Product key does not match current Windows SKU

julianhj · 28 Dec 2013 at 18:30

I've resurrected my old desktop to give to my in-laws. I've bought them a Win 7 product key, and installed a fresh copy on a formatted HDD. I've only got the key, which was not supplied with a disc. I've no reason to doubt the legitimacy of the key or seller, based on previous feedback (buy it now auction purchase, over 50 similar items already sold). I've used one of my Win 7 HP discs (bought the day Win 7 was released). On installation, I got the above message.

I've done a bit of Googling, and it appears that the code I have may be for a later version of Win7HP. The seller provided a link to an iso, and stated that it was the Service Pack 1 version.

I don't have any blank DVDs here, other than a used DVD-RW. I do have a USB stick. I'm currently downloading the ISO in case have to start from scratch with that.

My questions are:

Is there a quick and easy way to resolve this?
Is phone activation possible in these circs? I can't find a number anywhere.
Will there be any issues trying to create a bootable DVD using the ISO and DVD-RW if the above are not options?
How tricky is it to boot/install from USB?

lurkio · 28 Dec 2013 at 23:45

How much did this "key" cost you ?

csmager · 29 Dec 2013 at 10:29

Use this tool to create a bootable USB stick:

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool

julianhj · 29 Dec 2013 at 10:50

lurkio said:
How much did this "key" cost you ?

£24.99 - seller has sold 32 copies, is a business seller. He has the remaining copies listed at £49.99

I've bought some blank DVDs this morning, so I'm just about to reinstall from the ISO...

d_brennen · 29 Dec 2013 at 10:56

Buying a key like this on eBay is about as legitimate as pirating, but you've paid. Did the seller even send you an unused COA sticker?

IceUK · 29 Dec 2013 at 11:04

Seems very cheap to me, but that besides silly question did dashes between the numbers?

julianhj · 29 Dec 2013 at 11:28

COA sticker in the post ATM, key emailed ahead first. Dashes added automatically when inputting.

If it's fake, I'm not massively fussed as I'll get a refund via PayPal and leave negative feedback for the seller.

nightmare99 · 29 Dec 2013 at 11:59

He is probably selling refurbisher keys so really you are not properly licenced. What these guys like to do is scrape an old XP COA off from an old PC and stick it to a W7 Home Premium refurbisher disc/COA as they think this makes it a proper licence.

julianhj · 29 Dec 2013 at 12:03

Now getting bored of this process. Burnt the ISO on to a disc, booted OK but when I tried to install, it told me the DVD driver was missing. Tried using the USB tool linked above, however the ISO is apparently 'not valid'.

KIA · 29 Dec 2013 at 12:16

Did you use an ISO from digitalriver? http://forums.mydigitallife.info/th...t-links-Multiple-Languages-X86-amp-X64/page60

julianhj · 29 Dec 2013 at 14:53

KIA said:
Did you use an ISO from digitalriver? http://forums.mydigitallife.info/th...t-links-Multiple-Languages-X86-amp-X64/page60

Hi, yes I did, I downloaded the '58996' version from that page.

freddie64 · 30 Dec 2013 at 00:16

If you have virtual dvd drive such as "Virtual Clone Drive", mount the .iso image and use this guide to make a bootable usb stick.

http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-7vista-from-usb-drive-detailed-100-working-guide/

Used this myself and it works. Also with the key, are you typing it correctly ie number 0 or letter O?

csmager · 30 Dec 2013 at 09:24

Note the bottom of that guide has an update that links to the same tool I did above - the manual process isn't necessary.

freddie64 · 30 Dec 2013 at 13:50

For some reason the tool didn't work for me so had to do it manually and it worked.

julianhj · 30 Dec 2013 at 16:47

Well, looks like a fraud. I downloaded a different ISO from Digital River, and each key still came up wrong.

I went to contact him again via Ebay for a refund and his listings have been pulled, so I've raised a dispute. I've paid by PP, so not too worried. All I've lost is time. Now on the hunt for another (genuine) copy...

Caged · 30 Dec 2013 at 20:39

If it's priced a bit cheap then it probably isn't legit. Ignoring the Windows 8 promo period earlier this year the pricing for Windows has been very consistent.

nightmare99 · 30 Dec 2013 at 21:23

You are probably looking around the £70 mark unless you can find a retail copy second hand somewhere.

Burnsy2023 · 30 Dec 2013 at 23:51

Looks like it'll be a MSDN key or similar.

julianhj · 31 Dec 2013 at 07:55

The refund went through quickly and I've posted a wanted ad on MM. Thanks everyone for your advice.

bledd · 31 Dec 2013 at 08:59

If it looks to good to be true...

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