ei.cfg Channel - does it affect which keys are accepted

[Speedbird]

Hello,

I have reinstalled Windows several times on my computer with the official Digital River ISO (X17-58997) and every time I have encountered an issue where it accepts the product key on the CoA but doesn't activate it. When I open the window asking me to activate Windows and type the same key, it activates successfully. My question is: would editing the ei.cfg in the ISO and changing the channel from Retail to OEM fix it and activate Windows automatically during installation?

 

[clifford_cooley]

Windows may not be able to connect during installation, which is probably why you need to activate manually later. I don't think changing from Retail to OEM will solve this question. I've grown accustom to the installation doing this, and actually prefer to activate later.

 

[Speedbird]

My Windows 7 computers are connected to the internet via Ethernet cables and even when I have to use WiFi, it prompts me to connect before asking for the key.

 

[clifford_cooley]

All I know is, I never have had luck with activation during installation. I'm on a wired and wireless network myself. Others may have different mileage though, I'm only one person. Other than a possible inconvenience, it is nothing to worry about.