Windows Activation Hassle

I was running Windows 10 Home 64 bit using the free upgrade from
Windows 7. I needed to install a new motherboard so did that along
with new processor and RAM. I thought I would likely need a new copy
of Windows 10, so purchased a 64 bit OEM disk from the computer store.
Installation was extremely quick and easy. I used the option to
install without removing existing files. It started and, within about
15 seconds, made a few changes needed for the new hardware. That was
it and the computer is running fine. My problem has to do with the
terrible packaging that Microsoft used for the new disk. The product
key is covered with a scratch off label. When I scratched it off, part
of the key came with it because the paper is very soft. I opened a
chat with Microsoft and they finally suggested that I take it up with
the retailer where I purchased the disk. As an alternative, they would
provide a replacement key for $40. I talked with the retailer this
morning and they told me they were having this same problem in their
shop. I asked them whether they could replace the defective package
and they said they would call Microsoft and see what they could work
out. That's where it stands right now. I'm running with an Activate
Windows watermark on the screen and not getting any updates. One way
or the other, I hope to resolve this in the next few days.

On 10/17/2016 04:11 PM, Shoe wrote:
I was running Windows 10 Home 64 bit using the free upgrade from
Windows 7. I needed to install a new motherboard so did that along
with new processor and RAM. I thought I would likely need a new copy
of Windows 10, so purchased a 64 bit OEM disk from the computer store.
Installation was extremely quick and easy. I used the option to
install without removing existing files. It started and, within about
15 seconds, made a few changes needed for the new hardware. That was
it and the computer is running fine. My problem has to do with the
terrible packaging that Microsoft used for the new disk. The product
key is covered with a scratch off label. When I scratched it off, part
of the key came with it because the paper is very soft. I opened a
chat with Microsoft and they finally suggested that I take it up with
the retailer where I purchased the disk. As an alternative, they would
provide a replacement key for $40. I talked with the retailer this
morning and they told me they were having this same problem in their
shop. I asked them whether they could replace the defective package
and they said they would call Microsoft and see what they could work
out. That's where it stands right now. I'm running with an Activate
Windows watermark on the screen and not getting any updates. One way
or the other, I hope to resolve this in the next few days.

If the paper you tore off only tore off a thin layer of the key code you
might be able to read through the torn off part on the back of the peal
off label. Maybe even wet it a bit to make the paper transparent a bit
to see the black lettering?. If you can decode the missing digits
you're in free.

Shoe wrote:

I was running Windows 10 Home 64 bit using the free upgrade
from Windows 7. I needed to install a new motherboard so
did that along with new processor and RAM. I thought I
would likely need a new copy of Windows 10, so purchased a
64 bit OEM disk from the computer store. Installation was
extremely quick and easy. I used the option to install
without removing existing files. It started and, within
about 15 seconds, made a few changes needed for the new
hardware. That was it and the computer is running fine. My
problem has to do with the terrible packaging that
Microsoft used for the new disk. The product key is covered
with a scratch off label. When I scratched it off, part of
the key came with it because the paper is very soft. I
opened a chat with Microsoft and they finally suggested
that I take it up with the retailer where I purchased the
disk. As an alternative, they would provide a replacement
key for $40. I talked with the retailer this morning and
they told me they were having this same problem in their
shop. I asked them whether they could replace the defective
package and they said they would call Microsoft and see
what they could work out. That's where it stands right now.
I'm running with an Activate Windows watermark on the
screen and not getting any updates. One way or the other, I
hope to resolve this in the next few days.

"Microsoft Toolkit"

On 17/10/2016 21:11, Shoe wrote:
I hope to resolve this in the next few days.


You also need to resolve the question of paragraphs. When you write
something, you should always separate your thoughts by using
paragraphs. Your original message is just one big paragraph when a
couple or three paragraphs would have conveyed your message succinctly.
Your parents should have fired your teachers if they didn't teach you
how to write properly, but I suspect your parents are or were illiterate
like you.

Bad parents breed bad children.


--
With over 400 million devices now running Windows 10, customer
satisfaction is higher than any previous version of windows.

On 17/10/2016 21:11, Shoe wrote:
I was running Windows 10 Home 64 bit using the free upgrade from
Windows 7. I needed to install a new motherboard so did that along
with new processor and RAM. I thought I would likely need a new copy
of Windows 10, so purchased a 64 bit OEM disk from the computer store.
Installation was extremely quick and easy. I used the option to
install without removing existing files. It started and, within about
15 seconds, made a few changes needed for the new hardware. That was
it and the computer is running fine. My problem has to do with the
terrible packaging that Microsoft used for the new disk. The product
key is covered with a scratch off label. When I scratched it off, part
of the key came with it because the paper is very soft. I opened a
chat with Microsoft and they finally suggested that I take it up with
the retailer where I purchased the disk. As an alternative, they would
provide a replacement key for $40. I talked with the retailer this
morning and they told me they were having this same problem in their
shop. I asked them whether they could replace the defective package
and they said they would call Microsoft and see what they could work
out. That's where it stands right now. I'm running with an Activate
Windows watermark on the screen and not getting any updates. One way
or the other, I hope to resolve this in the next few days.

To answer your question or even to comment on your thinking is that OEM
is the responsibility of the store or whoever made that disk. It has
nothing to do with Microsoft. Microsoft grants licenses to OEMs to
distribute their own brands in accordance with the licensing terms.



--
With over 400 million devices now running Windows 10, customer
satisfaction is higher than any previous version of windows.

Good Guy wrote:


To answer your question or even to comment on your thinking is that OEM
is the responsibility of the store or whoever made that disk. It has
nothing to do with Microsoft. Microsoft grants licenses to OEMs to
distribute their own brands in accordance with the licensing terms.

You know what a System Builder OEM disc looks like, right ?

https://www.amazon.ca/Microsoft-Wind.../dp/B00ZSHDJ4O

That's for a single install on a new computer, where the
OS cannot be moved to a different computer later. The software
is intended for your corner computer store, which custom
builds PCs for customers and puts a licensed copy
of System Builder OEM on the machine for the customer.
The corner computer store then provides the "technical
support" for the customer.

The packaging is an envelope just big enough to carry
a single DVD. Unlike Retail boxed Windows which has
both a 32 bit and a 64 bit disc inside. The Retail box
is larger. When you buy the single DVD, you have to
select the "bitness" you want to install before purchase.
(The license key works for either 32-bit or 64-bit,
but only one DVD is in the envelope. When I bought
Windows 7 this way, I bought the 64-bit disc.)

And here's some funny history on the topic. This article
is for Windows 7, but I don't think much has changed
since then. It's called the "OEM charade", because Microsoft
Marketing knows exactly what it's doing. Putting the
product in easy reach, and then officially disavowing
the ability to use it. Pretty funny. The product is
intended for (small volume) System Builders, and it's
not actually intended for the usage I put to it (a
person who builds their own computer with a screwdriver).
Of course, nobody pays attention to this and does it
anyway. And Microsoft is a willing partner in its
own charade. It's marketed on purpose, to make it
as easy to get as possible. (They could sell this
through the Enterprise distribution channel, and
you'd never see hide nor hair of it. There are
ways they could prevent the majority of end-users
from buying it.)

http://www.zdnet.com/article/is-it-o...ask-microsoft/

This scenario could have been entirely avoided, by just
buying the license key electronically, downloading
and burning a 14393 DVD and installing that way. There
would then be a paper (email) trail. I've had to go
back to my email account and search up the details
of one of these transactions before, and it's great
having an "archive" with the info. Nothing to scratch,
nothing to damage. I purchased two copies of
Windows 8 that way.

When you buy a key electronically, you don't get one
of those nice holographic-labeled DVDs, but I think
I can live without that.

Paul

Paul wrote:
This scenario could have been entirely avoided, by just
buying the license key electronically, downloading
and burning a 14393 DVD and installing that way. There
would then be a paper (email) trail. I've had to go
back to my email account and search up the details
of one of these transactions before, and it's great
having an "archive" with the info. Nothing to scratch,
nothing to damage. I purchased two copies of
Windows 8 that way.

The OEM builders kits that I have bought since I have built all my own
systems had no "scratcher" label. They had peel off stickers with key
clearly printed that you are to stick onto the box. Now the latest one
was Win 7 Ultimate, was there some change with Windows 10?

--
Take care,

Jonathan
-------------------
LITTLE WORKS STUDIO
http://www.LittleWorksStudio.com

Jonathan N. Little wrote:
Paul wrote:
This scenario could have been entirely avoided, by just
buying the license key electronically, downloading
and burning a 14393 DVD and installing that way. There
would then be a paper (email) trail. I've had to go
back to my email account and search up the details
of one of these transactions before, and it's great
having an "archive" with the info. Nothing to scratch,
nothing to damage. I purchased two copies of
Windows 8 that way.

The OEM builders kits that I have bought since I have built all my own
systems had no "scratcher" label. They had peel off stickers with key
clearly printed that you are to stick onto the box. Now the latest one
was Win 7 Ultimate, was there some change with Windows 10?


This could be what the OP bought. It has a sticker
over the license key field.

http://www.computersystemsoftwares.c...285-remark.jpg

But that's the *only* example I can find. As if,
maybe the seller put that sticker on there ?

Paul

On 10/17/2016 at 4:11 PM, Shoe's prodigious digits fired off:
I was running Windows 10 Home 64 bit using the free upgrade from
Windows 7. I needed to install a new motherboard so did that along
with new processor and RAM. I thought I would likely need a new copy
of Windows 10, so purchased a 64 bit OEM disk from the computer store.
Installation was extremely quick and easy. I used the option to
install without removing existing files. It started and, within about
15 seconds, made a few changes needed for the new hardware. That was
it and the computer is running fine. My problem has to do with the
terrible packaging that Microsoft used for the new disk. The product
key is covered with a scratch off label. When I scratched it off, part
of the key came with it because the paper is very soft. I opened a
chat with Microsoft and they finally suggested that I take it up with
the retailer where I purchased the disk. As an alternative, they would
provide a replacement key for $40. I talked with the retailer this
morning and they told me they were having this same problem in their
shop. I asked them whether they could replace the defective package
and they said they would call Microsoft and see what they could work
out. That's where it stands right now. I'm running with an Activate
Windows watermark on the screen and not getting any updates. One way
or the other, I hope to resolve this in the next few days.


Just download, install, and run Belarc Advisor. It'll show you all of
your software licenses.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

--
Ed Mullen
http://edmullen.net/
There is one thing I would break up over and that is if she caught me
with another woman. I wouldn't stand for that. - Steve Martin

On 18-Oct-2016 10:37 AM, Ed Mullen wrote:
On 10/17/2016 at 4:11 PM, Shoe's prodigious digits fired off:
I was running Windows 10 Home 64 bit using the free upgrade from
Windows 7. I needed to install a new motherboard so did that along
with new processor and RAM. I thought I would likely need a new copy
of Windows 10, so purchased a 64 bit OEM disk from the computer store.
Installation was extremely quick and easy. I used the option to
install without removing existing files. It started and, within about
15 seconds, made a few changes needed for the new hardware. That was
it and the computer is running fine. My problem has to do with the
terrible packaging that Microsoft used for the new disk. The product
key is covered with a scratch off label. When I scratched it off, part
of the key came with it because the paper is very soft. I opened a
chat with Microsoft and they finally suggested that I take it up with
the retailer where I purchased the disk. As an alternative, they would
provide a replacement key for $40. I talked with the retailer this
morning and they told me they were having this same problem in their
shop. I asked them whether they could replace the defective package
and they said they would call Microsoft and see what they could work
out. That's where it stands right now. I'm running with an Activate
Windows watermark on the screen and not getting any updates. One way
or the other, I hope to resolve this in the next few days.


Just download, install, and run Belarc Advisor. It'll show you all of
your software licenses.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html


+1 and will show you more than you would ever wanted to know about your
computer. :-)

Paul wrote:
Jonathan N. Little wrote:
Paul wrote:
This scenario could have been entirely avoided, by just
buying the license key electronically, downloading
and burning a 14393 DVD and installing that way. There
would then be a paper (email) trail. I've had to go
back to my email account and search up the details
of one of these transactions before, and it's great
having an "archive" with the info. Nothing to scratch,
nothing to damage. I purchased two copies of
Windows 8 that way.

The OEM builders kits that I have bought since I have built all my own
systems had no "scratcher" label. They had peel off stickers with key
clearly printed that you are to stick onto the box. Now the latest one
was Win 7 Ultimate, was there some change with Windows 10?


This could be what the OP bought. It has a sticker
over the license key field.

http://www.computersystemsoftwares.c...285-remark.jpg


But that's the *only* example I can find. As if,
maybe the seller put that sticker on there ?


Or maybe it was just placed there to obscure in the photo rather than
post-process with a blur. I've never seen anything over the product key
before.


--
Take care,

Jonathan
-------------------
LITTLE WORKS STUDIO
http://www.LittleWorksStudio.com

On Tue, 18 Oct 2016 09:26:42 -0400, "Jonathan N. Little"
wrote:

Paul wrote:
This scenario could have been entirely avoided, by just
buying the license key electronically, downloading
and burning a 14393 DVD and installing that way. There
would then be a paper (email) trail. I've had to go
back to my email account and search up the details
of one of these transactions before, and it's great
having an "archive" with the info. Nothing to scratch,
nothing to damage. I purchased two copies of
Windows 8 that way.

The OEM builders kits that I have bought since I have built all my own
systems had no "scratcher" label. They had peel off stickers with key
clearly printed that you are to stick onto the box. Now the latest one
was Win 7 Ultimate, was there some change with Windows 10?

The scratch off label is new to me with 10. I purchased OEM versions
of XP and 7 and never had this problem

On Tue, 18 Oct 2016 09:57:35 -0400, Paul
wrote:

Jonathan N. Little wrote:
Paul wrote:
This scenario could have been entirely avoided, by just
buying the license key electronically, downloading
and burning a 14393 DVD and installing that way. There
would then be a paper (email) trail. I've had to go
back to my email account and search up the details
of one of these transactions before, and it's great
having an "archive" with the info. Nothing to scratch,
nothing to damage. I purchased two copies of
Windows 8 that way.

The OEM builders kits that I have bought since I have built all my own
systems had no "scratcher" label. They had peel off stickers with key
clearly printed that you are to stick onto the box. Now the latest one
was Win 7 Ultimate, was there some change with Windows 10?


This could be what the OP bought. It has a sticker
over the license key field.

http://www.computersystemsoftwares.c...285-remark.jpg

But that's the *only* example I can find. As if,
maybe the seller put that sticker on there ?

Paul

The picture is exactly what the packaging looks like on my copy. This
was a sealed package from Microsoft. The seller said they are having
problems with this in their own shop.

On Tue, 18 Oct 2016 10:37:56 -0400, Ed Mullen
wrote:

On 10/17/2016 at 4:11 PM, Shoe's prodigious digits fired off:
I was running Windows 10 Home 64 bit using the free upgrade from
Windows 7. I needed to install a new motherboard so did that along
with new processor and RAM. I thought I would likely need a new copy
of Windows 10, so purchased a 64 bit OEM disk from the computer store.
Installation was extremely quick and easy. I used the option to
install without removing existing files. It started and, within about
15 seconds, made a few changes needed for the new hardware. That was
it and the computer is running fine. My problem has to do with the
terrible packaging that Microsoft used for the new disk. The product
key is covered with a scratch off label. When I scratched it off, part
of the key came with it because the paper is very soft. I opened a
chat with Microsoft and they finally suggested that I take it up with
the retailer where I purchased the disk. As an alternative, they would
provide a replacement key for $40. I talked with the retailer this
morning and they told me they were having this same problem in their
shop. I asked them whether they could replace the defective package
and they said they would call Microsoft and see what they could work
out. That's where it stands right now. I'm running with an Activate
Windows watermark on the screen and not getting any updates. One way
or the other, I hope to resolve this in the next few days.


Just download, install, and run Belarc Advisor. It'll show you all of
your software licenses.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Good tip, I find Belarc to be very useful. The problem here is that I
was never able to install it with the license key. I installed it
without a key so I could get my computer up and running. Since the key
was not entered, Belarc does not show it.

Shoe wrote:
On Tue, 18 Oct 2016 09:26:42 -0400, "Jonathan N. Little"
wrote:

Paul wrote:
This scenario could have been entirely avoided, by just
buying the license key electronically, downloading
and burning a 14393 DVD and installing that way. There
would then be a paper (email) trail. I've had to go
back to my email account and search up the details
of one of these transactions before, and it's great
having an "archive" with the info. Nothing to scratch,
nothing to damage. I purchased two copies of
Windows 8 that way.

The OEM builders kits that I have bought since I have built all my own
systems had no "scratcher" label. They had peel off stickers with key
clearly printed that you are to stick onto the box. Now the latest one
was Win 7 Ultimate, was there some change with Windows 10?

The scratch off label is new to me with 10. I purchased OEM versions
of XP and 7 and never had this problem


Looks like a "brilliant" feature! Why bother masking CD Key when label
is already in a sealed package?

--
Take care,

Jonathan
-------------------
LITTLE WORKS STUDIO
http://www.LittleWorksStudio.com