"Robert Ross" <Robert
Ross@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote ...
> I've had Vista installed since it was first available to the public, and
> for
> some reason just the other day, I got a message saying my product key is
> already in use. I tried re-entering the number, but it still says it's in
> use. I know I have a legit copy as I bought it from Office Max and I doubt
> they carry bootleg copies. I was going to contact Microsoft about this,
> but I
Hi Robert,
Have you changed the hardware in any way, lately? Even pluged in a USB
device? (or removed one?).
Vista watches the hardware to see if it has changed since Vista was
installed. This is supposed to be an anti-piracy measure - if the Vista
installation is copied to a new machine, it will start promting for
re-activation. However the algorithm to detect hardware changes goes a bit
haywire sometimes and even very minor changes can kick it off (not juch
major changes like, oh, a whole new PC; minor changes like replacign the
keyboard. Seriously).
In any case, it should be fairly easy to correct. When the message to
re-activate appears, you will find a phone number to ring Microsoft on. This
call is free of charge. You ring up, tell the operator your Vista machine
hasn't changed, but it's asking for re-activation; they'll give you a new
activation code over the phone; and you should be back up and running in 5
or so minutes. In m experience they don't ask any probing questions, they
just give you the number.
If you can't find the number for your region in the error messge, run this
command:
slui.exe 4
to get the right phone number.
In summary - ring Microsoft, get an activation code, plug it in, and you
should be back in business.
Hope it helps,
--
Andrew McLaren
amclar (at) optusnet dot com dot au
Linear Mode
