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How to test a product key to be genuine?

Anonymous
2009-07-21T01:42:44+00:00

Hi,

I've bought a Vista key online, not from Microsoft. Other than testing it in the installation, is there a way online that I can test the code to see if its genuine? I'm going over to my friends place to install it with his Retail DVD and I don't want to look like an idiot if the key doesn't work.

Thanks

Eden

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Install and upgrade

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2009-07-21T02:05:16+00:00

    The only way to determine if a Windows product key is genuine is to use it to install the Windows operating system, then visit Genuine Microsoft Software and click on "Validate Windows".  If you purchased a Windows product key from a third-party source, without the installation disc, it's likely non-genuine.

    Please see:

    Don't fall victim to stand-alone COAs: http://www.microsoft.com/howtotell/content.aspx?pg=coa&displaylang=en

    Moderator Edit:  Please note below updated support content related to topic

    Carey Frisch

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-07-02T09:05:05+00:00

    If you can't activate Windows 7 with this product key try this !

    1.Open start type in slui.exe 4

    2.Select your country

    3.Call Microsoft support (after working time)

    4.Activate your software (machine will let you know how)

    Thank you button will help me :D

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-11-03T15:54:15+00:00

    Best choice now available is to use VAMT, available straight from Microsoft:

    https://www.microsoft.com/es-es/download/details.aspx?id=11936

    Works on Vista keys onwards (Win 7, 8, 2008 Server...).

    While VAMT is essentially a central key management tool meant to license computers, you can use it as an "official key checker" of sorts.

    Just click on the Product Key option on the left, type your product key and click on Verify. f the key is valid you'll get Edition, Description and Key type.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-02-16T08:54:34+00:00

    True, VAMT (Volume Activation Management Tool) is essentially a tool for KMS and MAK key-type administration that happens to include an official validity checker of sort, so usually keys that don't fit those categories won't be recognized.

    Also, it's mainly meant for Windows Client/Server and Office solutions, it's not meant for all Microsoft Products. Refer to VAMT Tech Reference to know what products can be managed via VAMT

    https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt185771%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

    Still, it's better than nothing...

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  3. Anonymous
    2009-07-21T02:09:44+00:00

    Ok, no worries. I'll go round and give it a shot now. 

    Thanks for your help

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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