Vista Activation key already used

[Thomas Jespersen]

Hi, I got a problem with a reinstall of Vista 64 Home Premium. A few
days ago I tried to manually force activation of Vista, and I was told
the key was already in use. I thought it was due to recently
reinstalling it so I just let it go. Today it tried to automatically
activate and it failed. The error is the same that the key is already
being used.

1. I have no other PC's with Vista on.
2. Nobody visited me recently, and I can't think of anyone I know who
would steal the key.
3. I never posted my key anywhere online

What can I do in this situation? When I click a support link in the
activation window I am being told support cost 540 Dkr which
translates to US$80-90 which is almost as much as I paid for my Vista!

 

[Mike Hall - MVP]

Hi, I got a problem with a reinstall of Vista 64 Home Premium. A few
days ago I tried to manually force activation of Vista, and I was told
the key was already in use. I thought it was due to recently
reinstalling it so I just let it go. Today it tried to automatically
activate and it failed. The error is the same that the key is already
being used.

1. I have no other PC's with Vista on.
2. Nobody visited me recently, and I can't think of anyone I know who
would steal the key.
3. I never posted my key anywhere online

What can I do in this situation? When I click a support link in the
activation window I am being told support cost 540 Dkr which
translates to US$80-90 which is almost as much as I paid for my Vista!

Answers will be found here..

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/62088be6-3538-46a6-99fb-05e74aeb48b51033.mspx

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Thomas, there is no need to panic or pay for Microsoft support. The key
isn't being used by anyone else, it is being used by you. Because you have
already activated Vista Windows automatically assumes that you are trying to
install the same copy of Vista onto another computer, thus the 'product key
in use' message.

Go through the activation process again and choose 'telephone' activation
instead of internet. Give the activation line a call (most countries are
toll free (free phone) so it won't cost you anything.)

The activation line is automated. When you choose telephone activation and
go through the activation wizard a set of numbers will be displayed. You
need to type these into your telephone keypad once you contact the
activation line. In return the activation line will give you another set of
numbers which you need to type into the dialogue box on your computer
screen. Once you have inputted the number into the dialogue box on your
screen your system should be activated - you should get a message to this
effect.

If activation is refused or you have problems let the automated sequence
finish and then stay on the telephone. You should then be put through to a
'real' person who will be able to guide you through the process and get you
activated.

--

--
John Barnett MVP
Windows XP Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://www.winuser.co.uk
Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org
Web: http://www.silversurfer-guide.com

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use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[Mick Murphy]

1. Click Start and in the Search box type in: slui.exe 4
2. Press the Enter key on your keyboard.
3. Select your Country.
4. Take the phone activation option and hold on for a real person, if
necessary.

 

[Dustin Harper]

It says the key is in use because it was, by you on your previous install.
It's an easy fix, though. Select "Activate by Phone" and you can use the
automated activation. It should work, but if not, you can speak with a
Microsoft representative and get it taken care of. You won't need to buy a
new license to activate it.