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    Windows vista activation problem

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by DallasMavericksRule, Oct 6, 2007.

  1. DallasMavericksRule

    DallasMavericksRule Notebook Enthusiast

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    So I installed my very own (legitimate, bought) copy of Vista Ultimate on my new Asus machine that I formatted. The same serial number is running on another machine of MINE with the same registration name and all. Now this activation pop-up keeps coming up saying that the serial number im using is already in use and options I get are either to BUY (?!?!) a new serial number or call microsoft to activate which i dont want to do until i know whats going on? Am I not allowed to install windows on 2 machines which I own in my own house? Any ideas? Can I use the serial number that came with this computer, albeit for Home Premium?
     
    DallasMavericksRule, Oct 6, 2007
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  2. R4000

    R4000 Notebook Virtuoso

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    One license key per machine. As for the key that came with your laptop, it has to match the Windows version you are running. A Home Premium key will not activate Ultimate, or the other way around.
     
    R4000, Oct 6, 2007
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  3. Evolution

    Evolution Vox Sola

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    Well said R4000...

    Dallas take a look at vista's Eula. You have one license so you get to use that license on one computer only. :)
     
    Evolution, Oct 6, 2007
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  4. DallasMavericksRule

    DallasMavericksRule Notebook Enthusiast

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    So I format the other hard drive and install an olderversion of XP on it, then it makes my copy legitimate now? and how in the world will windows know that?
     
    DallasMavericksRule, Oct 6, 2007
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  5. R4000

    R4000 Notebook Virtuoso

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    It won't. You will be prompted to call Microsoft anyway because the key was already activated, reguardless if you reformatted or not. If it as an OEM version of Vista, it is tied to one machine (set of hardware). That is one of the reasons why OEM is cheaper.........
     
    R4000, Oct 6, 2007
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  6. nic.

    nic. Notebook Evangelist

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    Absolutely, did you bought yourself a OEM edition of Vista?
     
    nic., Oct 6, 2007
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  7. DallasMavericksRule

    DallasMavericksRule Notebook Enthusiast

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    myself, well my dad... he got it at a trade show that he went to, fully sealed, functional, unique key version of vista 32 and 64 2-DVD set... its the full retail version
     
    DallasMavericksRule, Oct 6, 2007
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  8. The Forerunner

    The Forerunner Notebook Virtuoso

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    No do the activate by phone thing. I had the exact same issue when I installed the same vista key on my second c90. You will be taken care of if 5-10 minutes, I was actually impressed by Microsoft's service regarding the issue.
     
    The Forerunner, Oct 6, 2007
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