@Whazzupsuperfly There are other differences as well. Please see my post #2338. Are they potentially significant?
the key doesnt matter as long as the version matches. just pick a key for that version so the acer key makes no difference
@Whazzupsuperfly You already responded in post #2342 - "that's what i'm thinking as well - ie all GBT entries will pass." Thank you.
That is normal. IDK what WAT will detect but before WAT as long as your slic and cert matched you can use any slp key that goes with your edition.
Keywords are "before WAT"...the rules of the game seems to have changed with WAT, that's why I am confused why this does work...
He means that it does not have to match the slic or cert manufacture at all. You can select any product key from the list as long as the key you use goes to the specific version of windows 7 you have like an Ult key for windows 7 Ult or a Pro key for windows 7 Pro. As of right now I don't think WAT is looking for that but it could at any time which is why I said that.
The other differences may be: 1) The source ISO. Did he install from a proper untouched ISO, or one containing a detectable fingerprint of some loader / hack? 2) Has any loader / hack ever been installed after installation? -- SC
Certainly, prior to WAT, the key was only specific to the version of windows; and didn't have to match the SLIC/CERT pair ( which did have to match ). So far, based on what I've seen, that has not changed. I'm suspecting your windows installation ISO. -- SC
OK, but you need to step back and look at the other data points here. I'll give you another: I've just built a server, and installed 2008R2 on a Gigabyte mobo. Older mobo, used ISA method to install Gigiabye SLIC. Gigabyte SLIC, Gigabyte cert. DELL 2008R2 key. Activates OK, WAT update installed and on-line verified OK. It's something specific to your set-up. Suspect your ISO. -- SC
2 different ISOs on 2 different computers, 1 is x64 and the other is x86 installation, both have the same problem, both ISOs were RTM copies, untouched. That's why I doubt it got anything to do with the ISO. Based on what I have seen - it has changed, and if you have a similar mobo like mine and you test it yourseld, I bet you'd agree with me.
Did you test with Windows 7 yet? Please do and let me know how it went, and also check if it does work on that Gigabyte Mobo with DELL cert and SLIC, as I am not using the same GB cert and SLIC you use, so there are quite a few differences between our setups and one more reason for me to believe it has nothing to do with the ISO.
No, I'm not going to mess with my server and install win7. I have no reason to believe it would differ from 2008R2, they are basically the same. If I happen upon a spare HDD, I may try a win7 install on that machine, but not Real Soon Now. Again, you need to look at what's common to your problems, but not to mine. -- SC
OK, a more detailled reply.. I will try a win7 install on the mobo, spare HDD permitting. I will not re-flash the BIOS and change the certs for testing purposes. -- SC