Aftermarket OEM Windows activation key

Son_of_Kernow

Hello...
I recently purchased a digital activation key for Windows 10, in order to activate the program on my new-build PC.
It was from a retailer called NextKeys and was purchased through the online marketplace Kinguin.
It was £24.99.

I've done this before, so I'm not a novice. One of the risks you take is that it's possible (though uncommon) that the retailer has sold the key code to multiple customers. In this case, if you're not first to apply the key, it won't work. This is what happened to me...

So, I contacted Kinguin to try to sort it out. They've sent me an email full of technical gibberish that might as well be in Vietnamese for all I understand it, basically I have to jump through hoops to prove I've done nothing underhand....

My question is, how do distance selling regulations relate to this event. Is Kinguin responsible for ensuring I get what I paid for? Or is it the vendor, NextKeys?
I want to be able to go back to Kinguin and say they have to sort it out, I've paid in good faith etc. Where do I stand?

grumpycrab

Son_of_Kernow wrote: »

I want to be able to go back to Kinguin and say they have to sort it out, I've paid in good faith etc. Where do I stand?

Did you pay for "Kinguin Buyer Protection"? If not, looks like you're out of luck.

System

Nextkeys are who you have a contract with, not Kinguin. Kinguin are acting as an intermediary the same way Ebay does.

Given you've bought a dodgy key off a non-authorised reseller and it comes with no certificate of authenticity so therefore is not genuine and being used in compliance with Microsofts licensing terms I'm not sure how successful a claim would be. Its literally the equivalent of trying to make a claim against someone selling a telly off the back of a lorry which you bought knowing it wasn't legit.

Son_of_Kernow

Actually, they are genuine keys. Microsoft sells them to third party dealers in order to sell on to people like me who already have the software (in my case, I got a Win 10 disc with my laptop a year ago), but who need a key in order to use that software in a different machine.

WAYT

Son_of_Kernow wrote: »

Actually, they are genuine keys. Microsoft sells them to third party dealers in order to sell on to people like me who already have the software (in my case, I got a Win 10 disc with my laptop a year ago), but who need a key in order to use that software in a different machine.

They suggest;

We suggest using the automated phone system in order to activate your code.

Did you?

Frozen_up_north

Son_of_Kernow wrote: »

Actually, they are genuine keys. Microsoft sells them to third party dealers in order to sell on to people like me who already have the software (in my case, I got a Win 10 disc with my laptop a year ago), but who need a key in order to use that software in a different machine.

If you read the terms and conditions of Windows OEM products, you will see that the product is only licensed for use on the original hardware and is not transferable.

If you think you have a legitimate case, raise it with your local trading standards.

Son_of_Kernow

Did you?[/QUOTE]
Tried it, but frankly, I'm a bit of a Luddite - Couldn't get it to work

WAYT

Son_of_Kernow wrote: »

Did you?

Tried it, but frankly, I'm a bit of a Luddite - Couldn't get it to work

Kind of goes against your initial statement.

I've done this before, so I'm not a novice...

Download and save en-gb_windows_10_multiple_editions_version_1703_updated_march_2017_x64_dvd_10194881.iso

Use Rufus to create bootable USB Flash installation media using instructions under Option Two from here

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/activate-windows-8-by-phone

forgotmyname

Son_of_Kernow wrote: »

Actually, they are genuine keys. Microsoft sells them to third party dealers in order to sell on to people like me who already have the software (in my case, I got a Win 10 disc with my laptop a year ago), but who need a key in order to use that software in a different machine.

So MS sell cheap keys to people who already have genuine keys, or for keys for software that costs a lot more?

Phone MS and tell them your a shop/dealer building PCs and you want a bundle of licences to apply to the machines and see what discount you get.

You wont get a licence for £25. The keys you are buying have been collected from scrapped computers at best.

The naughty ones are from key generators and can often expire within days/months/years after installing.

If it was a brand new unused genuine key then you would have no issues activating it. And certainly not have to phone and explain your transferring it or rebuilding your computer.

WAYT

forgotmyname wrote: »

So MS sell cheap keys to people who already have genuine keys, or for keys for software that costs a lot more?

Phone MS and tell them your a shop/dealer building PCs and you want a bundle of licences to apply to the machines and see what discount you get.

You wont get a licence for £25. The keys you are buying have been collected from scrapped computers at best.

The naughty ones are from key generators and can often expire within days/months/years after installing.

If it was a brand new unused genuine key then you would have no issues activating it. And certainly not have to phone and explain your transferring it or rebuilding your computer.

This is exactly right.

It also state clearly that they recommend phone activation even before you buy it. So there is no illusion that you are buying a retail licence.

System

Son_of_Kernow wrote: »

Actually, they are genuine keys.

Only in so much as they'll pass product activation.

Microsoft sells them to third party dealers in order to sell on to people like me who already have the software

I can tell you with 100% certainty that they do not.

in order to sell on to people like me who already have the software (in my case, I got a Win 10 disc with my laptop a year ago), but who need a key in order to use that software in a different machine.

OEM licenses are not transferable, they die with the computer. You cannot legally use an OEM license on any machine other than the original one it came with.

With the exception of major OEMS like Dell etc, Microsofts terms also require that a CoA sticker is attached to the computer. No CoA sticker, not legitimate no matter whether the key passes activation or not.