CD key is suddenly not accepted during fresh install

carlazai

carlazai

carlazai

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16 Feb 2007
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I have just reinstalled windows on a fresh hard drive but now my windows 7 product key is not recognised. This is during the initial setup. I have tried the key a few times.

This is madness as i had fresh installed 20 or 30 times now but now it says my key is not valid.

Has anyone else had this problem? Is there any way for microsoft to issue me a new cd key or is it a case of having to buy a windows 8 disc just to keep going?
 
You are possibly using a oem install disk with a retail code or vice versa. Often they are not compatible. Ensure you are using the same installation media as before.

I'd expect 30 installations with the same key may raise a flag and require you to phone up to activate, however as it's at the install stage you can just enter no key. And activate at a later date.
 
Its a copy i got from the student program, full windows for £40. I once had an issue where it wouldnt activate. This time it is really odd that at install stage the key is not recognised.
 
Ring the number it tells you and give them the details, it will give you a new number. All automated but there are charges.
 
If you have done the install several times then either you are typing the key wrong or you are using a different ( and incorrect ) media
 
Microsoft blocks the key after it's been used a certain number of times. I've had it happen with several discs over the years. From Microsofts own website they state; "This key allows multiple activations and is used for retail builds of the product. In many cases, 10 activations are allowed per key, though often more are allowed on the same machine." for their retail keys.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/cc137104.aspx

I'm also sure with a retail copy as well as an OEM copy, if the hardware profile has changed it will also block the key. That's how MS product activation works. It uses an algorithm to create a hardware hash that it links to your activation key. Switch anything out and the hash don't match.

In any case, you'll have to phone them to activate.
 
Microsoft blocks the key after it's been used a certain number of times.
Click to expand...
As you state that would only effect activation not the point where the op is trying to enter it.
Does the student version not have different media to retail/oem like it does with office 2010?
 
if you ring the automated activation line at the end it says to press the number of pcs windows is on. press 1 and you'll activate
 
Does anyone have the number to call MS please? I cannot find it anywhere, all i get is a indian call centre.

I did try to enter my cd key into the change cd key window but even then it would accept it. Very frustrating, and this is not even activation
 
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