Vista v.upgrade used to do a clean OS install; Product key is inva

[david]

Nutshell: One month ago, Geek Squad re-installed my OS by doing a clean
install using a Vista Home Premium - Upgrade version. Today, exactly one
month from that install, I get a message that my "activation period has
expired". I tried to use my product key but Microsoft says it is invalid.
What can I do?

Background: My Gateway came with XP/Vista capable. So after some time, I
decide to upgrade to Vista. I bought the $159.99 Vista Home Premium -
Upgrade version from Best Buy. Then I had Vista. Some time later, my hard
drive burns out so I asked Geek Squad to fix it. The solution was to buy a
new HDD and re-install OS. The Geek Squad agent installed Vista directly
from the upgrade version essentially doing a clean OS install using an
upgrade version only. That was 5/7/2008.

Today: Exactly one month later, 6/7/2008, I try to start windows and get
this error: "Activation period has expired", "product key invalid".

Things I tried:
(1) called Microsoft at 1-800-936-5700 and talked to Sham. They tell me I
have an invalid product key. They tell me that I can't use Windows and I
need to call 1-800-936-5700 M-F 9-5.
(2) called 1-800-GEEK SQUAD and talked to Andrea. They tell me it was not
Geek Squad's fault until Microsoft thinks it is. Will they call Microsoft?
Doubt it.
(3) called my local GEEK SQUAD tech. They said to try my XP product key -
that didn't work. They have no idea what to do next and suggested I bring it
in for them to look at.

HELP!!!

 

[Mick Murphy]

If you don'y have it, go back to Computer Manufacturer and/or Seller, and
get/demand your XP disk.
Then install XP
Then install Vista Upgrade disk.
Then ACTIVATE

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Well, the Geek Squad is responsible for the issue
and you should demand they they pay for a "Full Version"
Windows Vista Home Premium license.

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

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

Nutshell: One month ago, Geek Squad re-installed my OS by doing a clean
install using a Vista Home Premium - Upgrade version. Today, exactly one
month from that install, I get a message that my "activation period has
expired". I tried to use my product key but Microsoft says it is invalid.
What can I do?

Background: My Gateway came with XP/Vista capable. So after some time, I
decide to upgrade to Vista. I bought the $159.99 Vista Home Premium -
Upgrade version from Best Buy. Then I had Vista. Some time later, my hard
drive burns out so I asked Geek Squad to fix it. The solution was to buy a
new HDD and re-install OS. The Geek Squad agent installed Vista directly
from the upgrade version essentially doing a clean OS install using an
upgrade version only. That was 5/7/2008.

Today: Exactly one month later, 6/7/2008, I try to start windows and get
this error: "Activation period has expired", "product key invalid".

Things I tried:
(1) called Microsoft at 1-800-936-5700 and talked to Sham. They tell me I
have an invalid product key. They tell me that I can't use Windows and I
need to call 1-800-936-5700 M-F 9-5.
(2) called 1-800-GEEK SQUAD and talked to Andrea. They tell me it was not
Geek Squad's fault until Microsoft thinks it is. Will they call Microsoft?
Doubt it.
(3) called my local GEEK SQUAD tech. They said to try my XP product key -
that didn't work. They have no idea what to do next and suggested I bring it
in for them to look at.

HELP!!!

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Nutshell: One month ago, Geek Squad re-installed my OS by doing a clean
install using a Vista Home Premium - Upgrade version. Today, exactly one
month from that install, I get a message that my "activation period has
expired". I tried to use my product key but Microsoft says it is invalid.
What can I do?

Background: My Gateway came with XP/Vista capable. So after some time, I
decide to upgrade to Vista. I bought the $159.99 Vista Home Premium -
Upgrade version from Best Buy. Then I had Vista. Some time later, my hard
drive burns out so I asked Geek Squad to fix it. The solution was to buy a
new HDD and re-install OS. The Geek Squad agent installed Vista directly
from the upgrade version essentially doing a clean OS install using an
upgrade version only. That was 5/7/2008.

Today: Exactly one month later, 6/7/2008, I try to start windows and get
this error: "Activation period has expired", "product key invalid".

Things I tried:
(1) called Microsoft at 1-800-936-5700 and talked to Sham. They tell me I
have an invalid product key. They tell me that I can't use Windows and I
need to call 1-800-936-5700 M-F 9-5.

Microsoft can't fix Geek Squad's screw up.

(2) called 1-800-GEEK SQUAD and talked to Andrea. They tell me it was not
Geek Squad's fault until Microsoft thinks it is.

She lied.

Will they call Microsoft?
Doubt it.
(3) called my local GEEK SQUAD tech. They said to try my XP product key -
that didn't work.

Of course, it wouldn't work. I can't even begin to imagine why they
thought it might, other than their collosal ineptitude with all things
technical.

They have no idea what to do next ....

No surprise there.

The Upgrade Product Key is being reported as invalid because Geek Squad
(who, by the way, are the very last people on the planet that you want
touching your computer), improperly performed a clean installation using
an Upgrade license. Had they first restored WinXP to the machine, and
then upgraded, all would have been well.

To rectify the situation, you'll need two choices:

1) Wipe the hard drive, reinstall WinXP, and then upgrade to Vista,
just as you did originally.

2) Wipe the hard drive, and perform a clean installation using the
Vista Upgrade DVD, but following the method outlined here:

Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows: How to Clean Install Windows
Vista with Upgrade Media
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp

NOTE: This method is *not* supported by Microsoft.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

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