Problem with Activation

[paulo]

Hello,

I bought a computer last year with an OEM version of Windows Vista Ultimate
x64.
I needed an additional 4GB of RAM and I was having problems with the
computer not booting up. After posting in the memory modules manufacturer's
forum they told me to alter some parameters in the BIOS regarding memory
timings. After some experimentation, the computer would not even post to
BIOS, so I decided to clear CMOS.

Now, every time I boot into Windows, it asks me to activate and if I
activate it, it tells me the license is already assigned to another computer.
I contacted Microsoft support here in Portugal and I already tried telephone
activation and System Restore as specified in the troubleshooting for
activation, with no luck. After contacting Microsoft support again they told
me to post here in the newsgroups to try to find a solution, otherwise they
would have to bill me for telephone support.

So, what do I do next?
Thanks in advance for any help given.

Kind regards,
Paulo Ribeiro

 

[PaulB]

I would contact the manufacturer of your computer to resolve this issue.

 

[paulo]

Thanks for your reply Paul. However, there's no manufacturer in the sense of
say HP or IBM. It's an OEM computer, so I doubt they can help me.
Is there anything else I can do?

Kind regards,
Paulo Ribeiro

 

[Alias]

Thanks for your reply Paul. However, there's no manufacturer in the sense of
say HP or IBM. It's an OEM computer, so I doubt they can help me.
Is there anything else I can do?

Kind regards,
Paulo Ribeiro

Yeah, stop using proprietary Windows crap and move up to a real
operating system that doesn't have those intrusive limitations. I would
recommend Ubuntu. Get it free at http://www.ubuntu.com/. Not only is it
free, it comes with access to thousands of free programs. Not only do
you not have activate, become genuine, ad nauseum, you can install it on
as many computers as your little heart desires.

Alias

 

[PaulB]

The people who build your computer are responsible for support but I would
try phone activation again and this time talk to a real person there (not
support) and explain to them what has happened. They should be able to help
you and there is no charge.

 

[Leroy]

You can reactivate your Windows Vista installation by performing the
following:

1. Click on the Start button and in the Start Search box type in:

slui.exe 4

2. Press the Enter key on your keyboard.

3. Select your Country.

4. Follow the instructions for phone activation (no charge).

NOTE: When you call that number, you will first hear an Automated Voice.
If the Automated Voice gives you an option to talk to a
Live Activation Rep, select that option. If not, do not enter any
numbers. This should force the Automated Voice to transfer you to
a Live Activation Rep. Trying to activate thru the Automated Voice will
not work, in your case, only thru the Live Activation Rep
will your activation be successful.

 

[paulo]

Thanks again Paul!

I've talked for the second time today with the autorization line. They
couldn't solve my problem so they transfered me to support desk again, which
is telling me that I can only get technical help here in the newsgroups for
free. Otherwise, only by paying 60 euros to have someone contact me...
Is there any possibility that I get a solution here on the newsgroups?

Kind regards,
Paulo Ribeiro

 

[Peter Foldes]

The reason for this is that your version of Vista 64 is an OEM and the original
Activation is tied to the computer that you did it on the first time. When you
changed things with the Memory Modules and the BIOS it is then reading as another
computer and it will not let you do it.
As others told you the only option is to call the manufacturer of your computer and
settle this issue with them hopefully or return everything to factory settings with
your memory and Bios

 

[David B.]

Did you even read the OP?

 

[David B.]

You need to talk to the people that built your computer, they are required
to support your OEM license.

 

[paulo]

Hello Peter and thanks for your reply.

I really think the problem has to do with the clear CMOS operation, because
I alredy added 2 hard disks since I originally bought it, and I was
experimenting with the memory modules with no problem at all (my only trouble
was only with 8GB, as 6GB would work just fine).

Parsing the web, I also found out that it could have something to do with
the fact that after a CMOS reset, the BIOS date and time is also reset, and I
didn't notice it until I boot up the computer.

Well, but I thought this could be something easily solved... I guess I was
wrong.

I will try to contact the seller, but what can he do? It's just a small shop
that builds computers...

 

[paulo]

Hi Leroy,

Thanks for your help.
In fact I already did what you are saying 2 times. Before that I had already
done an automated telephone activation, but because it didn't work, I tried
it with the activation team. The second time, as it didn't work, they have
transfered my call to support, which proposed me pay support or the
newsgroups.

 

[paulo]

Hi David,

I will contact them then.
Thanks!

You need to talk to the people that built your computer, they are required
to support your OEM license.

 

[paulo]

Hi Alias and thanks for your comment.

I understand your statement and I sure feel stressed with this situation.
However, I use this computer as my workstation for music (I'm a part-time
composer), and although I'm following closely the audio scene in Linux, it's
not quite close to Windows for professional work.

So, I'm still stuck with Windows and now with an activation problem...

 

[Richard Urban]

Resetting the bios may leave it in a state other than it was in prior to you
doing so. Check with the guy who built it to see what bios setting should be
selected and their corresponding numerical values.

If no joy, go back to the original RAM modules and see if Windows still
balks.

BTW: You had problems booting up prior to adding the additional memory
modules. What did you think that adding more memory would accomplish to
solve that problem?

 

[paulo]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for your comments.

The settings on the BIOS are the same as they were before. I always
configure it to my personal tastes.

Going back to only the original modules also asks for activation. In fact,
they never left the machine. I added more RAM because I needed 8GB instead of
4GB. But everything was fine before the new modules. I probably didn't make
myself clear in the original post. Everything started after I added the 4
additional GB. After some misconfiguration on the memory timings, the sytem
won't even post to BIOS, so I had to clear CMOS to reset the settings. And
that's how it happened.

 

[Alias]

Alias wrote:

<--snipped the lies, spam and bullshit-->

Well "sport" it seems a "chump" like just doesn't get it.
No one in here wants what you have or use!...LOL!

**** off, troll.

Alias

 

[xfile]

I've talked for the second time today with the autorization line. They

couldn't solve my problem so they transfered me to support desk again,
[...]

Hi,

Just trying to help,

Did you ask or did they tell you why they couldn't help and needed to
transfer you to support desk for what you really need is a new set of
activation numbers?

As far as I remember, you only need to tell them that you have NOT
transferred the OS "to" another system, and the problem started after
upgrading memory modules and changing BIOS settings, and they should have
given you a new set of activation numbers.

So why did they transfer you to support desk?

Ask the rep. or her/his supervisor for "specific reasons" that they couldn't
help you.

 

[paulo]

Hi xfile,

I also don't understand why they can't handle this situation without
resorting to paid support. I'll probably call the activation line again
tomorrow and try to talk to a supervisor, like you suggested. Thanks!

I've talked for the second time today with the autorization line. They
couldn't solve my problem so they transfered me to support desk again,
[...]

Hi,

Just trying to help,

Did you ask or did they tell you why they couldn't help and needed to
transfer you to support desk for what you really need is a new set of
activation numbers?

As far as I remember, you only need to tell them that you have NOT
transferred the OS "to" another system, and the problem started after
upgrading memory modules and changing BIOS settings, and they should have
given you a new set of activation numbers.

So why did they transfer you to support desk?

Ask the rep. or her/his supervisor for "specific reasons" that they couldn't
help you.

Thanks again Paul!

I've talked for the second time today with the autorization line. They
couldn't solve my problem so they transfered me to support desk again,
which
is telling me that I can only get technical help here in the newsgroups
for
free. Otherwise, only by paying 60 euros to have someone contact me...
Is there any possibility that I get a solution here on the newsgroups?

Kind regards,
Paulo Ribeiro

 

[Alpha]

Idiot.

..