2nd hand vista product.

[Guest]

Well, heres the story : Bought an authentic windows vista upgrade package off
amazon.
Like many people this guy had bought vista and hated it. So he sold it.

Now heres the concern, on buying this and loading all seemed fine. Now vista
is saying the package is already registered. I'm beginning to get that
sinking feeling.

Now on the package there is nothing to say no resale. So I think the guy
honestly thought it was ok. The only thing to suggest NO resale is a No
returns sticker on the box, the kind PC world would stick on..

So far no response from Mircosoft after I contacted them...Am I going to get
screwed with licencing here!? You know I'm happy to send the package back to
microsoft so they can see its not a copy, but I hope they don't expect me to
pay out further for activation, cause I think that the end of the road for me
and vista.

Having the real package is one thing but not having the choice to be able to
sell on a package if you don't like it is something else. Its kinda like
buying a car and then the manufacturer says No you can't sell it when you
don't want it anymore.

Well lets wait an see what MS have to say. Hopefully it will be a reasonable
response. I the meantime better start reading up on Linux or something.

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

You'll need to phone in the activation, but there is nothing wrong with
reselling the upgrade provided you were given the real disk and certificate
of authenticity (COA) along with the product key.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[kirk jim]

If everyone keeps selling that same package because Vista stinks,
Rick Rogers will eventually buy it

HA!

 

[Guest]

Well, phoned microsoft today and even though I have the upgrade disc they say
that the registration is all ready actived. Suggesting that the previous user
still has it loaded. This doesnt make sense as seller has seen me the all
vista package.

Its strange though because I didnt think I had the problem at first, the
only thing that
makes me wonder is that I restored my computer from partition and then
reinstalled vista. Does the vista registration reset correctly if not
uninstalled first before a computer manufacturer restore?

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

There is no means of resetting the activation from the end-user perspective,
it has to be done by Microsoft or the manufacturer. Did they allow the
activation? They should have. And yes, there is a potential that the person
that you bought it from may not have uninstalled it, but it will be their
problem should they ever need to reinstall.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[kirk jim]

Exactly.. I Just think you should reactivate by phone,
and even if he is activated he might not be able to re-activate in the
future..

its yours now.. you have the disk and the product key
If he tries to keep reactivating he is pirating.. himself!

 

[Guest]

No they didnt reset activation. They just keep saying it was on the other
persons computer.

As I said, I really don't think the other person has it on their computer
because on the first install on my computer this activation was a problem,
its only when I did a factory reset back to xp which is done outside of
windows from boot and then reinstalled thats when this seemed to become a
problem.

I'm now wondering if there is a glitch when machines are factory reset, does
vista register an uninstall properly if machines are reset in this way?

 

[Guest]

Finally the system is activated. I have to thank the support staff that
replied to me.

They suggested going the automated phone route. Phone the number and speak
to the support staff there. They reactivated with ease. Hands to those guys.

So to all with reactivation issues, don't bother phoning through the usual
channels, go striaght to the automatic phone route. If you don't you may get
a call center person which doesnt truely appreciate your dilemma.

So thanks MSupport top job...looks like I won't be needing to look at linux
quite yet.
I pleased its worked out because despite the a few gaming bugs vista is
pretty and growing on me.

Many regards all hang in there folks.
Jim

P.s Thanks for your forum replies folks.

 

[Hugh Wyn Griffith]

It seems to me that the problem for Microsoft is:

"How do they know you did not steal the package from the original
purchaser?"

I'm not for one moment saying that you did but I don't see why MS
should take your word for it?

Have you looked on the Microsoft Activation pages on their website to
see what they say there about selling a computer with XP/VISTA on it
and transferring ownership? And to see what they say, if anything,
about uninstalling XP/VISTA in order to change to another OS, and
whether, having done this, you have the right to sell the media and
licence.

There's a lot of information there that might help you find a way of
doing what you want, assuming that the seller did not just make a copy
of the DVD and the certificate for when he needs to reinstall and "sold
you a pup"?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

What are the "usual channels"
Anytime Activation is involved, you should follow the activation
screen and activate on the internet or the phone.

If "usual channels" means the regular support channels, that is the
wrong place for activation issues and almost guaranteed to get almost
nowhere for activation. .

 

[Guest]

I understand what your saying chap. When it comes to a complete newbie and
activation the paths of complaint or sorting a problem arent altogether clear.

This maybe a complaint of most of user bog standard users.

Its thans to help of the members of some MS support frontliners and members
of this forum that has helped me. And I thank those that did.

Your additional questioning is now not required. So put away your sword and
fight some other battle.

I salute those of you that have been helpful, to this additional member go
and join the MS call center...I'm sure you'll annoy some other misfortunate
soul

A frown to you Jupiter

 

[Guest]

Sorry if my post seems a little harsh to you jup but its too little too late...

As to other users which are considering buying vista 2nd hand heres some
things to know:

1) Make sure the package you buy is legit.
2) If you reinstall for any reason, especially if you use the manufactured
reinstall you know reinstall from boot on pooters with xp preloaded. beware
if you have uploaded vista before this event. You may encounter registration
issues.

3) This said if you do go through the automated phone process, it will save
you lots of grief and questions.

4) Buying a 2nd hand program is OK. As long as you have full package from
previous buyer...you can reset activation

5)Many thanks to those from MS support on this information and a select few
that did help here, before the "I know this, arent I all knowing" crowd
joined in.

Many regards to those few that responded quickly,,,,tea and medals for you
guys, an absolute salute to you, you followups that wish to add something
after the battle is done, I say pffft...you look great now for sure. Please
don't attempt to take credit away from those that deserve it.
JIM

 

[Shane Nokes]

Actually most "bog standard users" when activating would follow the
directions for phone activation if the internet activation wasn’t using.

Typically people who don't know what they are doing just follow the
directions they are given.

 

[Guest]

Ok, your comment is duely noted.

However, activation is the least of concerns now. Forever onwards with
continual program bugs and internet dropouts where user installed programs
are concerned.

I have to say reverting back to XP is beginning to shine a little brighter
these days. Just based on the mere unadultered usablility of xp. In the
meantime looking forward to microsoft patching this baby to 2/3 the
friendliness of xp

Sorry to say it but even with the prettiness of vista on the outside...and
damn it is pretty...it does appear that under the hood is well worth a 2nd
opinion. And this is coming from a standard home user....I just want my games
to run...I don't want the constant reminders of do I really really want to do
that...for every 2nd and 3rd disc loaded...and I definitely don't want it to
drop out of my online gaming at a whim when loading a speech program... is
this getting through to you guys at all..

I bought programs legit, they worked with XP eventually and worked well. I
don't have pirated software, so come on...whats the deal here....Its not like
I have really scratched the surface of the OS or been tempted to be naughty.
So the majority of users are now being punished by this c**p. ( excuse the
tone please)

Please make the compatiablity come back with this package...please...how
much more do i need to say for the comman market

 

[AJR]

Regarding the following quote: "...Just based on the mere unadultered
usablility of xp. In the meantime looking forward to microsoft patching this
baby to 2/3 the friendliness of xp...." Have you checked newsgroup
"microsoft.public.windowsxp.general " lately?

At the time of this post there were 8 new posts on
"microsoft.public.windows.vista.general" (did not consider replies as new) -
compared to 11 in the XP newsgroup.
The Vista networking group showed 11 new posts - XP 12 new posts.

Question - how does the XP "posts" relate to "... the mere unadultered
usablility of xp.'''" and "..to 2/3 the friendliness of xp...." ?