Why am i getting windows not activated message

Hi, I have a Samsung notebook that came with windows 8 preinstalled. It will be 3 years old in November. A week or so ago I've started getting the windows not activated message. I contacted Samsung for the key to activate windows, but when I type in the key they sent me I get a can't verify the key message. I contacted Microsoft who ran a troubleshoot and they said it's the wrong key, but Samsung have emailed me the same key twice and have said it's correct. I don't understand why this has happened after nearly 3 years of the laptop working fine. I can still get online, but for how much longer? Will I be locked out eventually? Does anyone have any advice? Thanks, Rich.

Hi Rich, welcome to EF.

It may be an edition conflict. Please post a diagnostic report (using code tags) from: http://www.eightforums.com/windows-...3-please-read-activation-troubleshooting.html

If you want to check that the key that Samsung sent you is the correct one , try ShowkeyPlus( see my sig. below) 'çheck product key' if the edition matches that you have installed.

Thanks for your reply. I installed Belarc which displayed my product key which was different to the key Samsung sent me. However after entering the key it said it worked at first, then it failed, saying invalid key. The license is invalid. There is a letter N in the code, which I've read may be a problem. Do I only have 30 days to solve this problem? what happens then? Will I be unable to use the laptop? Thanks, Rich.