Best way to activate Win 7 Pro OEM?

[Ronin13]

Run:

slmgr /dlv

This will give lots of information about the activation configuration. I can't check what it should exactly output right now, but look for stuff about activation channel, license channel, and also if any KMS server is configured (an IP address or hostname, and a port, default 1688). Post the output (you can run cscript slmgr.vbs /dlv to get output in text instead of a dialog), remove stuff like PIDs (long alphanumeric string), computer hostname if you like and so on. License channel should be along the lines of OEM_SLP, OEM_COA or something for OEM licenses.

Alright, finished the build and installed the OS and ran slmgr /dlv

(Neither the dialog window nor the cscript text let's me copy the text to paste here...)

But among the info was this: OEM_COA_SLP channel - for what it's worth. This is before attempting the "slmgr.vbs -ato" activation.

 

[WilliamM2]

Alright, finished the build and installed the OS and ran slmgr /dlv

(Neither the dialog window nor the cscript text let's me copy the text to paste here...)

But among the info was this: OEM_COA_SLP channel - for what it's worth. This is before attempting the "slmgr.vbs -ato" activation.

It's a pirated verson, but you knew that all along. You really should turn this guy in. Where did you get it?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Locked_Pre-installation

 

[WilliamM2]

8.1 OEM can be reinstalled at will. I rebuilt the guts of my PC, slapped an 8.1 licence on it and it activated straight away. No calls, no nothing. NEVER EVER buy a Windows licence online from anyone but Microsoft and face to face make sure it comes with everything, packaging and all.

There are plenty of legit sources besides Microsoft. Newegg, Amazon, Staples, CDW, Insight, Ingram Micro, BB, and many others.

 

[Puffnstuff]

Used to I would have to search around to find decent pricing on os's but since 8.1 came out the pricing structure is pretty much the same everywhere so it's now a matter of convenience to get one. As for activation just go to control panel-system and activate online.

 

[postmortemIA]

Used to I would have to search around to find decent pricing on os's but since 8.1 came out the pricing structure is pretty much the same everywhere

Some online retailers like Newegg and Tigerdirect often have $20 off sales

 

[Ronin13]

Thanks for the suggestions. To clarify, I'm not in the US (and I'm only interested in Win 7 Pro).

It's a pirated verson, but you knew that all along. You really should turn this guy in. Where did you get it?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Locked_Pre-installation

I got it through a private seller here in Denmark, who I found on a site for local classifieds (I'm guessing that's the right term...).

I read some of that link. You're saying that the SLP part is a definite indicator that this is pirated, as a legit OEM version wouldn't have that?

 

[WilliamM2]

I read some of that link. You're saying that the SLP part is a definite indicator that this is pirated, as a legit OEM version wouldn't have that?

The OEM SLP part means it was originally licensed to a manufacturer (Dell, HP. Lenovo, etc.). These are only supposed to be sold with a computer. OEM system builder is the version that can be sold by retailers without a computer.

If it activates, it will eventually realize it's not installed on brand "x", and you will start getting the "this software is not genuine" message.

The fact you recieved a home burned dvd, and special activation instructions should make it more than obvious it's not legit.

 

[Ronin13]

Gotcha, thanks for explaining.

 

[Puffnstuff]

I purchased win 7 from viosoftware and haven't checked their prices lately. You could just buy a genuine key for the os you want and dl it from the windows forum which has all of them posted.

 

[cubby1223]

Thanks for the suggestions. To clarify, I'm not in the US (and I'm only interested in Win 7 Pro).

I got it through a private seller here in Denmark, who I found on a site for local classifieds (I'm guessing that's the right term...).

I read some of that link. You're saying that the SLP part is a definite indicator that this is pirated, as a legit OEM version wouldn't have that?

Most systems you buy in the store, say Dell, HP, etc., immediately upon booting the system into Windows, if you use one of the tools available to retrieve the product key, you will see the key inputted is actually different from the key printed on the COA. This alternate key you see inputted into Windows is the SLP.

A legitimate OEM product key, whether it's branded Dell, HP, or just generic OEM license, is installable on any hardware, using any official Microsoft installation media. You may have to phone in activation, after that you're good to go. The fact that you were given special instructions says you were sold something different than a genuine OEM product key.


What I would do is use an official Microsoft installation dvd, use the product key purchased. If it activates, you're good to go. If it demands you call in activation, do it. You're dealing with automated voice prompts the entire way through. Best case scenario they activate it for you (which if it's a real product key, it will activate), worst case scenario it doesn't activate and Windows is in "trial" mode, full functionality for I think 30 days, plenty of time to seek out another product key.

Do not ever use a Microsoft disc provided by a 3rd party seller. Proper, official installation media is easily available, and should always be what you use.

 

[vshah]

Maybe he wants to delay activation past a refund / return / dispute window ?

 

[Mushkins]

As for the remote access part, it did raise a red flag which is why I'd never go that way. Even though I'm not sure there'll be much to come after, on a completely fresh install, as I'd hope those going with that offer makes sure to uninstall whatever software used after the 'support'. But maybe some don't, and this guy keeps an open door to their stuff.

As for the "tie the OEM license to your hardware" bit, I may have translated poorly. Doesn't an OEM license marry itself to your hardware (specifically the motherboard?), at some part during installation or activation?

I was under the impression that an OEM license won't install again, if you either update your mobo or try installing on another system?

A System Builder OEM Key does not tie itself to the hardware via any technical means, at all. It is 100% a licensing legality based on the honor system. It *will* activate if you use it in 100% new hardware, but it is illegal to do so (and deactivate any currently running installations using that key).

Maybe he wants to delay activation past a refund / return / dispute window ?

That's precisely what the seller is doing. 180 days from now when the "trial" activation ends, this seller will be long gone. This is a known scam.