Can't Activate Vista Home Premium

[JamesJ]

I installed a clean copy of Vista (upgrade)using the format option. I tried
then to upgrade from inside Vista but near the end of the upgrade
attempt I was told Windows couldn't configure one or more components.
(or something to that effect). So, I did the format and install again.(no
upgrade).
I tried to activate Vista normally but of course it said the product key
was for an upgrade not a clean install. I then tried to activate it by phone
but after indicating all the numbers on the activation screen it still
didn't work. I was then transfered to technical support. During the
recording I didn't here what the ts hours are but they were unavailable on
Sunday.?
What are tech support hours?
Can I activate the product without upgrading?
I'd rather not go through an entire intallation and be told it couldn't
configure one or more components.

Any help will be appreciated
James

 

[Curious]

You can not do a clean install with an update release unless you either run
it from the version of OS you are upgrading from or you boot it from the DVD
and install it on top of the previous OS version. The upgrade release must
be replacing a currently installed OS.

 

[JamesJ]

Obviously I booted from the dvd and bypassed the key code screen.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You are violating the Windows Vista Upgrade licensing agreement
but not having a qualifying Windows operating system installed.
Either install a qualifying Windows operating system first or purchase
a "Full Version" Windows Vista license.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast

---------------------------------------------------------------

I installed a clean copy of Vista (upgrade)using the format option. I tried
then to upgrade from inside Vista but near the end of the upgrade
attempt I was told Windows couldn't configure one or more components.
(or something to that effect). So, I did the format and install again.(no
upgrade).
I tried to activate Vista normally but of course it said the product key
was for an upgrade not a clean install. I then tried to activate it by phone
but after indicating all the numbers on the activation screen it still
didn't work. I was then transfered to technical support. During the
recording I didn't here what the ts hours are but they were unavailable on
Sunday.?
What are tech support hours?
Can I activate the product without upgrading?
I'd rather not go through an entire intallation and be told it couldn't
configure one or more components.

Any help will be appreciated
James

 

[JamesJ]

In order to be able to format the drive one must bypass
the product key screen.

 

[JamesJ]

I spoke with ms tech support and got it activated.
And yes we both aggreed getting a full version would eliminate this problem.

James

 

[JamesJ]

Believe me it was a pain in the ass.
It's much easier getting a full version.

Micorosoft Tech Support.ran me through a series of
things I can't even remember. I ended up getting
a product ID number from the support person.

 

[JamesJ]

800-936-5700