Invalid windows key

Slime101

Slime101

Slime101

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I have the student offer windows 7 which i am trying to install, i purchased the additional dvd media and am running from that but its saying my product key is invalid!!!

How can this be as its brand spanking new, and i only purchased it last week???
 
Well, assuming someone hasn't stolen it from the store / place you got it from then it's possible a key generator made it.

COntact MS / return it?

I'm assuming that you're entering it correctly? I've mistaken a letter before when I've been in a rush!
 
Last edited:
Entered it it douzen times now, pain in the rear!!!

Ive completed the install without the key for now but i cant see it working for long without one.
 
No, not using office key - i only purchased windows so it can only be a windows key!

I've looked at bits of the thread above, am i missing somthing, i did what i was ment to, inserted the CD and installed the software but it doesnt like the key???
 
phone microsoft and they'll give you a new key. i can't believe this hasn't been suggested already.
 
I was misreading an 8 as a B in my license key, or vice versa. Seeing as you've installed without the key couldn't you activate it now, but instead of typing it copy and paste the key?
 
Dark_Angel said:
Well, assuming someone hasn't stolen it from the store / place you got it from then it's possible a key generator made it.

COntact MS / return it?

I'm assuming that you're entering it correctly? I've mistaken a letter before when I've been in a rush!
Click to expand...

Aod said:
phone microsoft and they'll give you a new key. i can't believe this hasn't been suggested already.
Click to expand...

Apparently "contacting MS" doesn't count then? :D
 
had the same issue, basically the key is an upgrade key and if you install windows from scratch it won't accept the key. you've done the right thing in just installing without the key you've got 30 days to register. This is how to clean install W7 upgrade to new HDD:

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Boot up the PC with the Windows 7 Upgrade DVD disc media into DVD-ROM drive.
Note: May need to change boot sequence or boot order of device in BIOS, and/or press any key to boot from CD/DVD drive.

Follow the Windows 7 Install Wizard to install the operating system on the blank, empty and clean system.
During installation, when prompted for a product key, DO NOT enter the upgrade version product key.
Tip: This step is to prevent “Invalid Product Key” error. User can try to input the serial number to check if setup accepts the key. If it’s accepted, all the rest of steps can be skipped.

Unselect and untick the Automatically activate Windows when I’m online check box during the installation process.
After Windows 7 is installed, boot up to desktop, and manually enter the Windows 7 upgrade product key to activate online or activate via phone.

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if it doesn't activate try the following

Workaround 1: Use SLMgr Commands to Insert Product Key and Activate

Open an elevated command prompt as administrator.
Use the following command to install product key:
slmgr -ipk <upgrade product key>

Activate Windows 7 with the following command:
slmgr -ato

thanks to this site, saved my life:
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/...t-key-on-formatted-or-empty-blank-hard-drive/
 
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