bought parts, got the rig running, bought a Win 7 COA key on ebay... it's a dell key, and it was blocked by Microsoft both online and by phone. I guess it's my mistake to think that Microsoft would let it go through so my question is: Can I successfully activate a legit key from any OEM source on this motherboard? Is it just a gamble if the key is going to be blocked? Or do I need a specific key that will work with MSI, or am I screwed by using MSI, do I need a retail key?
MSI mobo rig - Windows 7 activation blocked
- Thread starter gaber72
- Start date
Solution
MERGED QUESTION
Question from gaber72 : "Is it possible to match Windows 7 OEM key to an MSI motherboard?"
You need a retail Windows 7 key to be properly licensed on a new motherboard.
OEM keys are for system builders who then sell the system (think Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.).
Question from gaber72 : "Is it possible to match Windows 7 OEM key to an MSI motherboard?"
You need a retail Windows 7 key to be properly licensed on a new motherboard.
OEM keys are for system builders who then sell the system (think Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.).
- Jun 19, 2011
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Microsoft is no longer making win 7 keys. And the few legitimate(licensed) sellers that have them are charging $100+.
A standard OEM key will work. The problem is you bought a key that was not suppose to be resold(it was tied to a Dell system) so it is not valid on any other system which is the risk you take when buying from ebay and gray market key sites.
A standard OEM key will work. The problem is you bought a key that was not suppose to be resold(it was tied to a Dell system) so it is not valid on any other system which is the risk you take when buying from ebay and gray market key sites.
Thanks for the help. If I should buy an OEM part/key off ebay and it actually works, am I actually taking part in the seller defrauding Microsoft? I kind of take the viewpoint that if it activates online, it's fair.
I'm not hell bent, I think there are benefits to having a retail disc w/key, this is just an academic question.
EDIT: seen you replied as I was entering this. Thanks bignastyid! So I guess I have be real careful that it's "standard" and not specific to a manufacturer, I like the hunting, I will keep working on it. Will probly give up and buy a retail key in the end.
Merry Christmas!
I'm not hell bent, I think there are benefits to having a retail disc w/key, this is just an academic question.
EDIT: seen you replied as I was entering this. Thanks bignastyid! So I guess I have be real careful that it's "standard" and not specific to a manufacturer, I like the hunting, I will keep working on it. Will probly give up and buy a retail key in the end.
Merry Christmas!
- Jun 19, 2011
- 33,489
- 1,620
- 159,590
Windows 7 OEM keys are tied to the motherboard of the system they are first installed on. So if you buy an OEM copy you need to make sure it never been used on another system.
My 2 cents: as I said before, OEM keys are intended for system builders who sell the system, not for someone building one at home for their use. An OEM key, provided it was not used before, will work to activate Windows, it doesn't know or care if it is going on a builders system or not. So if you don't care to license it correctly you can use an OEM key, that's up to you. If you want to license it correctly then a retail key is the only key that will do that.
I don't personally care, and there is no one watching for OEM keys being misused, but to me if you are going to bother to pay for Windows at all, then you may as well do it correctly.
I don't personally care, and there is no one watching for OEM keys being misused, but to me if you are going to bother to pay for Windows at all, then you may as well do it correctly.
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