Look at my response from this subject dated 1/30/07 "XP Media Center To Vista
Ultimate"

I am beginning to see a pattern for the Media Center Edition CPUs. Now I
have a working Vista but I purchased the upgrade and so now I can't activate
my upgrade install product key due to the fact that the tech told me to do a
clean install. So my vista will work for 29 more days unless Microsoft can
fix or give me a new product key.

"Brian Williams" wrote:

> I am getting the exact same problem. I ordered my keys yesterday with the
> Family Discount Plan, both for Vista Home Premium. Both give me this same
> issue. I have done a clean and an upgrade install from Windows MCE, nothing
> works.
>
> I have been on the phone with Microsoft for hours. At one point, with the
> product key rep, she checked the key and said something about "XP service
> pack 1". I am starting to think that Microsoft is sending out bogus keys
> when you order Home Premium online.
>
> I am hoping I can just convince them to send me 2 new keys.
>
> "Axis384" wrote:
>
> > Ok I really have no idea why I am having this problem. I purchased Vista
> > Home Premium Edition yesterday and tried installing it when I got home from
> > work. I ran the tool before I opened it just to make sure that my computer
> > was compatible and I passed. Now comes my frustration:
> >
> > I open the case, pop in the cd, autoplay install screen. Everything seems
> > to be working fine as I proceed through the beginning install screens. Now
> > my problem arises when I get to the screen where I enter in my product key.
> > If I enter in my product key and click next it just sits there with the
> > hourglass cursor. Windows Task Manager show sthat the program is "running"
> > and not "not responding." Still, nothing happens. I then decided to try
> > entering in my key later so I just clicked next without entering it in. I
> > select the version that I installed and click next, frozen again. This time
> > Windows Task Manager says that the program is "not responding."
> >
> > Now I begin to wonder if it just might be a problem with my dvd rom or
> > something of the sort so I attempt to install it on my sister's computer.
> > Gets through the steps just fine and beyond the point which I am stuck at.
> > At this point I really have no idea what to do. I am trying to avoid having
> > to do a clean install because I would prefer to just not go through that
> > process right now, especially if I'm uncertain as to whether or not the
> > install will even work then. So I ask you, suggestions?