Re: Bought Vista on Ebay and won't activate

Tech Tip: Click here to run a free scan for Windows Errors and optimize PC performance

Mick Murphy wrote:
The only way to find out is to install it, and try and Activate it.
If it says the Key is already in use, take the phone option, and explain to MS your problem.

If it was an OEM disk, it is tied to the original computer.
One licence, one install on a computer, for the life of that computer.



Well, that's not quite accurate, Mick. Yes, an OEM license may be installed only on one computer, and is permanently bound to that first computer on which it has been installed, but it can be reinstalled an unlimited number of times, on that same computer.




--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Can I "upgrade" Vista to XP Pro using XP Pro Upgrade package
    ... Only if that's the same computer on which you're planning to install WinXP Upgrade. ... An OEM version must be sold with a piece of hardware and is _permanently_ bound to the first PC on which it's installed. ... The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics)
  • Re: Will XP OEM be able to be moved to another PC AND activated?
    ... If I ever replace this laptop, and want to install it on my next laptop, will I be able to get it activated? ... An OEM version must be sold with a piece of hardware and is _permanently_ bound to the first PC on which it's installed. ... The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: PC hangs during activation and non-activation
    ... As you have a new OEM OS license, it sounds like you are trying to do ... license, the OS will not be tied to the old MB, so it should install just ... since windows won't start.? ... How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: PC hangs during activation and non-activation
    ... As you have a new OEM OS license, it sounds like you are trying to do ... license, the OS will not be tied to the old MB, so it should install just ... since windows won't start.? ... How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: Use my original COA ( CD-KEY) in my Toshiba laptop
    ... It is easy to get a legal OEM copy of Microsoft Media Center 2005. ... Media Center Edition and no Personal Support ... There is no "deal" between MS and PC makers to cripple the install. ... sells the OEM copies of MCE to the manufacturers at a deeply ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter)