Activating Windows

[Guest]

I installed Vista last week (an update DVD via Packard Bell & Moduslink).
This worked find and I activated Windows.

This morning I updated my BIOS as suggested by Packard Bell to the Vista
version.

Since doing this, Windows has told me to activate Windows. When I do this,
it tells me the product key is already in use (from my activation last week).

I called Microsft to obtain a new key but was told there is a shortage of
new product keys in the UK and I would have to call back in 48 hours. They
could not promise a new key would be available!!

What can I do? I am worried Windows will run out before I can get the key.

I have called Packard Bell who told me to call Modus who in turn told me to
call Packard Bell so I am going round in circles. My only real hope is
Microsoft (God help me...)

 

[Dustin Harper]

It would have to be Microsoft that does the activating. It is weird that
they say there is a shortage of product keys, as you're not getting a
product key (you already have one). You just need the activation key, which
is specific for your computer. There can't be a shortage.

I'd give them a call back and talk with someone else.

 

[Bill]

God help you indeed! I would dump Vista.

 

[Rock]

I installed Vista last week (an update DVD via Packard Bell & Moduslink).
This worked find and I activated Windows.

This morning I updated my BIOS as suggested by Packard Bell to the Vista
version.

Since doing this, Windows has told me to activate Windows. When I do
this,
it tells me the product key is already in use (from my activation last
week).

I called Microsft to obtain a new key but was told there is a shortage of
new product keys in the UK and I would have to call back in 48 hours.
They
could not promise a new key would be available!!

What can I do? I am worried Windows will run out before I can get the
key.

I have called Packard Bell who told me to call Modus who in turn told me
to
call Packard Bell so I am going round in circles. My only real hope is
Microsoft (God help me...)

That's strange. When you call for activation they don't give a new product
key. You key in a long sequence of numbers provided by the call taker but
it's not a product key. Did you call the activation phone number?

 

[Guest]

That is what I thought. I tried the automated line, too, to get the long
sequence of numbers but having keyed in the numbers Vista had provided, I got
an error on the phone...).

Anyway, I called again 20 minutes later and spoke with somebody else who did
in fact sort the problem out.

 

[Rock]

Ok, glad you got it worked out Becky.