Reactivating Vista

[Guest]

Hi, I was running a RAID 0 array on my pc, where vista was installed for 6
months or so. One of the drives failed, but before I reinstalled vista I used
XP for two days or so to try and revive the failed hard drive that was part
of my array, I also updated the motherboards bios.

I reinstalled vista a few days back, and now when it tries to reactivate it
says: "The product key you typed is already in use. To activate Windows you
will need another Windows Vista Business product key" and im given 4 choices:

1.- I do not have another Windows Vista Business product key and need to buy
a new one online.
2.- I have another Windows Vista Business product key and want to type it now
3.- Use the automated phone system to activate
4.- Contact Microsoft to help resolve this problem

The product key is not in use because Im the only owner. So I decided to try
and go with option 4. I Tried using Microsoft Customer Support online, went
into the Windows Vista Solution Center, and I chose to contact a support
professional by e-mail. Sent my product id and i got this message: "The
product ID number you entered has expired. Please enter another product ID
number or select a different support option below." Now just read that
support for vista is only valid 90 days after activating it, but i didnt
reinstall vista until now (5-6 months later). Did they expect me to have a
problem with my pc in that 90 day period ? So I get another option which
wants me to pay $59 dollars.... Ruled it out

How can i activate my windows again ? Lets say I try by phone, and it works.
What happens when I get my hard drive back from the RMA process and I
reinstall vista again on the array, will I have to call again ? How many
times will i be able to do this ?

 

[Dustin Harper]

The reason it says it's already in use is because you are the one using it.
If you give MS a call, and let them know about the hardware problem, they
will get you activated with no problems. Also, if you are expecting your
replacement HD soon, you might wait to activate. I don't think it would
require activation again, but you never know with Vista's activation
model...

 

[Mike Brannigan]

Hi, I was running a RAID 0 array on my pc, where vista was installed for 6
months or so. One of the drives failed, but before I reinstalled vista I
used
XP for two days or so to try and revive the failed hard drive that was
part
of my array, I also updated the motherboards bios.

I reinstalled vista a few days back, and now when it tries to reactivate
it
says: "The product key you typed is already in use. To activate Windows
you
will need another Windows Vista Business product key" and im given 4
choices:

1.- I do not have another Windows Vista Business product key and need to
buy
a new one online.
2.- I have another Windows Vista Business product key and want to type it
now
3.- Use the automated phone system to activate
4.- Contact Microsoft to help resolve this problem

The product key is not in use because Im the only owner. So I decided to
try
and go with option 4. I Tried using Microsoft Customer Support online,
went
into the Windows Vista Solution Center, and I chose to contact a support
professional by e-mail. Sent my product id and i got this message: "The
product ID number you entered has expired. Please enter another product ID
number or select a different support option below." Now just read that
support for vista is only valid 90 days after activating it, but i didnt
reinstall vista until now (5-6 months later). Did they expect me to have a
problem with my pc in that 90 day period ? So I get another option which
wants me to pay $59 dollars.... Ruled it out

How can i activate my windows again ? Lets say I try by phone, and it
works.
What happens when I get my hard drive back from the RMA process and I
reinstall vista again on the array, will I have to call again ? How many
times will i be able to do this ?

Your key IS in use as it was used to activate the PC with the original
hardware configuration - but this is not a problem.
Just activate by phone that will fail too after the automated part; then
hang on and you will speak to a person who will activate your product.

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Friky19

Use the automated phone-in option to activate. If the automated activation
fails, stay on the line and you will be redirected to a live person who will
be able to complete the activation for you.

You can activate that version of Vista an unlimited number of times.

 

[John Barnett MVP]

I'd wait until you get the hard drive back and everything is working okay
and then activate over the telephone.

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[Guest]

Sorry, I was out of the country. But thanks, I'll wait for my hard drive to
come back to call and reactivate.

Thanks to all

 

[John Barnett MVP]

You're welcome!

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..