Microsoft has gotten tough with activation

[crosscourt]

They stopped Win7/Win8 product keys recently but they continued to work for a time but thats ended, Tried to use these keys with reinstalls on the same system but it wont activate. Microsoft has gotten really tough with similar hardware, as I could use the same drive on many of the same systems like my Dell 7010s but that doesnt work any more. These systems are clones in regards to hardware yet it still doesnt work,
It appears they are using AI and are able to detect smaller differences between the systems and are denying activation. The good thing is there are many product key sources that are really cheap in the $15-$20 range with promo codes for single use keys. Ive got two in use so far with no issues but its important to make sure you keep your installs that are activated and backup given a reinstall isnt a sure thing.
Older hardware users are really going to be in a tough spot and honestly people need to look to Linux to avoid this stupidity.