Microsoft quietly rewrites its activation rules for Windows 10

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  1. Posts : 282
    Windows 10, 8.1, 7, and Vista
       #30

    Here's something else to think about...


    I opened Speecy and checked the Windows 10 Home serial number. The serial number is DIFFERENT from my Windows 7's Home Premium retail box serial number which I upgraded from.


    Is Microsoft providing everyone with a different Windows serial number, just for Windows 10??? Should I backup this serial number somewhere?? I'm so confused here.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 111
    windows 8.1
       #31

    bobjoe said:
    Here's something else to think about...


    I opened Speecy and checked the Windows 10 Home serial number. The serial number is DIFFERENT from my Windows 7's Home Premium retail box serial number which I upgraded from.


    Is Microsoft providing everyone with a different Windows serial number, just for Windows 10??? Should I backup this serial number somewhere?? I'm so confused here.
    That generic product key ending with 3V66T is the activated copy one from MS, recognized the world knows as of today. The catch is hope your current PC with the retail windows 7/8 license you bought on your own, example is say you bought windows 7 pro retail copy from retail outlet such as Best buy is on you current pc. Pray the Lord your PC lasted long enough, otherwise once it passed the magical july 29 2016, should you get another pc and wants to install your retail copy of windows 7 from BB, you have to pay for the upgrade to windows 10. I hope that clear a bit of confusion.
    Correction the product key is for windows 10 pro - 3v66t ending.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #32

    bobjoe said:
    Here's something else to think about...


    I opened Speecy and checked the Windows 10 Home serial number. The serial number is DIFFERENT from my Windows 7's Home Premium retail box serial number which I upgraded from.


    Is Microsoft providing everyone with a different Windows serial number, just for Windows 10??? Should I backup this serial number somewhere?? I'm so confused here.
    Google the last 5 characters and I bet you find out its the same generic product code everybody gets with the free upgrade. There are two, one for 10 Home and one for 10 Pro.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 282
    Windows 10, 8.1, 7, and Vista
       #33

    ramram55 said:
    That generic product key ending with 3V66T is the activated copy one from MS, recognized the world knows as of today. The catch is hope your current PC with the retail windows 7/8 license you bought on your own, example is say you bought windows 7 pro retail copy from retail outlet such as Best buy is on you current pc. Pray the Lord your PC lasted long enough, otherwise once it passed the magical july 29 2016, should you get another pc and wants to install your retail copy of windows 7 from BB, you have to pay for the upgrade to windows 10. I hope that clear a bit of confusion.
    Correction the product key is for windows 10 pro - 3v66t ending.
    alphanumeric said:
    Google the last 5 characters and I bet you find out its the same generic product code everybody gets with the free upgrade. There are two, one for 10 Home and one for 10 Pro.

    No, friends.

    My product key does NOT end in 3V66T. I guarantee you. I can't post my serial number here, obviously, but I assure you it doesn't end in 3V66T.


    Again, it's different from my W7 Home Premium serial key, and it doesn't end in 3V66T.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #34

    3V66T is the Pro key, the Home key will be different. Is yours TX9XD-98N7V-6WMQ6-BX7FG-H8Q99 ?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 282
    Windows 10, 8.1, 7, and Vista
       #35

    alphanumeric said:
    3V66T is the Pro key, the Home key will be different. Is yours TX9XD-98N7V-6WMQ6-BX7FG-H8Q99 ?

    No, my key isn't that one either.

    Are you on the Insider programme, by any chance? I think Insiders get a generic key when they sign up, essentially getting W10 for "free".
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 928
    Win 10
       #36

    ramram55
    The catch is hope your current PC with the retail windows 7/8 license you bought on your own, example is say you bought windows 7 pro retail copy from retail outlet such as Best buy is on you current pc. Pray the Lord your PC lasted long enough, otherwise once it passed the magical july 29 2016, should you get another pc and wants to install your retail copy of windows 7 from BB, you have to pay for the upgrade to windows 10.
    WRONG, I think the kool-aid is getting to you.

    Just don't loose your old retail box.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #37

    bobjoe said:
    No, my key isn't that one either.

    Are you on the Insider programme, by any chance? I think Insiders get a generic key when they sign up, essentially getting W10 for "free".
    Try this, https://www.tenforums.com/software-ap...7-showkey.html. If you got a new key, your the first one I've heard about. No, insiders don't get Windows 10 for free. If you stay an insider you can keep upgrading to each new build and your activation expiry date gets extended. If you opt out your subject to the same conditions everybody else is for the free upgrade. All 4 of my PC's that I did the free upgrade to 10 Pro on have that same generic key. On a clean install on one of those same PC's, which I've done, you just skip entering the key and they activate. Only works if you've already done the free upgrade on that PC though.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 282
    Windows 10, 8.1, 7, and Vista
       #38

    alphanumeric said:
    Try this, https://www.tenforums.com/software-ap...7-showkey.html. If you got a new key, your the first one I've heard about. No, insiders don't get Windows 10 for free. If you stay an insider you can keep upgrading to each new build and your activation expiry date gets extended. If you opt out your subject to the same conditions everybody else is for the free upgrade. All 4 of my PC's that I did the free upgrade to 10 Pro on have that same generic key. On a clean install on one of those same PC's, which I've done, you just skip entering the key and they activate. Only works if you've already done the free upgrade on that PC though.
    I installed that programme.

    It says:


    Product Name: Windows 10 Home

    Product ID: some numbers

    Installed Key: SAME key that Speecy is showing.

    Original Key: My Windows 7 Home Premium key.
    Original Edition: Windows 7 HomePremium Retail

    OEM Key: OEM key not present in firmware.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 111
    windows 8.1
       #39

    Do a clean install using the MS media, that should show you the generic key, what you have done is upgrade.
      My Computer


 

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