Windows asking me to activate Vista again (activation)

[Guest]

I got a notification that I need to activate my Windows Vista Ultimate within
two days. When I looked at the options, I read that I already used the
activation key, the one that came with Windows Vista package, before so I
either had to buy a new one, use a new one, use an automated phone system, or
just contact Microsoft. All these options are not acceptable - ultimately it
would mean I have to buy another Windows Vista Ultimate just so I can keep
using it when I already bought it before.

I'm aware of an update that resolves this, however, I could not use that
update since it claimed I was in no need of it: I bought Windows Vista in
retail, not from OEM or Volume Licensing.

I bought Vista sometime in middle of April, and there were absolutely no
hardware changes other than adding and removing two memory sticks. I have
however, changed the BIOS frequently...

 

[Richard G. Harper]

One of the BIOS updates must have touched the hard drive controllers, thus
Vista thinks it has been moved to a new hard drive and wants to be
re-activated. And actually, your assumption that you will be forced to buy
a new Vista license is incorrect. Just use the telephone activation process
and your copy of Vista will be re-activated.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

 

[Richard Urban]

Shame that making a phone call is unacceptable to you, as that is what you
have to do to remedy your problem.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

 

[Guest]

I guess I made an ass out of myself with the phrase "not acceptable". I'll
try using the phone service. I was a bit afraid that since I lived overseas,
such option might be complicated. Anyways, sorry for that statement and
thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Alias]

One of the BIOS updates must have touched the hard drive controllers, thus
Vista thinks it has been moved to a new hard drive and wants to be
re-activated. And actually, your assumption that you will be forced to buy
a new Vista license is incorrect. Just use the telephone activation process
and your copy of Vista will be re-activated.

For how long and why should the OP have to bend over for MS' inspection
when the OP PAID for the product and did not move it to another machine?

Alias

 

[Alias]

I guess I made an ass out of myself with the phrase "not acceptable". I'll
try using the phone service. I was a bit afraid that since I lived overseas,
such option might be complicated. Anyways, sorry for that statement and
thanks for the suggestion.

If you're sick of the activation crap, try Ubuntu, a free operating
system that requires no activation and no WGA. In addition, Ubuntu Linux
doesn't need an anti virus, software firewall or any anti-malware
applications. Check it out at www.ubuntu.com and order the free Live CD
which you can use to try it out without installing it. They will ship it
to you and even pay the postage. Not only can you install it on as many
computers as you like, you can copy it and give a copy to all of your
friends.

Alias

 

[Guest]

Am I supposed to talk to the customer service rep. about this issue or was
this whole process supposed to be automated? I was prompted about my
installation ID and so I did provide them. The service told me I already used
it or the key so I was offered to talk to the representative.

Before I do talk to the rep., I was wondering whether there was something I
did wrong, whether this whole process was supposed to be automated.

 

[Alias]

Am I supposed to talk to the customer service rep. about this issue or was
this whole process supposed to be automated? I was prompted about my
installation ID and so I did provide them. The service told me I already used
it or the key so I was offered to talk to the representative.

Before I do talk to the rep., I was wondering whether there was something I
did wrong, whether this whole process was supposed to be automated.

Talk to a rep, tell them what you did and hope they give you an ID. You
have no choice now unless you want to dump Vista and get a decent
operating system like Ubuntu.

Alias

 

[Mike Brannigan]

Am I supposed to talk to the customer service rep. about this issue or was
this whole process supposed to be automated? I was prompted about my
installation ID and so I did provide them. The service told me I already
used
it or the key so I was offered to talk to the representative.

Before I do talk to the rep., I was wondering whether there was something
I
did wrong, whether this whole process was supposed to be automated.

As has been repeatedly stated here numerous times by myself and other - just
talk to the rep to reactivate.
You did nothing wrong.
There are 2 ways to activate Windows - over the internet or by telephone.
Both are automated UNLESS in either case your key has already been used then
you will have to fall through the telephone automated system to eventually
speak to a person who will do the activation with you after confirming a few
obvious questions with you. (like the type of key you are using OEM, Retail,
MSDN etc and that you are not in breach of your license agreement by
attempting to install the product on multiple PCs).
If you want further information about activation just do a search for the
word activation on the Microsoft web site.

 

[Alias]

As has been repeatedly stated here numerous times by myself and other -
just talk to the rep to reactivate.
You did nothing wrong.

Yeah, but the OP thinks may he or she did. This is the result of MS'
marketing FUD!

There are 2 ways to activate Windows - over the internet or by telephone.
Both are automated UNLESS in either case your key has already been used
then you will have to fall through the telephone automated system to
eventually speak to a person who will do the activation with you after
confirming a few obvious questions with you. (like the type of key you
are using OEM, Retail, MSDN etc and that you are not in breach of your
license agreement by attempting to install the product on multiple PCs).
If you want further information about activation just do a search for
the word activation on the Microsoft web site.

Fact: the OP did not install it on two computers.

Fact: the OP paid for it

Why, then, does the OP have to waste his or her time calling MS to prove
he or she is not a pirate when the failure to activate is due to the
flaky activation program?

The ironic thing is that people who use pirated copies of Vista don't
have to jump through these hoops.

Alias

 

[Mike Brannigan]

For how long and why should the OP have to bend over for MS' inspection
when the OP PAID for the product and did not move it to another machine?

Alias

The end user paid for a license to use the product under the terms of the
end user license agreement. Activation is mandatory under those terms.
Activation should be an uncommon event for most end users, as such it may
take up to 6 minutes to do this over the phone if their used key is still
within the retention period - otherwise it is no time at all if they choose
to reactivate over the Internet and the key activation retention period is
up.
Surely you realize that there is no way of absolutely detecting a move to
another machine vs. a change in the hardware - this is why activation has a
degree of tolerance to hardware changes but eventually will require to be
reactivated.

Maybe if you have no more help to offer then spouting your own anti
Microsoft rhetoric or acting as an Unbuntu fanboy you should leave this
Windows Vista peer to peer support newsgroup to those who do wish to help
fellow Vista users.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Mike, sorry if there were any frustrations.

Alias, I have no intention of moving to another OS. I'm satisfied with
Windows.

 

[Alias]

The end user paid for a license to use the product under the terms of
the end user license agreement. Activation is mandatory under those terms.
Activation should be an uncommon event for most end users, as such it
may take up to 6 minutes to do this over the phone if their used key is
still within the retention period - otherwise it is no time at all if
they choose to reactivate over the Internet and the key activation
retention period is up.
Surely you realize that there is no way of absolutely detecting a move
to another machine vs. a change in the hardware - this is why activation
has a degree of tolerance to hardware changes but eventually will
require to be reactivated.

Maybe if you have no more help to offer then spouting your own anti
Microsoft rhetoric or acting as an Unbuntu fanboy you should leave this
Windows Vista peer to peer support newsgroup to those who do wish to
help fellow Vista users.

Fact: activation does not stop piracy.

Fact: it only inconveniences the paying customer

Ergo: paying customers are looking for alternatives to the DRM riddled
and activation/genuine riddled Vista.

Fact: I am happy to provide the public service to people who are not
aware that there are alternatives to Vista.

Alias

 

[Alias]

Thanks Mike, sorry if there were any frustrations.

Alias, I have no intention of moving to another OS. I'm satisfied with
Windows.

At least now you know there are alternatives to the invasive and
restrictive Windows Vista.

Alias

 

[Mike Brannigan]

Yeah, but the OP thinks may he or she did. This is the result of MS'
marketing FUD!

What marketing FUD (fear uncertainty and doubt)??
The procedures and needs for activation re clearly stated on the Microsoft
site.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/activationfaq.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation_how.mspx

The worry about activation is more often spread by those trying to persuade
end users that they cannot do this or that with their legitimately licensed
copy of Windows and should move to some cobbled together miss mash of Linux
and open source bits to achieve a allegedly similar degree of functionality.

Fact: the OP did not install it on two computers.

No one ever said they did. I merely mentioned that this is one of the
questions that the clearing house staff will ask so as to prepare what is
obviously a nervous OP for the experience.

Fact: the OP paid for it

Never said they did not pay for a licesne to use Windows Vista.

Why, then, does the OP have to waste his or her time calling MS to prove
he or she is not a pirate when the failure to activate is due to the flaky
activation program?

The user has eventually trigger a reactivation through there as stated
numerous BIOS updates. As I have stated elsewhere they are required to
reactivate as per their License Agreement. This is a 6 minute job (if you
need to speak to a rep which is not always the case) - and frankly no big
deal. Of course people like you try and blow this out of all proportion to
bolster your Linux agenda in this Vista support newsgroup.

The ironic thing is that people who use pirated copies of Vista don't have
to jump through these hoops.

And they are thieves plain and simple. There is no excuse to steal
software.
It should also be noted that those users of pirated software are one of the
primary reasons for the malware and bots that exist out there due to the
large proportion of pirated operating systems not being kept up to date with
security patches etc.

 

[Alias]

What marketing FUD (fear uncertainty and doubt)??
The procedures and needs for activation re clearly stated on the
Microsoft site.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/activationfaq.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation_how.mspx

Pulease, how many people know how to search MS' site?

The worry about activation is more often spread by those trying to
persuade end users that they cannot do this or that with their
legitimately licensed copy of Windows and should move to some cobbled
together miss mash of Linux and open source bits to achieve a allegedly
similar degree of functionality.

No, better degree of functionality.

No one ever said they did. I merely mentioned that this is one of the
questions that the clearing house staff will ask so as to prepare what
is obviously a nervous OP for the experience.

And why should he or she be nervous? MS FUD per chance?

Never said they did not pay for a licesne to use Windows Vista.

The activation crap is saying the OP didn't pay for it and it will be
considered a pirated copy until the OP proves otherwise.

The user has eventually trigger a reactivation through there as stated
numerous BIOS updates. As I have stated elsewhere they are required to
reactivate as per their License Agreement. This is a 6 minute job (if
you need to speak to a rep which is not always the case) - and frankly
no big deal. Of course people like you try and blow this out of all
proportion to bolster your Linux agenda in this Vista support newsgroup.

So, if phone activation always results in an approval, what's the point
other than wasting the paying customers' time and promoting FUD?

And they are thieves plain and simple. There is no excuse to steal
software.

You're changing the subject. Why should paying customers have to jump
through hoops when the "thieves" don't?

It should also be noted that those users of pirated software are one of
the primary reasons for the malware and bots that exist out there due to
the large proportion of pirated operating systems not being kept up to
date with security patches etc.

More FUD. I have a friend who works on computers and he tells me that
the legit installs vs the illicit installs show no difference in
malware. Users of legit copies of Windows probably don't use Auto Update
as much as the users of pirated copies because the users of pirated
copies are more computer savvy.

Care to compare the incidences of malware infection with Linux vs.
Windows? Thought not.

Alias

 

[Jeff]

Fact: activation does not stop piracy.

Your right it doesn't stop it completely, but it does slow it down. Which
for Microsoft and all of these other companies that sell software and choose
to have the customer activate it can add up to millions or perhaps hundreds
of millions of dollars in revenue. Is that worth it to them? My guess is
they believe so.

Fact: it only inconveniences the paying customer

Most people (99%?) won't even notice it.

Ergo: paying customers are looking for alternatives to the DRM riddled and
activation/genuine riddled Vista.

How about Linux? Oh wait, I can't play my blu-ray disk in linux because
they are boycotting it and technology like it. Guess i'm back to vista...

Fact: I am happy to provide the public service to people who are not aware
that there are alternatives to Vista.

People come here to get help with something they have already paid for. Why
would I spend money on Vista then throw it away to go to an alternative that
doesn't do everything vista can?

Jeff

 

[Alias]

Your right it doesn't stop it completely, but it does slow it down.
Which for Microsoft and all of these other companies that sell software
and choose to have the customer activate it can add up to millions or
perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Is that worth it to
them? My guess is they believe so.

It doesn't slow it down one iota. There was a crack out for Vista before
it was released to the general public. You can buy Vista in China for
less than five US wimpy dollars.

Most people (99%?) won't even notice it.

Oh, and that makes it all right? Not that that's true. Over time people
have become more computer savvy and know how to change a faulty NIC that
will promptly demand reactivation, usually by phone.

How about Linux? Oh wait, I can't play my blu-ray disk in linux because
they are boycotting it and technology like it. Guess i'm back to vista...

Use a DVD until the Blue Ray/HD war is over. What did you "go back to"
when the BetaMax/VHS wars were on?

People come here to get help with something they have already paid for.
Why would I spend money on Vista then throw it away to go to an
alternative that doesn't do everything vista can?

Jeff

Being as you asked, here are the advantages of Linux over Windows:

It's free and Vista is way overpriced, especially in Europe. Retail
Ultimate, for example, goes for over 800 US Dollars and Office 2007
Retail Ultimate goes for over 1200 US Dollars.

No viruses

No malware

No need for an anti virus program

No need for a software firewall

No need for anti malware programs

No activation

No WGA, in all of its flavors

No DRM.

No need to buy new, expensive hardware.

Enough?

Alias

 

[Jeff]

It doesn't slow it down one iota. There was a crack out for Vista before
it was released to the general public. You can buy Vista in China for less
than five US wimpy dollars.

Prove it.

Oh, and that makes it all right? Not that that's true. Over time people
have become more computer savvy and know how to change a faulty NIC that
will promptly demand reactivation, usually by phone.

I have changed quite a few NIC's in my office and have NEVER had to
reactivate.

Use a DVD until the Blue Ray/HD war is over. What did you "go back to"
when the BetaMax/VHS wars were on?

I started out with VHS. I have never touched a betamax. As far as Blu-ray
and HD, I wouldn't be surprised if you see drives supporting both in the
next year or two which brings me back to my original point that you will
need vista or an OS that supports those standards in order to play them...
Linux from what I've read will not as the free software foundation is
supporting a boycott.

Being as you asked, here are the advantages of Linux over Windows:

It's free and Vista is way overpriced, especially in Europe. Retail
Ultimate, for example, goes for over 800 US Dollars and Office 2007 Retail
Ultimate goes for over 1200 US Dollars.

Aren't we in a U.S. news group? And since people who come here (at least
99% of them anyways) have already paid for it in one way or another
comparing U.S. prices to european prices is a waste of time. Why would
someone from the U.S. (using their wimpy dollars as you put it, which I find
funny considering you blast other people for calling names) but vista from
europe?

No viruses

Not true. I've done research on various websites and there are linux
viruses out there. Why are their fewer linux viruses than windows viruses?
Because only a small percentage of the population uses linux.

No malware

Same as the virus

No need for an anti virus program

I could probably get away without an anti-virus program on my copy of vista
because i'm careful who I email with and what websites I visit. People who
carelessly download software from people they don't know are the ones who
would be most likely to get infected. This would hold true for ANY OS out
there.

No need for a software firewall

If you have a good hardware firewall set up you may not need a good software
firewall. It doesn't hurt though. And by the way, ubunto does have a
firewall built in.... You may want to check your documentation on how to
set it up, just to make sure the iptables are loading correctly. I know
there were some problems in earlier versions but I believe they have worked
them out.

No need for anti malware programs

Same as antivirus program see above...

No activation

Again most people won't notice or care.
I find road construction to be more of a headache since i haven't had any
clients complain to me about it and have not had to do much in the order of
reactivation myself I don't see the problem.

No WGA, in all of its flavors

Same as activation

No DRM.

Again, that leaves me unable to play blu-ray and the like. Can you get the
FSF to switch on that?
Microsoft included the DRM technology so people in the general population
could play these types of movies. You need to preach to Sony and the movie
studios to quit that crap then there would be no need for microsoft to
include it in their OS.

No need to buy new, expensive hardware.

The laptop I had runs Vista just fine. It originally came with XP pro. So
the need to buy new hardware isn't necessarily true. Vista was designed for
more recent equipment and technology that is just coming out. Why would I
want to upgrade the OS on and old system that won't run it when it already
has an OS that works? Again, all of this is going to be completely
dependant on the user.

If I buy an old pc that has XP on it and I happen to like linux then I can
see switching it over, but not if I like XP...

There's nothing wrong with buying new hardware. Most people would want to
upgrade anyways to be able to use newer technology such as blueray or
directx10 video cards in order to play their latest movies and games.

Jeff

 

[Mike Brannigan]

Pulease, how many people know how to search MS' site?

More then now khow to access a newsgroup and pretty much any Intenet savvy
perdon can use a search engine.
Frankly if they cannot type a word in a box on the front page of
Microsoft.com they stand a fairly thin chance of dealing with your so called
communities that promote Linux and open source operating systems,
applications and tools. I wonder how they will find these if they cannot do
a simple search ?

No, better degree of functionality.

Frankly your little fanboy rants are becoming tiresome. Functionality ?
just look at the richness of the developer community and number of high
quality applications that are rich in functionality and innovation and not
copy cat or "me too" apps, that are available for Windows operating systems.
I haven't seen much innovation in the office productivity suite market from
Star/Open Office - instead it is still in me too and catch up mode to
Microsoft Office. But fundamentally the high quality feature rich
applications etc base for an operating system that is perceived to be free
and that the users believe should have free apps etc will never truly
flourish because why should a development house waste hundreds of man years
producing software that people expect should be free or that they should be
able to ignore any licensing restrictions etc. They won't as you cannot
build a viable software eco system on that kind of mentality.

And why should he or she be nervous? MS FUD per chance?

Or is it FUD spread by other persons with vested interest in trying to
unnerve Windows users as they desperately try and gain market share for
their splinted platform. Or more likely just a case of a nervousness born
out of ignorance due to not actually looking in to it before they panicked.

The activation crap is saying the OP didn't pay for it and it will be
considered a pirated copy until the OP proves otherwise.

No it is just a requirement of the licensing and really does not cause as
much of an issue as you would like others to believe.

So, if phone activation always results in an approval, what's the point
other than wasting the paying customers' time and promoting FUD?

It does not always result in approval if you are in breach of the terms of
your license. Such as multiple machine installs or moving a royalty OEM from
one machine to another.

You're changing the subject. Why should paying customers have to jump
through hoops when the "thieves" don't?

Honesty often has a price to pay above that of the quick and (sl)easy road
travelled by the thieves and other vermin out there.
Unfortunately it is price we pay because of the thieves etc that have forced
companies (not just Microsoft) to introduce activation and other licensing
features in to their products due to people either casually or deliberately
not paying for what they use etc.

More FUD. I have a friend who works on computers and he tells me that the
legit installs vs the illicit installs show no difference in malware.
Users of legit copies of Windows probably don't use Auto Update as much as
the users of pirated copies because the users of pirated copies are more
computer savvy.

Maybe you should not listen to someone who "works on computers" and actually
do some real research.
The majority of malware infected systems such as PCs or servers that act as
bots are running pirated Microsoft operating systems - this is one of the
core reasons Microsoft allowed XP and Vista pirated systems to receive
critical security updates (while it may still prevent full Service Pack
installs).

Care to compare the incidences of malware infection with Linux vs.
Windows? Thought not.

Not really, but then again if you were a virus or malware writer - why would
you target 5 systems when there are 5 million of another kind to try ?
The thieves, virus and malware writers target the most popular operating
system on the planet not some splintered set of loosely coupled Linux
distributions.