I was having problems with the original installation of windows vista and decided to reinstall the operatng system. I did so using the product key which was given to me when purchasing my laptop. For some reason when activating the key, i am being told that this is not a valid activation key.. Can anyone please help me??

Hi Russ,

Welcome to PCHF.

During activation, you have the option to contact Microsoft directly to activate manually?

to activate ders a windo that pops up right after i log in before windows runs
i hav a choice to do it by phone or enter a new key. theres no way to directly contact microsoft.

Russ,

Make sure you used the correct key that came with the CD. Otherwise you have the option to change your product key.

You need to contact them directly by phone. When you ring them, you will first come to an automated activation of Windows (which will of course fail). At the end of the automated activation, you will then be put through to a Microsoft representative.

There are alternatives, but I'm afraid I cannot post them here (please read PCHF Rules).

okay thanks. i'll try the phone service tomorrow morning and hope i'll solve things with the representative about the alternatives i know what you mean but i'll try work things out legally for now lol..

Marked as answered.