Windows Activation Legal, but without a key ..

Yeah, as the title says I'm having some troubles activating windows. I own a valid copy, purchased, etc with a product key. Yes, I have the product key. HOWEVER, it doesnt work! I've browsed around the internet and found things about if you update your comp and reinstall windows the key may no longer be valid. If this is true, can anyone enlighten me how I can fix it?

 

I suppose calling Microsoft is a possibility, but I really would rather not if it's at all avoidable. And if I do, does anyone else have advice? I'm not exactly a techno wiz when it comes down to the nuts and bolts of PCs, so if they get into asking specific hardware question I really dunno if I'll be able to field them. If they're concerning the general types of hardware, sure .. I can do that. Also, another problem. Is the Windows Serial # the same as the Prod-Key? Because if not, bad. I dont have the jewel case nor box that my CD came in. I have it stored in a plastic sleeve along with all my other PC junk, and dunno if I could find it if I tried.

 

Gah! I wish I could just pop the CD in my screen and not bother with all this crap. The way I look at it if I bought it, it's mine. I'm following Licensing Agreement and really don't see any reason that I should be harassed. Real annoying.

 

Anyways, help appreciated, (before I go insane).

I've browsed around the internet and found things about if you update your comp and reinstall windows the key may no longer be valid. If this is true, can anyone enlighten me how I can fix it?

This should not be a problem, unless you've done it many times. The Windows activation system is designed to put up with a certain number of upgrades. It will just re-activate itself.
It's not clear to me what's going wrong, and if you're really having trouble activating or installing. Could you give us more details about the problem?

I'm not exactly a techno wiz when it comes down to the nuts and bolts of PCs, so if they get into asking specific hardware question I really dunno if I'll be able to field them.

This should not be a problem. If the Microsoft techies need hardware information from you, they'll almost certainly be able to help you find it.

Is the Windows Serial # the same as the Prod-Key? Because if not, bad. I dont have the jewel case nor box that my CD came in. I have it stored in a plastic sleeve along with all my other PC junk, and dunno if I could find it if I tried.

No! They're two different numbers. If you registered your copy of Windows (not the same as activation, but also free), they may be willing and able to help you get a new serial number. I'm not sure.

Gah! I wish I could just pop the CD in my screen and not bother with all this crap. The way I look at it if I bought it, it's mine. I'm following Licensing Agreement and really don't see any reason that I should be harassed. Real annoying.

That's one of the reasons I prefer Win2000.

Well, I can't really get into detail more, cause I think I summed it up as best as I could. I did some hardware upgrades to my computer (New Video Card, different Hard Drive, memory upgrade) and now I have to reinstall Windows. I did, except my Activation Key when entered correctly (I've checked multiple times) doesn't work. It says failed, try again. I'm thinking I'll just call MS and have them fix it.

 

I hope that clears it up a little further, Cassandra. If not, sorry .. dunno how else to say it. :/

It could be that your copy is a pirated version, which is why the activation key will not work.(this happened to me, but I was aware of it 'cos I scored my copy in Asia)

Well .. I ordered offline from a site. It came with packaging and everything, so I doubt it. I hope not .. -.-

From what I heard that if u changed your system hardware, you're required to contact Microsoft about it so they can change your profile. But, I guess it's just a rumor or something. Anyways, that's why I prefer Linux. No one's forcing you to upgrade to use the newest software. (Well, sometimes, because they can't help but tell you to swap from 2.4.x to 2.6.x) or you can use other Opensource Operating System.xboxrulz

When you changed your hard drive that is what told Windows it was on a different machine...this happened to me when I wanted to put XP Home on an different hard drive and use my big hard drive for different pueposes, as far as XP is concerned you took your valid copy and placed it on another machine, I called them and they gave me another key after I told them my key number which was valid.As far as putting in a new drive windows records all the environment, but the hard drive can be anywhere as far as they know so at least give them a call and let them know what you have done and save the headache, there was no charge.It did work when I put it back on the other smaller hard drive, maybe you could use your new hard drive for something else and keep your origional as the OS. This is just what happened to me so you might at least want to give Microsoft a call.

If you have only an OEM version of Windows, then you're allowed only a limited number of installs. Correct that, you can install it as many times as you want, but i think you only get 5 WGA registrations. Doesn't make sense, I know, but that's whati heard....complaints from people who had a licensed copy of Windows, but had just completed a 6th reformat or reinstall, and all of a sudden, no more registrations. Well, what does it really matter? If you DO have an original non-pirated copy of windows, call tech support, or do it yourself. there are oodles of bypasses available.

If it is a pirated copy contact MS with the details of the supplier and they will give you a copy for £1 so i heard a while ago. Then they wll sue the retailer for the original cost and they will prob goto prison

Did you have any anti-virus prog installed before you tried to activate?If so, that could well be the problem, at least according to M/soft.

Well, the first time I tried to activate (during install) there would have been no AntiVirus .. however, as soon as I got Windows up I put on Norton AntiVirus, MS AntiSpyware, and Spybot Search & Destroy. After that, activation still didnt work. I may just look into Linux, I'm frustrated with Microsoft's crap treatment of legit customers.