It appears that you booted into, and started the install from an Upgrade
Installation DVD, rather than start the installation process from your XP
Desktop, when you installed Vista. You can remedy your activation issue by
reinstalling Vista, this time starting the DVD install AFTER you have booted
into Vista (that is, don't boot directly into the DVD; only insert it once
you have Vista running). You can enter your key when the installation
begins (which should work, since you have an upgrade key). Since you are
now in Upgrade mode, most of your settings, etc. from anything you've done
so far in Vista (user account name, time zone, etc.) will be saved. Be sure
to choose upgrade, and not clean install, when Setup prompts you.
An Upgrade install takes longer, so don't panic when nothing seems to be
happening. Also, Setup will re-boot a few times during the install: ignore
the prompt to "Press any key to boot from the DVD", each time it reboots;
i.e., don't press any key, and setup will automatically continue in Upgrade
mode after a few seconds (if you press a key, you'll be back at square one,
in which case quit the program, and restart).
You should be able to activate your key, after the installation completes,
or tell Setup to do it automatically for you.
"Ray Lee" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:663813EF-F47C-4F22-8B79-(E-Mail Removed)...
>I just don't understand their resolutions to this issue.
>
> CAUSE
> This problem occurs if one of the following conditions is true:
>
> Condition 1: You insert the Windows Vista DVD in the DVD drive and then
> restart the computer. Then, you try to install Windows Vista by using the
> WAU
> product key.
>
> Condition 2: The Windows Vista setup component determines that the WAU
> product key is not valid.
>
>
> RESOLUTION
> Resolution for condition 1
>
> To resolve this problem, perform the WAU upgrade only after you log on to
> the Windows Vista-based computer.
>
> Resolution for condition 2
>
> To resolve this problem, use a Full Package Product (FPP) product key for
> a
> clean installation of Windows Vista.
> --
> Ray Lee
>
>
> "Ray Lee" wrote:
>
>> That confused the issue even more.
>>
>> It is definitely time to look at the Apple OS. Sorry!
>> --
>> Ray Lee
>>
>>
>> "Chad Harris" wrote:
>>
>> > Hi Ray Lee--
>> >
>> > Ck. out:
>> >
>> > Error message when you try to activate a copy of Windows Vista by using
>> > a
>> > Windows Anytime Upgrade product key: "The following failure occurred
>> > while
>> > trying to use the product key: Code: 0xC004F061"
>> > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930373/
>> >
>> > A list of Microsoft Knowledge Base articles is available to help you
>> > troubleshoot error messages that you may receive when you use the
>> > Windows
>> > Anytime Upgrade feature to upgrade Windows Vista
>> >
>> > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930733
>> >
>> > Good luck,
>> >
>> > CH
>> >
>> > "Ray Lee" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> > news:1653DEB2-16BE-4883-BE1A-(E-Mail Removed)...
>> > >I have a license copy of XP Pro, and when I inserted the Vista Home
>> > >Premium
>> > > it only gave me a choice to do a clean installation. Now that I have
>> > > completed the clean install it won't let me enter the activation key.
>> > > I
>> > > get
>> > > error code 0xC004F061.
>> > >
>> > > So now what do I do? Can you return the Vista software back for a
>> > > full
>> > > refund?
>> > > --
>> > > Ray Lee
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:
>> > >
>> > >> Neila;
>> > >> To add a little to what John said.
>> > >> Keep the installation media for Windows ME and Windows XP you will
>> > >> eventually need them.
>> > >> Unlike Windows XP, The upgrade for Windows Vista installs from the
>> > >> previously installed operating system.
>> > >> It will not suffice to briefly insert the Windows XP CD.
>> > >> Windows XP will need to be installed and activated for the upgrade
>> > >> to
>> > >> work..
>> > >>
>> > >> --
>> > >> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
>> > >> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
>> > >> http://www.dts-l.org
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> "neila6" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> > >> news:4D01A419-ED85-4054-97F0-(E-Mail Removed)...
>> > >> > Can I use a vista upgrade with my XP version as it was an upgrade
>> > >> > of
>> > >> > ME?
>> > >> > --
>> > >> > Neila
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> >
>> >
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