not recognizing version

[SteveM]

I started with the evaluation version given at a show. Purchased a full
install (OEM) version, did upgrade. After installing service pack 1 all
seemed well. Bottom right of screen still says evaluation copy and a prompt
comes up saying times almost up get a real version. Changed the product key
multiple times and it keeps kicking back. What next?

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

If you installed a pre-release version of SP1 that is your problem because
SP1 betas and release candidates expire at the end of this month. Uninstall
SP1 and let Windows Update offer it again.

 

[Mick Murphy]

http://vistasupport.mvps.org/uninstall_sp1_beta.htm

Read the above link on how to uninstall Beta SP1, then install released
version SP1

 

[SteveM]

Removed sp1, reinstalled updates (failed) again tried to change product key,
said it was activated but key didn't change. Just to be clear, the original
load was an evaluation copy, never removed but installed over. It no longer
says evaluation copy in right corner, but numerous updates have failed. Have
reinstalled MS regsvr32 wintrust.dll

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

The update issue is probably unrelated. Use the windowsupdate newsgroup.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

It sounds like you have a retail Vista dvd so perform an In-Place-Upgrade
with no SP1 installed unless the Vista dvd is a very recent one and has SP1
integrated (it doesn't sound like it from your posts).

This is similar to XP's Repair Install. You must start Vista Setup from the
desktop and then you proceed as in a normal upgrade installation. It will
not disturb your apps, files, and settings but make a backup anyway. It
will completely replace the OS with a clean copy and that should get rid of
any corrupted files and catalogs. Those are usually the cause of Windows
Update failures.

If you are using a laptop you must go onto AC (I think Setup will not let
you proceed on battery). You will need to catch up with Windows Update
again afterwards.

 

[SteveM]

It's an OEM DVD. . . any change in your suggestion?

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

OEM dvds do not have upgrade functionality so an in-place-upgrade may be
out. It doesn't hurt to try it though since no changes are made to the
system until you reach the installation options screen and confirm a choice.
If upgrade is disabled and only custom is available, then forget my
suggestion and exit Setup without confirming. I have never been in the same
scenario you describe so I would be interested in what you find at that
point. Post back.

 

[SteveM]

upgrade not available. . . if I do install it promises to wipe out everything

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Always.

Use the WET wizard to save your files and settings to intermediate storage
first.

Thanks for confirming that the upgrade option is not available. I thought
so but I like to make sure about things I have not yet seen on my own.