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Vista Reinstall: product key not valid?

jjmIII

jjmIII

Diamond Member
I'm trying to re-install Vista and have a legit key right on the emachines case.

I have used my Vista DVD for re-installs with no problems in the past, but..

Now I get "product key invalid". I have checked I typed it in right a zillion times.


Any thoughts guys/girls?? 😕
 
are you using the restore dvd or a retail dvd?

With oem, you must use their provided cd/dvd with the key on the sticker.
 
The Keys on the cases of major-brand OEM boxes are never intended to be used. Microsoft quit allowing online Activation of such Keys in 2005. You'll have to phone Microsoft to Activate.

If you are getting the error at the initial install (before attempting online Activation), then I'm not sure why. Such an error was common with XP, where the "type" of Key had to match the "type" (OEM, Retail, Volume Licnese) of the Install CD. But I believe that problem disappeared with the introduciton of Vista.
 
Last edited:
jjmIII said:
I've used Retail Vista and Win7 DVDs to re-install on OEMs many times before?
Click to expand...
Obvioulsy something's different. One thing about software is that it's awfully repeatable.

It might help if you provide some exact details about what you are using?

Version of Vista that is on the OEM sticker?
Exact type of DVD you are using? OEM? If OEM, brand? Retail? Upgrade version? Full version? Service Pack?
 
This disk is Vista Home Premium, and the PC has Vista Home Premium on it.

My understanding is the DVD has ALL the versions on it though. In fact I have used the disk to install Vista Basic before.

Right now I am cloning their old crappy install to an old hdd I have, and then I'll install w/o the code, and try to get it to register that way.

Worst case I'll just clone back to their drive and have to pick out all the viruses...UGG.
 
OK.....Microsoft support was a HUGE help and got it activated!

Here is a neat trick I found too:

To start windows activation over the phone, use the command "SLUI 4" in command prompt with administrator rights.
 
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