Microsoft Vista Genuine problem

terryw · 24-09-2009, 19:44

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

Ben B · 24-09-2009, 20:19

Back up files in safe mode and recover the laptop?

haydnwalker · 24-09-2009, 20:20

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.

greyposter · 24-09-2009, 20:21

I would take it back as well.

24-09-2009, 20:35

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)

v0id · 24-09-2009, 20:36

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

terryw · 25-09-2009, 00:33

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.

Stuart · 25-09-2009, 00:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by zing

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)

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

Full MSDN keys allow 10 activations.

Welshchris · 25-09-2009, 00:50

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.

damien c · 25-09-2009, 10:26

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.

haydnwalker · 25-09-2009, 17:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by damien c

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.

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