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WHS Activation Key Does Not Work - OEM Software RRS feed

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    Hello, I downloaded WHS trial version from microsoft's website and configured appropriately planning to purchase the software to ultimately activate with a valid key.

    I purchased the software from NewEgg and attempted to activate WHS with the key on the purchased software and it did not work (says key is invalid).

    I contacted Microsoft and they could not help ...

    What are my options?
    Tuesday, November 10, 2009 12:47 AM

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    Hello, I downloaded WHS trial version from microsoft's website and configured appropriately planning to purchase the software to ultimately activate with a valid key.

    I purchased the software from NewEgg and attempted to activate WHS with the key on the purchased software and it did not work (says key is invalid).

    I contacted Microsoft and they could not help ...

    What are my options?
    You cannot use the OEM activation key on the 120-day install.  You need to do a Server Reinstallation.  See the FAQ post:  How do I upgrade from the evaluation/trial to a full copy of WHS? for details.
    Tuesday, November 10, 2009 4:55 AM
    Moderator

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  • Question
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    Hello, I downloaded WHS trial version from microsoft's website and configured appropriately planning to purchase the software to ultimately activate with a valid key.

    I purchased the software from NewEgg and attempted to activate WHS with the key on the purchased software and it did not work (says key is invalid).

    I contacted Microsoft and they could not help ...

    What are my options?
    You cannot use the OEM activation key on the 120-day install.  You need to do a Server Reinstallation.  See the FAQ post:  How do I upgrade from the evaluation/trial to a full copy of WHS? for details.
    Tuesday, November 10, 2009 4:55 AM
    Moderator
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    Ken, what do I do if I don't get the "Reinstall" option, only the "New Install" option? Thanks
    Thursday, December 24, 2009 5:08 PM
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    Ken, what do I do if I don't get the "Reinstall" option, only the "New Install" option? Thanks
    You really should start your own thread instead of adding to one that has already been marked as answered and which really has nothing to do with your question.  Having said that, in order for Server Reinstallation to appear, you need to make sure A) all of your hard drives show up in the Load Additional Storage Drivers screen and B) your primary hard drive is the first drive seen by WHS.
    Thursday, December 24, 2009 5:16 PM
    Moderator