Windows 10: OEM windows not activating

Discus and support OEM windows not activating in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; just bought a second hand Dell laptop that is not activating windows with the built in OEM key, have download Dell recovery media creator to factory... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Software and Apps' started by Robert Seckold-Wren, Mar 27, 2025.

  1. ROBERT SECKOLD-WREN
    Robert Seckold-Wren Win User

    OEM windows not activating


    just bought a second hand Dell laptop that is not activating windows with the built in OEM key, have download Dell recovery media creator to factory reset with no luck

    :)
     
    Robert Seckold-Wren, Mar 27, 2025
    #1
  2. NEWTEKIE1
    newtekie1 Win User

    activate windows 7 oem key

    There is no difference between the OEM disc and the Retail disc with Windows 7. A retail disc will accept a OEM or Retail key, and vise versa.

    If the OEM Key wasn't going to work with the disc you have, it would have stopped you during the install when it first asked you for the key, not during activation.

    What is likely the problem is that, since the OEM version has already been activated once, it is failing activation again. Activate it over the phone using the option given to you on the failed activation screen, and you shouldn't have a problem activating it.
     
    newtekie1, Mar 27, 2025
    #2
  3. KREIJ
    Kreij Win User
    activate windows 7 oem key

    You cannot activate a retail version of Windows with an OEM key.
    The retail version should have it's own activation key.
    If you just borrowed the Win DVD from someone who is using the key, that won't work with your OEM (OA) key.

    pwned by newtekie. lol My bad.
    It does work in Vista and 7, just not in XP.

    Have you looked on the ASUS website to see if you can re-download the driver/diag disk, or at least everything you need to make one?
     
    Kreij, Mar 27, 2025
    #3
  4. TARTAROS
    Tartaros Win User

    OEM windows not activating

    activate windows 7 oem key

    *Frown OEM windows not activating :(

    Not yet, that's the last thing I wanted to try. But seems I have to.
     
    Tartaros, Mar 27, 2025
    #4
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OEM windows not activating

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