Windows vista activation problem

gingerchick

I'm trying to activate my window vista on my computer, I follow all the on screen instructions, put in my product key (the 5 X 5 digit code on the sticker) but it comes up saying

'the product key you have entered will not work with this edition of windows vista. You must run windows vista set up or enter a windows vista home premium key'

But according to the sticker I've got window vista home basic?

Now I can find my way around a computer, just about, but have no idea about running the vista set up.
And I don't want to mess too much for fear of totally messing things up.

I've called the microsoft set up phone line (all automated) but that goes on about putting in a code of 6 digits at a time which you can find on the activation wizard screen, but my code is in groups of 5 digits and has letters as well as numbers?

can anyone advise me what to do.
I'm all confuddled.
Thanks in advance.

superscaper

Where did you get the computer from? You need to do what it says, either reinstall windows and ensure basic is installed or get a premium number. What version of Vista did you pay for?

gingerchick

Actually I think I've just sorted it out myself:rolleyes:

Just googled and found that it is probably the free trial period of office the software that they gave me that need activating and not the windows vista itself.

The actual windows vista should have already been activated.

Well I hope that's it, if not I shall be cut of from mse in 7 days time:eek:

superscaper

gingerchick wrote: »

Just googled and found that it is probably the free trial period of office the software that they gave me that need activating and not the windows vista itself.

If it was that then I don't see why you would have got that error message specifying vista. Doesn't sound like anything to do with Office if that error message is what you got.

gingerchick

superscaper wrote: »

Where did you get the computer from? You need to do what it says, either reinstall windows and ensure basic is installed or get a premium number. What version of Vista did you pay for?

I bought the computer from a local computer shop with the windows vista pre-installed.

superscaper

gingerchick wrote: »

I bought the computer from a local computer shop with the windows vista pre-installed.

Doesn't sound like they installed the right version for the sticker they put on the case. What version of Vista did you pay for?

gingerchick

just found an error when it refuses to activate, it gives a code number and says

the activation server determined the specified product key in use

gingerchick

superscaper wrote: »

Doesn't sound like they installed the right version for the sticker they put on the case. What version of Vista did you pay for?

This is what I wondered.
On the sticker it says windows vista home basic and on the activation screen it says windows vista home premium.

I paid for the basic but I wonder if they have put the wrong sticker/OS on.

Have to go to work in a bit but will contact the shop again.
Thanks for your help.

superscaper

gingerchick wrote: »

just found an error when it refuses to activate, it gives a code number and says

the activation server determined the specified product key in use

Well assuming MS aren't making a mistake it sounds like you bought the pc from a bunch of cowboys offloading pirated windows in the pcs they sell. This was a small independant shop I'm guessing. Go back to them and ask them about it. If they don't do anything about it or just give you another pirated copy then I'd report them to MS and trading standards.

Danyúl_II

double post

gingerchick

Just to let you know, I've got it sorted.
Took the pc back to the shop and they had basically put vista premium on the pc but a vista basic sticker on.
I had paid for the basic but they have left the premium on and given me a new key code at no extra cost.
It's already activated so I shouldn't get the pop up message any more.

Thanks for all you help though.