My Technet Win7 won't activate

[mazeroth]

I had an MS Technet account about 2 years ago and got an unlimited licensed copy of Win7 Ultimate 64 bit. I just built a new computer and installed Win7 on it but now it won't let me activate it. It's giving me a "The product key you typed cannot be used to activate Windows on this computer." Any ideas why? My HTPC and 2 other computers I have are all using this key. Do the Technet keys expire if you don't renew?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JackMDS]

I do not remember an Unlimited Key it use to be 10 Keys for a specifc version, and or Enterprise with 10 renewals.

However check with TechNet support the rules changed few times in the last few years.

If it is Action Pack then the rules might be different.

 

[corkyg]

Yes - check with Technet. The rules have changed including the number of keys you can get. There are now different categories of subscription, i.e., STandard and Pro. (Different prices!)

 

[mazeroth]

But still, this PC has the same key as it always has. I just upgraded the mobo+cpu and wanted a fresh install of Win7. Heck, what if my HD crashed and I had to do a fresh install. Am I SoL?

 

[corkyg]

No, not necessarily. There are now limits on the number of keys you can have and number of activations. Why not log in and check your account and see exactly where you stand?

 

[Veliko]

You say you had the Technet account 2 years ago - do you mean to say that you aren't paying the subscription any more? 'Cos that would probably explain why you can't activate the key.

 

[pcgeek11]

You say you had the Technet account 2 years ago - do you mean to say that you aren't paying the subscription any more? 'Cos that would probably explain why you can't activate the key.

No the keys are good even after the subscription is over...

 

[DrGreen2007]

When I looked at the FAQ online it reads "g.Subscription Services. In order to access or use subscription services that may be available to you, such as software downloads, technical support and product keys, your subscription must be active."
Thats on technet plus, maybe that changed recently?
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/cc294422.aspx

 

[corkyg]

That is true for current access. The account must be active. But, keys and activations do stay active even when your subscription expires.

 

[Steltek]

That is true for current access. The account must be active. But, keys and activations do stay active even when your subscription expires.

But, key reactivations won't always work - I accidentally let my Technet account lapse early this year and two of my existing keys wouldn't reactivate after system changes until after I renewed my account.

MS has become more proactive lately about terminating keys for non-active Technet accounts. I suspect that it is tied in with their anti-piracy changes for Technet and MSDN.

 

[corkyg]

Steltek - good point, you're probably right. Mine has been renewed every year.

 

[Leros]

Have you tried calling the activation hotline? I've got them to help me out with every problem I've had. They even seem to be willing to bend the rules a bit to help you out.

 

[HydroSqueegee]

well this is good to know. my technet account is expired and i was about to realod my PC, just been procrastinating. Hopefully i dont run into this problem.

 

[Oyeve]

My account expired 5 years ago. Good times back then.