Curse

Snograt · Jul 03, 2008, 09:21 PM // 21:21

At a guess, I'd say this is due to a new motherboard:

I have 27 days left to activate Windows. I get a warning pop up saying my product key is already in use. It is a genuine copy of Vista Ultimate x64 that cost me an absolute fortune, via Amazon.

When I try to get online assistance from Microsoft, I get "That product code does not match your country of origin." The copy that came from Amazon has IRELAND on the side.

Any helpful hints that don't involve nefarious doings?

Brianna · Jul 03, 2008, 10:09 PM // 22:09

No idea, I'm assuming that the hard drive the key was activated on before has now been wiped of it's OS.

Maybe it needs a time of margin to realize that it's not activated? That is really weird. I know that it isn't an OEM, cause I remember you having the 32bit and 64 bit retail package?

Either way, Microsoft support has been headaches for me every time I call, so I'm not surprised.

Lurid · Jul 03, 2008, 10:12 PM // 22:12

Call them. Takes just a few seconds usually. I've had to call about three times from this copy of Vista (I reformat a lot).

EDIT - If you get stuck with an idiot a generally useful tip is to request assistance from a higher level technician. The guys on the phones usually are told to read a script and know little to nothing of what they are talking about.

Stockholm · Jul 03, 2008, 10:17 PM // 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snograt

At a guess, I'd say this is due to a new motherboard:

I have 27 days left to activate Windows. I get a warning pop up saying my product key is already in use. It is a genuine copy of Vista Ultimate x64 that cost me an absolute fortune, via Amazon.

When I try to get online assistance from Microsoft, I get "That product code does not match your country of origin." The copy that came from Amazon has IRELAND on the side.

Any helpful hints that don't involve nefarious doings?

Same thing happened to me, and after hours on the phone and weeks of e-mails, I sent it back to Microsoft with copies of the USP code and the VISA slip and asked for my money back (still waiting for the out come)

Tarun · Jul 03, 2008, 10:32 PM // 22:32

It just takes a simple phone call to Microsoft. I've had to do that several times and just told them what changed (if anything) and they authorize it.

Stockholm · Jul 03, 2008, 10:33 PM // 22:33

Perhaps they will send me a fresh copy then.

Snograt · Jul 03, 2008, 10:48 PM // 22:48

Thanks guys. Was hoping to avoid telephonic script idiocy, but oh well.

Oh, and Bree - nothing to do with HDD wipe. Original HDD with original Vista. Didn't bother to re-format and re-install 'cause I really hate that hassle. Windows thinks it needs re-activating when you get a new mobo because, to Windows, every component on the mobo is a "new" device, so it suspects you're installing on another PC or similar nefariousnesses.

Lord Sojar · Jul 04, 2008, 08:28 AM // 08:28

Microsoft is retarded. Bill Gates retired. The end is neigh.

Fril Estelin · Jul 04, 2008, 08:38 AM // 08:38

When I recently bought my new comp, I looked around for this issue, given that I wanted to buy an OEM version of Vista. It seems that depending on the system, Vista will not like if you change too much hardware stuff. Most of the time, contacting MS support solved the issue but you have to be prepared to show them a proof of purchase of Vista.

Rahja: gates retired from MS a few weeks ago (but he should definitely be in your equation!)

Tarun · Jul 04, 2008, 03:03 PM // 15:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief

Microsoft is retarded. Bill Gates retired. The end is neigh.

I never understood why people bother to try and bash Microsoft. Why do you think Microsoft is retarded?

Snograt · Jul 04, 2008, 04:50 PM // 16:50

I think we've all lived with MS products for so long that we forget that the only reason we buy them is that we are, pretty much, a captive audience. There is NO viable alternative to Windows. You can clamour all you like about OSX. Linux, *nix and the rest - they are not alternatives. If you want the choice of software that MS compatibility brings, you HAVE to use Windows.

If every software application was platform independent, I don't think any of us would be buying Windows. Microsoft have a monopoly and that makes them lazy. Their feature sets, usability and bug testing are lacking because they don't have to try. They know that we will buy the latest Windows anyway.

Microsoft OSs and applications are too widespread for this to ever change. No new OS will ever be written by a competitor. What's the point?

Just my $0.02. I felt a bit ranty

Tarun · Jul 04, 2008, 07:03 PM // 19:03

Not just that but with Windows, everything works. Manufacturers provide drivers if needed at that.

Last time I formatted my server, everything worked except for the sound and wireless. And that took no time to install and get working.

I tried Ubuntu on that server and I could never get the wireless to work, even though it said it was working.

Admael · Jul 04, 2008, 08:32 PM // 20:32

When you call to activate, make sure you tell them (it's automated so tell "them") you do have new hardware, and you haven't installed it on any other computer.

the bourne hells · Jul 04, 2008, 10:09 PM // 22:09

try re-mastering/formating

Kattar · Jul 05, 2008, 01:40 AM // 01:40

Well, can't give you any better advice then has already been given.

I've had to request new keys numerous times. They seem to have no problem giving you a new one, even if your story is more than a little shady (as mine was at the time). I didn't steal anything, but "Josh," who was actually some Indian dude, couldn't figure out what I wanted him to do or what he needed to do. So I hung up, called back, and told them my hard drive had failed and that I had to do a reinstall.

Fun fun. But I'm sure you'll get it taken care of no problem.

Thizzle · Jul 11, 2008, 03:13 AM // 03:13

I would wipe your hard drive and reinstall Vista. You're probably right about the new motherboard, but to be sure it's best to reformat so you install with all your latest hardware.

Snograt · Jul 11, 2008, 04:06 AM // 04:06

Whoops - forgot to update

It was as simple as Admael said - quick automated phone call, and Bob's your uncle.

Sometimes I worry too much.

gone · Jul 18, 2008, 07:14 AM // 07:14

-I remember there was a time when all you had to do was roll the -clock- back. lol.