Microsoft Vista Genuine problem
 

Hello, my laptop which I have had for a few months and has been in working order has decided it now does not believe that the version of Windows Installed on it is genuine. But it is as I purchased it from a well known retail store.

I turn the machine on and upon clicking a user a Prompt box appears asking me to enter a valid product key. I can get into the machine through SafeMode.

I have entered the product key found on the back on the laptop and it says this is not genuine.

I could download and installed a verision of Vista from by MSDNA account but I would like to solve the current issue.

Any help?

Thanks

Re: Microsoft Vista Genuine problem
 

Back up files in safe mode and recover the laptop?

Re: Microsoft Vista Genuine problem
 

I'd take it back to the store and get them to either activate it over the telephone for you or replace the laptop :) If MS say the key isn't geniune a reinstall won't fix the problem.

Re: Microsoft Vista Genuine problem
 

I would take it back as well.

Re: Microsoft Vista Genuine problem
 

Why not use one of your MSDN keys? each key activates 10 times and if you have a OS subscription you surely have more keys than you know what to do with?(10 per OS version each with 10 activations)

Re: Microsoft Vista Genuine problem
 

How many times have you used the product key to install the previous copy of Windows?
It may need a phone call to a nice Indian chappy at Microsoft to re-activate it

Re: Microsoft Vista Genuine problem
 

Thanks for the help people.

I used the automated service provided by Microsoft and then after a little process of numbers transfers and such it was sorted.

:D

Re: Microsoft Vista Genuine problem
 

MSDNAA keys are different. They are limited to one activation.

Full MSDN keys allow 10 activations.

Re: Microsoft Vista Genuine problem
 

I read about this happening when people are buying laptops from a well known LARGE Computer chain around the UK and Microsoft claim that the serial number is already active on another system. There was a an article in one of the computer mags.

Re: Microsoft Vista Genuine problem
 

i know that with a normal retail copy of vista you can only activate it online i think about 3 times before you, have to phone the free phone activation service which is annoying.

Re: Microsoft Vista Genuine problem
 

Its 3 times in 6months isn't it? My XP Pro key is the same.