Help with Windows 7 product key OEM block

veoozo

I have a Gateway LT28 netbook. It is about three years old, and just a few days ago, I decided to reinstall Windows 7. I formatted my HDD and then installed an OEM copy of Windows 7. However, when I try to activate, it gives me an error. I called Microsoft, and they told me that there was an OEM block on the key. I contacted Acer, who told me that my options were to pay $100 for one time support or $200 for a year of extended warrenty. This computer is not worth that much. I contacted Microsoft again, and I was told that I could purchase a Windows 8 product key for $119.99. I am not going to do that, so what other options do I have?

veoozo

I should add that Acer owns Gatewy, and that this computer is treated by Acer as an Acer product.

Sharanji

Are you using the same OEM copy of Windows 7 that you had created from same computer or purchased from Gateway store to restore your computer?

 

The product key  automatically activated when you restore the computer using the OEM disc.

philetus

Microsoft is the one who physically blocks the keys.If Acer wants a key blocked they have to inform Microsoft and Microsoft does it.

You can read this discussion on this and possibly start a discussion and get some answers about why the key is blocked.

http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/c620ef1e-fa5d-4074-8c4f-7cc7543c1e5d/windows-7-oem-upgrade-product-key-has-been-blocked-by-microsoft?forum=genuinewindows7