt be hard to read.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howto...aspx#Packaging

[eschatological]

Hmmmm...

I took some pictures to post here, and I got a really good focus snap of a code I had thought I had tried. Then I realized I *didn't* get all the combos of commonly mistyped letters. GODDAMN YOU YOU SILLY Bs/8s + a C mistaken for a G!

Grrrrrr.

[Viikkis]

Hmmmm...

I took some pictures to post here, and I got a really good focus snap of a code I had thought I had tried. Then I realized I *didn't* get all the combos of commonly mistyped letters. GODDAMN YOU YOU SILLY Bs/8s + a C mistaken for a G!

Grrrrrr.

Protip: NEVER share your keys on a forum. If you decide to share with someone you trust (still dumb though imo) do it privately.

[eschatological]

Oh, don't worry, I was in the process of blacking everything out to show the (what I thought was) unconventional packing/sticker compared to normal retail versions. Then I noticed the picture I took had a really clear, magnified view of the key which I thought I had tried, so I went for it.

On another note: I definitely need glasses.

[Deleted]

When trying to activate Windows, click on "activate over the phone" Takes 2 minutes.

Some copies of OEM wont automatically activate if there is no slic in the bios.

[Cyanotical]

Where did you buy it from? You mentioned 'case' but OEM usually don't come in a case...

OEM 7 comes in a clear DVD case