re formatted laptop now keeps asking for vista serial key bit of help please

fletcher1985

well i had some problems with my laptop so i re formated my comp i used the disk that came with the comp and when it said enter the serial key i did the comp re formated fine but every day i log on to the comper now i get this box that comes up saying phone for a serial key type a serial key in or cancel, i get it about every hour i click enter serial and it says i have an ilegal copy of vista i know for a fact its not, then i couldnt use the comp so i re formated the comp again but still keep getting this pop up, has anyone got any advice

Garz

Usually the pre-installed copy of vista is embedded on a sticker somewhere on your laptop. If there is none then ring the supplier as it should be stuck on there somewhere.

fletcher1985

yes its stuck on the of the laptopand i typed it in when i re formated the laptop and was accepted fine but now this box keeps popping up and i type it in it says its an ilegal copy, it has just poped up again now and says


windows activation
use the automated phone system
buy a new product key online
type a different product key

Garz

You will have to phone them im afraid as it sounds like your copy has either been registered too many times or you used a different copy of windows for the fresh install. If it is genuine then they will have to provide you with a new key once you have explained your misfortunate event.

fletcher1985

i have only registered it twice once when i girst got the comp and then again when i re formated it, yes it is genuine it came with the laptop. i dont know why i even bothered with windows vista everyone has so many problems with them, xp is much better

chuckles1066

fletcher1985 wrote: »

i have only registered it twice once when i girst got the comp and then again when i re formated it, yes it is genuine it came with the laptop. i dont know why i even bothered with windows vista everyone has so many problems with them, xp is much better

Is it an OEM install DVD?

Debt_Free_Chick

Just phone them. I had to do this with XP and Office recently as I'd reinstalled them. I was surprised to find that you don't speak to anyone - it's just an automated system asking you some questions. Your situation will be covered so you should have no problem. Have a pen & paper handy as you'll be given an activation code to type in.

HTH

superscaper

Debt_Free_Chick wrote: »

Just phone them. I had to do this with XP and Office recently as I'd reinstalled them. I was surprised to find that you don't speak to anyone - it's just an automated system asking you some questions. Your situation will be covered so you should have no problem. Have a pen & paper handy as you'll be given an activation code to type in.

HTH

Same here, done it a few times with XP. There's absolutely no reason not to phone them. It's supposedly a legitimate copy and the telephone no. is free.

chuckles1066

superscaper wrote: »

Same here, done it a few times with XP. There's absolutely no reason not to phone them. It's supposedly a legitimate copy and the telephone no. is free.

The Vista DVD contains all versions of Vista (from Home through to Ultimate)......which one installs depends on the product key you enter during the setup routine.

I'll bet a pound to a penny the OP has tried to install, say, the Business version using, say, the Home product key.

EDIT: ignore me, the caffeine hasn't kicked in yet!

chuckles1066

aardvarkuk wrote: »

I think thats rubbish, because why would they sell seperate discs, and also on install I have never seen a question asking, what version you wish to install.

But im all ears if this is true

:beer:

Sorry, my bad...........the UPGRADE DVD contains all four versions :silenced:

CHR15

When I was playing with RC releases of Vista :-/ the version installed was dependant upon the key entered.

If you entered a Vista Home edition key, Vista Home was installed.

If you entered no key at all the install moved forward and offered a choice of which version from Basic, through to Ultimate.

You would then have the 30day trial of whichever version you had opted for. It was this which led to the pirates releasing the Timer Stops to halt the 30 day countdown.

Cant be sure about 64bit or 32bit but for certain, every version of Vista was on every DVD.


I dont think it is a case of having all versions as seperate ISO's on the disk

Each edition just brings more options/ features.

Install basic and it simply unchecks the options boxes, install ultimate and it ticks ALL the boxes before continuing.


I have not attempted any of this on a Final disk but this is how it was during the Release Candidate versions (which were all Full versions).