Can a newly purchased Product Key be added on top of an invalid key easily enough?

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Toddskins

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Feb 14, 2012
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After 1½ years of use with no problems on my newly built desktop machine (Windows 7 Pro 64-bit, i7 4790k, Asus Hero vii motherboard, Samsung EVO 850 500GB SSD), today when turning on my system was alerted to a non-genuine installation of Windows 7 notice. I thought the copy I had bought 20 months ago was a legitimate full retail version, having the hologrammed DVD and product key on the case.

I don't know, but when I attempted using the built-in activation wizard in Windows 7 (online as well as by phone), I'm told my key is not valid.

So in short, if I am able to buy a valid key at this point in time, is it easy enough to add the valid key without having to do a full installation?

Also, is it even possible to get a valid key at this time?

I'm not happy today.
 
Solution
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http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Software.aspx

check your stuff. if it seems legal (it passes all the checks that Microsoft says) you might want to call Microsoft and ask them whats going on. could be that simple.

also note https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Shop.aspx

"With the exception of Product Key Cards (PKC’s) distributed with COA’s, Microsoft does not distribute products keys as standalone products. If you see a listing on an auction site, online classified ad, or other online page advertising product keys for sale, it’s a good indication that the keys are likely stolen or counterfeit. If you were to purchase and use a stolen or counterfeit product key to activate Windows installed on your PC, the key may not...
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maxwellmelon

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http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Software.aspx

check your stuff. if it seems legal (it passes all the checks that Microsoft says) you might want to call Microsoft and ask them whats going on. could be that simple.

also note https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Shop.aspx

"With the exception of Product Key Cards (PKC’s) distributed with COA’s, Microsoft does not distribute products keys as standalone products. If you see a listing on an auction site, online classified ad, or other online page advertising product keys for sale, it’s a good indication that the keys are likely stolen or counterfeit. If you were to purchase and use a stolen or counterfeit product key to activate Windows installed on your PC, the key may not work for activation, may already be in use on another PC, or it might be blocked from use later by Microsoft when the key is reported stolen. The best way to get everything you expect up front is to buy genuine Microsoft software preinstalled on a new PC or genuine Microsoft software from an authorized reseller."

 
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Toddskins

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Feb 14, 2012
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Thanks Maxwellmelon. Can you help me with a couple more things?

1) Does this site selling Windows 7 seem like I would get a genuine product? http://www.microsoftonlinestores.com/windows-7-professional-sp1-p-58.html



I would much appreciate your answers, if you are able.

I will attempt to call Microsoft after the 4th of July holiday, but that site link I just gave is only charging $32 for the key. That's like nothing to me if it works.


UPDATED: I removed question #2 regarding how to implement a new Key, as I found the answer on another site.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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That site is not a valid reseller.
If you find it substantially cheaper than Amazon or Newegg, it is unlikely to be valid.

A key bought from there may report as valid and activated. Only to become deactivated 3 months from now.
Yes, this happens.
 
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