Why is windows vista telling me that I need a new product key?

Question

Ok so I installed windows vista on my desktop after I had installed a new hard drive. I think I used the same one that had been on my labtop, however when I did it windows did not say anything and accepted the activation. Now (3 weeks later) it is saying that I need a new product code. When I turn it on there is a screen basically saying click here to enter new product code, and a button for microsoft help, and one for buying a product code online. It will let me access the internet through these buttons but not my files. So i went out and got a new version of windows vista(still the same version i installed just one with a new product code). however, when i hit the button that said enter new product code here, and put in said new code, it said it was not valid. what do I do? I really need to be able to access these files. I just spent the last 2 hours searching microstofts help thing(which i have found is not all that helpfull), and so even a toll free number or something would be nic

Answer 1

u need to contact microsoft and expalain to them that ur harddrive died and needed to be replaced if u dont tell them taht they wont issue a new key to u.....ur software is only good for that system and by replacing the harddrive it is no longer there

don't tell them u just swapped ur HD again tell them it died

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/295539

Answer 2

to use the product key that came with the new vista you will need to install that new copy of vista, look on the back or side of the pc and the original product key should be on a small sticker, it is a 25 digit code, try entering this

Answer 3

Are you using pirated installer on your installation of your Vista? Maybe the key worned out when you go to microsoft website since it was determined by microsoft that you're using a pirated key.

Answer 4

does it give you the option to activate your copy of windows anywhere? Usually it will let you activate your copy but you have to call microsoft to get the activation code. As far as a number goes it should give it to you . I don't have that number.

Answer 5

just enter the same product code again

Answer 6

the product is on the packet of the cd-rom you install your windows with

Answer 7

http://www.microsoft.com/en/us/default.aspx



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