Help, lost my Vista product key!!!!

[bgosper]

I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Julian]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

Dunno.

Have you tried asking M$?

They must have a record of your current license and will
have a record of the legitimate Vista upgrades.
It might be worth giving them a bell.

[Peter Foldes]

Julian

M$ has nothing to do with OEM=Dell which is what the OP has.
--
Peter

Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.

Post by Julian

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

Dunno.
Have you tried asking M$?
They must have a record of your current license and will
have a record of the legitimate Vista upgrades.
It might be worth giving them a bell.

[Julian]

"Peter Foldes" <***@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:***@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
Julian

M$ has nothing to do with OEM=Dell which is what the OP has.

Fair enough. It was just a thaught.

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

The Product Key is not on the CD in any form.
The only record to on the wrapper you threw out.
If Dell can not help, you may need to purchase another if you want
Vista.

A very slight chance:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246
But I doubt it since it is OEM.
--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to
continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Chad Harris]

The PK isn't on the DVD that's true whether it's OEM as in this case or
whether it were MSFT retail. But the Part Numbers are. And in this case he
didn't just buy a retail DVD; he paid considerable money to Dell for a PC.
He needs to hammer Dell; it's not the first or the last time Dell has either
misdirected a shipment (I saw that last week on a top of the line XPS) or
left something out of a shipment. They can make it right. If the story is
true, he shouldn't have to "purchase" anything. Dell should be apologizing
for what they left out of the shipment.

CH

Post by Jupiter Jones [MVP]
The Product Key is not on the CD in any form.
The only record to on the wrapper you threw out.
If Dell can not help, you may need to purchase another if you want Vista.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246
But I doubt it since it is OEM.
--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

"Dell should be apologizing for what they left out of the shipment."
Only if your ASSUMPTION is correct.

It seems more likely the key was thrown out with the shrink-wrap.
"or it got thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of
cardboard!!"
But I wont make an assumption as you like to do.
Perhaps you missed this line in the OPs post.
--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

Post by Chad Harris
The PK isn't on the DVD that's true whether it's OEM as in this case
or whether it were MSFT retail. But the Part Numbers are. And in
this case he didn't just buy a retail DVD; he paid considerable
money to Dell for a PC. He needs to hammer Dell; it's not the first
or the last time Dell has either misdirected a shipment (I saw that
last week on a top of the line XPS) or left something out of a
shipment. They can make it right. If the story is true, he
shouldn't have to "purchase" anything. Dell should be apologizing
for what they left out of the shipment.
CH

Post by Jupiter Jones [MVP]
The Product Key is not on the CD in any form.
The only record to on the wrapper you threw out.
If Dell can not help, you may need to purchase another if you want Vista.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246
But I doubt it since it is OEM.
--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to
continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get
another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Quilnux]

I would contact Dell again and ask the rep if they can pull up the date and
time the OEM COA was scanned into their system. This will confirm that it
made it to the box as scanning the COA is the last thing that OEM's do before
it hits the box. If they can give you the date and time then it was in the
for sure. I used to work for Systemax, a US PC manufacturer in their Tech
Support Dept and we would use this system to verify a COA was included.
Unless things have changed with Vista OEM COA's and I don't know about it,
OEM's have to scan the COA to pre-activate it in Microsofts system. Again I
was not working there when Vista came out so it may be different but that's
how it was for us with Windows XP.

Post by Chad Harris
The PK isn't on the DVD that's true whether it's OEM as in this case or
whether it were MSFT retail. But the Part Numbers are. And in this case he
didn't just buy a retail DVD; he paid considerable money to Dell for a PC.
He needs to hammer Dell; it's not the first or the last time Dell has either
misdirected a shipment (I saw that last week on a top of the line XPS) or
left something out of a shipment. They can make it right. If the story is
true, he shouldn't have to "purchase" anything. Dell should be apologizing
for what they left out of the shipment.
CH

Post by Jupiter Jones [MVP]
The Product Key is not on the CD in any form.
The only record to on the wrapper you threw out.
If Dell can not help, you may need to purchase another if you want Vista.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246
But I doubt it since it is OEM.
--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Rich Elgin]

Go to this link http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html and download and
run this Belarc Advisor.
It will give you a list of all your hardware and software installed on your
system.
In the software section it will display your Vista product ID and Key.

Rich

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Peter Foldes]

Rich

If the Key was never inputted it will not be there. Jupiter's advice stands
--
Peter

Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.

Post by Rich Elgin
Go to this link http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html and download and
run this Belarc Advisor.
It will give you a list of all your hardware and software installed on your
system.
In the software section it will display your Vista product ID and Key.
Rich

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[warn8r]

My thoughts exactly (well, almost, I recommended Everest...but this is much
cheaper). Good call, Rich.

Post by Rich Elgin
Go to this link http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html and download and
run this Belarc Advisor.
It will give you a list of all your hardware and software installed on your
system.
In the software section it will display your Vista product ID and Key.
Rich

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Sharon T]

Paste the product key sticker onto your PC tower, so you can easily access
it.

Post by warn8r
My thoughts exactly (well, almost, I recommended Everest...but this is much
cheaper). Good call, Rich.

Post by Rich Elgin
Go to this link http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html and download and
run this Belarc Advisor.
It will give you a list of all your hardware and software installed on your
system.
In the software section it will display your Vista product ID and Key.
Rich

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came
out.
I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have
done
the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell
says
I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another
one?
Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Dot W.]

Sharon, I write the product key with fine-tip marker directly on the CD,
staying as close as feasible to the center hole. That way, it's not possible
for the key and the CD to be separated.

Post by Sharon T
Paste the product key sticker onto your PC tower, so you can easily access
it.

[Alex T.]

Hey guys,

I upgraded to Vista on my laptop and the hard drive crashed. I purchased a
new hard drive and its coming through the mail as we speak. Will microsoft
allow me to re-activate my Vista without charging me?

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM]

Post by Alex T.
Hey guys,
I upgraded to Vista on my laptop and the hard drive crashed. I purchased a
new hard drive and its coming through the mail as we speak. Will microsoft
allow me to re-activate my Vista without charging me?

Yes.

[Joe Barbour]

I flashed the BIOS on my motherboard and now Vista won't let me activate with
my key now. It tells me my key is already in use. I am currently in the
military deployed overseas and it's really quite difficult to contact MS over
the phone and apparently I have to pay $50 or so to ask a question to MS
support because I originally activated more than 90 days ago. So I was
looking for any other options. I also tried this MS update,
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931573, but supposedly that update does not
apply to my system. Any suggestions?

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM]

Post by Joe Barbour
I flashed the BIOS on my motherboard and now Vista won't let me activate with
my key now. It tells me my key is already in use. I am currently in the
military deployed overseas and it's really quite difficult to contact MS over
the phone and apparently I have to pay $50 or so to ask a question to MS
support because I originally activated more than 90 days ago. So I was
looking for any other options. I also tried this MS update,
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931573, but supposedly that update does not
apply to my system. Any suggestions?

When you tell it you want to activate by phone it gives you an 800 (free)
number to call if you're in the US or Canada.

[Don]

Post by Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM

Post by Joe Barbour
I flashed the BIOS on my motherboard and now Vista won't let me activate with
my key now. It tells me my key is already in use. I am currently in the
military deployed overseas and it's really quite difficult to contact MS over
the phone and apparently I have to pay $50 or so to ask a question to MS
support because I originally activated more than 90 days ago. So I was
looking for any other options. I also tried this MS update,
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931573, but supposedly that update does not
apply to my system. Any suggestions?

When you tell it you want to activate by phone it gives you an 800
(free) number to call if you're in the US or Canada.

Joe is overseas, and I have no idea if that number will do him
any good where he is. I've never needed to reactive my Vista
so I don't know if someone in North America could do the necessary
telephone transaction on Joe's behalf. Is that a possibility?

[Rock]

Post by Joe Barbour
I flashed the BIOS on my motherboard and now Vista won't let me activate with
my key now. It tells me my key is already in use. I am currently in the
military deployed overseas and it's really quite difficult to contact MS over
the phone and apparently I have to pay $50 or so to ask a question to MS
support because I originally activated more than 90 days ago. So I was
looking for any other options. I also tried this MS update,
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931573, but supposedly that update does not
apply to my system. Any suggestions?

It is in use, Joe, you used it once. I don't see anyway around phone
activation. Sorry I don't have any better news for you. Maybe someone else
will jump in with something to help you. Good luck.

[WBurchnall]

Joe, anyone of us can activate it for you if we are nice and have the
minutes to spare to help a fellow human being =)

Basically, you type in the following in your start search

slui

Wait for the activation wizard to come up, choose Canada or US
depending on whose helping you

Write the installation ID down. All 40 digits. PM either me or anoteh
forum member with your installation id plus canada/usa activatio
number. We call them, give them the installation id, say we reinstalle
due to ___ software problems ___. We say Its only installed on on
computer. We say we bought it retail

Result, Microsoft CSR gives us installation id. We give installation i
to you via pm. all 40 digits

Now here is the trick. The hard part. If you close the slui 4 wizar
and reopen it. The installation Id changes. So you'd have to keep th
slui 4 wizard open until you heard back from the person you pm'ed wit
the installion id. You could also email a friend in the us and ask the
to call. You'd have to keep slui 4 open till you received a pm back

If you want, pm me and I'll give you msn address and I can do it i
real-time for you in 5 minutes or so

--
WBurchnall

[Richard in AZ]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

If you did not get the XP restore disk, there should be access to the XP restore via a hidden
partition on the hard drive. Check your owners manual on how to access it.
As others will tell you, you have to learn to keep track of the Product code that comes with the
disk. A hard lesson, but now you will know better.

[Chad Harris]

Richard--

Dell has elected to show some responsibility with Vista and PC Sales.
Unlike the other OEM Named partners who succumb to MSFT's pushes not to ship
a DVD, Dell ships a DVD:

He has the way to make this good.

What MSFT's OEM VP Scott DiValerio (Accountant not Software Engineer
Doesn't Want to See)
http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2006/10/17/3132.aspx

CH

Post by Richard in AZ

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

If you did not get the XP restore disk, there should be access to the XP
restore via a hidden partition on the hard drive. Check your owners
manual on how to access it.
As others will tell you, you have to learn to keep track of the Product
code that comes with the disk. A hard lesson, but now you will know
better.

[Angela Smith]

Post by Chad Harris
Richard--
Dell has elected to show some responsibility with Vista and PC Sales.
Unlike the other OEM Named partners who succumb to MSFT's pushes not to ship
He has the way to make this good.
What MSFT's OEM VP Scott DiValerio (Accountant not Software Engineer
Doesn't Want to See)
http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2006/10/17/3132.aspx
CH

Post by Richard in AZ

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

If you did not get the XP restore disk, there should be access to the XP
restore via a hidden partition on the hard drive. Check your owners
manual on how to access it.
As others will tell you, you have to learn to keep track of the Product
code that comes with the disk. A hard lesson, but now you will know
better.

[Manatee Memories]

On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:13:01 -0700, Angela Smith <Angela
***@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote, by way of
<388840CB-42F1-431F-B1E4-***@microsoft.com>, in
microsoft.public.windows.vista.general -->
[SNIP]

And, Angela, it would appear that you added _nothing_ (sans the above).

Or perhaps you _did_ add text of your own (other than mentioned), but
this addition was by way of adding yourself to the already quoted (a
"politically fashionable", but _horrendous_ to read, ongoing thing in
present-day Usenet) material?

Addition[s] to previously-quoted text should be made clear. Usenet is no
place for the latest bit of political fashion.

[Angela Smith]

Having read the info., here, I went to check on the CD's that were recently
delivered with my new Dell pc. On the back of the CD that came with the
Vista Operating system there was a note (in blue lettering) that said that
the Microsoft operating system Certificate of Authenticity (COA) IS A
MULTICOLORED LABEL LOCATED ON THE SIDE OR BOTTOM OF YOUR COMPUTER. The COA
CONTAINS THE PRODUCT KEY CODE, WHICH MIGHT BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE
OPERATING SYSTEM SETUP.

I checked my pc and the mutlicolored label was stuck on the top of the CPU.
I'm most grateful to you all for your posts. If I had not read this, I
might have thought it was another pesky label and removed it without
realizing it's value!

The label is made up of light blue, pink and green. Hope this helps!

Post by Chad Harris
Richard--
Dell has elected to show some responsibility with Vista and PC Sales.
Unlike the other OEM Named partners who succumb to MSFT's pushes not to ship
He has the way to make this good.
What MSFT's OEM VP Scott DiValerio (Accountant not Software Engineer
Doesn't Want to See)
http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2006/10/17/3132.aspx
CH

Post by Richard in AZ

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

If you did not get the XP restore disk, there should be access to the XP
restore via a hidden partition on the hard drive. Check your owners
manual on how to access it.
As others will tell you, you have to learn to keep track of the Product
code that comes with the disk. A hard lesson, but now you will know
better.

[Chad Harris]

Richard in AZ--

There's the possibility he never received it. At any rate he bought a Dell
PC. They should make his PK good however it gets done. Dell's also not in
a position right now to be using customers because they have dropped market
posistion and are doing major structural reorganization in sales emphasis to
try to catch up to HP.

I know I sure as hell would get a PK that worked from them. He has the ways.

CH

Post by Richard in AZ

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

If you did not get the XP restore disk, there should be access to the XP
restore via a hidden partition on the hard drive. Check your owners
manual on how to access it.
As others will tell you, you have to learn to keep track of the Product
code that comes with the disk. A hard lesson, but now you will know
better.

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

Is the product key not on a label on the side of the computer (bottom if
it's a laptop)?

[XS11E]

Post by Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key
or it got thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of
cardboard!! I have done the install but now am stuck because it
wants the product key to continue. I can't reverse it so the PC
is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get
another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

Is the product key not on a label on the side of the computer
(bottom if it's a laptop)?

Hmmmm, could the OEM key work for the Vista upgrade? I'm sure the
sticker on the case is for XP but the OP should at least give it a try,
if that doesn't work he'll have to try a restore using the Dell restore
CD or whatever they gave him to restore.

[AT]

If he got an upgrade mailed to him it is on the package no on the computer.

Post by Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

Is the product key not on a label on the side of the computer (bottom if
it's a laptop)?
--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM
http://www.fjsmjs.com

[Dustin Harper]

You would need the key, or have to buy a new copy. Mine came in a plastic
jewel case similar to a DVD case with it attached.

I'd be looking through the garbage trying to save a good $100 on a
replacement copy.
--
Dustin Harper
***@vistarip.com
http://www.vistarip.com

--

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[grege]

What about booting to safe mode and try restore?

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Chad Harris]

Hi Grege--

How can he use F8 options for restore of an OS whose PK he needs to install
(the upgrade) in the first place?

CH

Post by grege
What about booting to safe mode and try restore?

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Chad Harris]

Bgosper--

What you never want to do in life is put your tail between your legs while
being screwed and you paid for something. I understand someone can drive a
Ferrari off a cliff and it's not their fault, but this isn't analagous.
You bought a box from them and you have proof of the DVD. They owe you a PK
that works you haven't used. They didn't get the PK to you. I've seen it
happen before. LOL A couple weeks ago they shipped a top of the line XPS my
friend ordered to the wrong address. Believe me they took care of him. He
got a replacement and fast.

Whoever told you "you're screwed" from Dell is worthless in relating to
customers. Don't take that crap. You paid for it. Had it been MSFT you
would call and read the part number and they'd gen you a new PK. Just call
back and if they won't replace the PK after you read the Part number off the
Dell DVD--they have 'em too.

Get all your shipping info down: Service Tag/Shipping # because you may be
asked and get any number off the Vista DVD Dell shipped you (Part # etc.)
Include all these in any communication; phone or email or the digital form
I'm linking you below.

1) Call back>get a supervisor>and if they don't fix this within minutes
don't call them again. You're not talking to Round Rock when you call
"Dell."

2) Next time call Dell Media Relations and tell them you want someone from
Roundrock to fix this. You paid for a frigging PC with your hard earned
money. They made a lot of it.

3) Additionally, you can use these links:

*The 1 business day response time will be within Dell business hours 8-5 pm
CST, Monday - Friday (excluding holidays).

Unresolved Customer Service Issues Dell
https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/outstanding_issues_care?c=us&l=en&s=gen

4) Shoot them an email at this alias:
***@dell.com

5) Contact Lionel Mechanica at Dell Directly
Lionel Menchaca, Digital Media Manager
***@dell.com

Good luck and let me know what happens,

CH

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Gary VanderMolen]

I think the OP misspoke. The upgrade DVD didn't come from Dell,
it came from ModusLink.

Gary VanderMolen

Post by Chad Harris
Bgosper--
What you never want to do in life is put your tail between your legs while being screwed and you paid for something. I
understand someone can drive a Ferrari off a cliff and it's not their fault, but this isn't analagous. You bought a box from
them and you have proof of the DVD. They owe you a PK that works you haven't used. They didn't get the PK to you. I've seen
it happen before. LOL A couple weeks ago they shipped a top of the line XPS my friend ordered to the wrong address. Believe me
they took care of him. He got a replacement and fast.
Whoever told you "you're screwed" from Dell is worthless in relating to customers. Don't take that crap. You paid for it. Had
it been MSFT you would call and read the part number and they'd gen you a new PK. Just call back and if they won't replace the
PK after you read the Part number off the Dell DVD--they have 'em too.
Get all your shipping info down: Service Tag/Shipping # because you may be asked and get any number off the Vista DVD Dell
shipped you (Part # etc.) Include all these in any communication; phone or email or the digital form I'm linking you below.
1) Call back>get a supervisor>and if they don't fix this within minutes don't call them again. You're not talking to Round Rock
when you call "Dell."
2) Next time call Dell Media Relations and tell them you want someone from Roundrock to fix this. You paid for a frigging PC
with your hard earned money. They made a lot of it.
*The 1 business day response time will be within Dell business hours 8-5 pm CST, Monday - Friday (excluding holidays).
Unresolved Customer Service Issues Dell
https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/outstanding_issues_care?c=us&l=en&s=gen
5) Contact Lionel Mechanica at Dell Directly
Lionel Menchaca, Digital Media Manager
Good luck and let me know what happens,
CH

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Alex T.]

I kinda of have two questions.

One, I am re-installing Vista on a computer after the hard drive crashed and
I bought a new hard drive (really bought 2 hard drives because running Raid 0
on a laptop with 2 hard drive slots {Sager NP8790}). Will Microsoft charge
me to re-activate Vista on the same laptop?

Two, Can I use the same DVD disk to load Vista on my desktop if I buy a new
product key online?

[Richard G. Harper]

1. No. If it is the same computer then at worst you'll have to do a phone
activation.

2. Yes. If it is a retail copy, there is no difference between discs, the
key is the determining factor. If it's an OEM disc all bets are off.
--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] ***@gmail.com
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

Post by Alex T.
I kinda of have two questions.
One, I am re-installing Vista on a computer after the hard drive crashed and
I bought a new hard drive (really bought 2 hard drives because running Raid 0
on a laptop with 2 hard drive slots {Sager NP8790}). Will Microsoft charge
me to re-activate Vista on the same laptop?
Two, Can I use the same DVD disk to load Vista on my desktop if I buy a new
product key online?

[Alan T]

Are you saying Vista will connect to Microsoft to activate Vista whenever it
is going to install?

Post by Richard G. Harper
1. No. If it is the same computer then at worst you'll have to do a phone
activation.
2. Yes. If it is a retail copy, there is no difference between discs, the
key is the determining factor. If it's an OEM disc all bets are off.
--
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

Post by Alex T.
I kinda of have two questions.
One, I am re-installing Vista on a computer after the hard drive crashed and
I bought a new hard drive (really bought 2 hard drives because running Raid 0
on a laptop with 2 hard drive slots {Sager NP8790}). Will Microsoft charge
me to re-activate Vista on the same laptop?
Two, Can I use the same DVD disk to load Vista on my desktop if I buy a new
product key online?

[Richard G. Harper]

No, but it will after you reinstall.
--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] ***@gmail.com
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

Post by Alan T
Are you saying Vista will connect to Microsoft to activate Vista whenever it
is going to install?

Post by Richard G. Harper
1. No. If it is the same computer then at worst you'll have to do a

phone

Post by Richard G. Harper
activation.
2. Yes. If it is a retail copy, there is no difference between discs,

the

Post by Richard G. Harper
key is the determining factor. If it's an OEM disc all bets are off.
--
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

Post by Alex T.
I kinda of have two questions.
One, I am re-installing Vista on a computer after the hard drive
crashed
and
I bought a new hard drive (really bought 2 hard drives because running Raid 0
on a laptop with 2 hard drive slots {Sager NP8790}). Will Microsoft charge
me to re-activate Vista on the same laptop?
Two, Can I use the same DVD disk to load Vista on my desktop if I buy a new
product key online?

[john]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

are you sure you threw it out?
you didn't say if this was a laptop or a desktop, but regardless, the last
couple of Dells I purchased both had the Product Key on a sticker on the PC
itself - in my case, laptops had a sticker on the bottom...

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Unfortunately the OP was sent a Vista upgrade.
The sticker was probably on the shrink-wrap which is normal.
And it seems the OP threw away the shrink-wrap.
--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

Post by john

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to
continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get
another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

are you sure you threw it out?
you didn't say if this was a laptop or a desktop, but regardless,
the last couple of Dells I purchased both had the Product Key on a
sticker on the PC itself - in my case, laptops had a sticker on the
bottom...

[KDE]

the Dell upgrade DVD comes in a paper sleeve, shrink wrapped to a piece of
cardboard. The new sticker (product key) is on the cardboard so you can
remove it and affix it to the bottom of the computer once the upgrade is
done. Your original materials that came with your computer will include a
way to restore your PC to factory state (i.e. revert back to the original
install of XP that came on your PC.) If you've thrown out the packaging
from your upgrade disk then unless you can convince someone at Dell to give
you a new key (Very unlikely) then you've probably screwed up your free
upgrade.

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[V8yt3－23p3c－BKjHj－K2rf9－8V7GB]

我的笔记本电脑是2003年在美国购买的，型号为：COMPAQ Presario R3000 购买后获得四个标志贴在版面上：1.amda
2.nvidia 3.Mobile HotSP 4.Windows XP 序列号是：V8yt3－23p3c－BKjHj－K2rf9－8V7GB
我的女儿女婿都在微软总部工作，我2006年9月去美国西雅图探亲结束2007年3月回国。由于英文版使用不方便，就化钱请HP公司江西代理商重安装了中文版的
xp
但是最近中国微软公司在电脑上自动登陆我的电脑，并提示说我是盗版软件，不停的提示我要安装正版软件。使得我无法正常上网。难道要我重新购买该软件吗？我希望给予澄清事实后并予以解决该问题。
中国移动电话：[phone] 使用者 蔡仕琦

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[warn8r]

Do you have trial access to Vista?
Try installing a diagnostic like Lavalys' Everest and the Software page will
read you your key for that product.

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[AT]

First of all the upgrade is sent out by Moduslink second it is sent out in a
casing that looks like a CD comes with and the PK on it with the direction
for the costemer to take it of and stick to the computer. not a plastic and
card board .That is how I recived my upgrade.

Post by warn8r
Do you have trial access to Vista?
Try installing a diagnostic like Lavalys' Everest and the Software page will
read you your key for that product.

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[lifly7]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[lifly7]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

I had exactly the same thing happen---only I did not throw away my product
key, Dell sent me the incorrect one. I too got locked out of my computer, it
telling me my originally installed Vista Home Premium -- that was on it when
they sent it -- was an illigal version. I called 800-microsoft, who then
gave me the number to the server for my area. Believe it or not, though I
was prepared for a fight, the guy on the other end of the phone was very
courteous, apolegetic, and helpful. My vista premium is back up, and since I
didn't feel like dealing with the upgrade anymore last night I still don't
have ultimate, but he assured me that all I have to do is call back and they
will find the correct product key then walk me through it. I asked him to
write to you but unfortunately he was in an inbound call center. Microsoft
has a dept. dedicated just to this problem. I was scared to death when I
read all of this stuff, thank goodness ms stands behind their product!

[steve]

hi,go to download.com and download-Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder,it will
instantly show what you need,have used it before and just tried it again and
it worked fine,see ya

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Mady]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Michael M.]

If you bought the licence from from DELL you should have your sticker with
the Key on it, if not this is their problem and they have to replace it.

If you threw out the key, then you are at fault.

Mike.

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Josh]

Linux is FREE and more usefull then Windows. Plus it comes with Open Office
and you can test drive Linux just by downloading a LIVE-CD verison of Linux
and the best part is that most live cd's will let you save settings to your
hard drive and even use the live cd to install the OS on the HardDrive.

All you have to do is find a working computer with a CD Burner or DVD
Burner, get some blank CD-R and go to google or yahoo and search for "Linux
Distribution" and choose one that works on an x86 or 64bit processor (I guess
you are useing a this type of processor since you had Windows on the machine
previously).

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Yajaira]

What do I do?

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[What is my display]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[MelvinShoul]

I have the same problem. My Dell XPS came with a Vista installation disk
but no KEY password. I purchased and installed Vista Ultimate. I needed to do
a CLEAN INSTALL.Vista Home Premium installed instead of Vista Ultimate i had
purchased. I found a KEY from Produkey.exe but that key was not accepted by
my computer. I have written microsoft support, but have not called Microsoft
or Dell. Does anyone have advice what to do now to install Ultimate, which is
on the installation disk ?

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Rock]

Post by MelvinShoul
I have the same problem. My Dell XPS came with a Vista installation disk
but no KEY password. I purchased and installed Vista Ultimate. I needed to do
a CLEAN INSTALL.Vista Home Premium installed instead of Vista Ultimate i had
purchased. I found a KEY from Produkey.exe but that key was not accepted by
my computer. I have written microsoft support, but have not called Microsoft
or Dell. Does anyone have advice what to do now to install Ultimate, which is
on the installation disk ?

<snip>

It's not clear from your post. You have a Dell PC which came with Vista
Home Premium, but then you bought a copy of Vista Ultimate? Is that right?
If so was it an upgrade version or a full version, and if full was it OEM or
Retail? Where did you buy it from? Is it this copy you lost the product
key for?

Then you installed with that CD, but somehow installed Home Premium instead
of Ultimate?

To begin with it sounds like you have some sort of retail disk for Vista,
because all versions come on the retail disk. The OEM disk is a single
version. Is that correct - you bought a retail version? It's the product
key that determines what version is installed. I'm guessing you didn't have
the product key and selected Home Premium installing that without a product
key.

If it's a retail version as I surmise and you have proof of purchase you can
contact MS through this KB article to get another product key.

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=326246

If it's OEM, though I don't see how that can be, you need to contact the
vendor from which you bought it.

FYI next time don't ask you new question as a reply to someone else's
thread. Start a new thread with your issue.

[MelvinShoul]

Rock- Thanks for your reply. My Dell XPS 410 came with Vista Home Premium
installed,and an installation disk Using the internet to MS I purchased
Vista Ultimate. MS downloaded to my computer what was needed to install
Vista Ultimate. The sound on the Ultimate failed "no sound device installed"
Otherwise the Ultimate worked well, I thought that a clean boot would
reinstall Vista Ultimate with sound . Instead, using the installation disk
that came with with Dell XPS( but with no Key
anywhere on that disk). Instead Home Premium installed. Using Produkey.exe a
key number was produced, but when I tried to upgrade to Ultimate again, the
KEY was rejected as the wrong key, I will appreciate ANY further
suggestions. Thanks
MelvinShoul

Post by Rock

Post by MelvinShoul
I have the same problem. My Dell XPS came with a Vista installation disk
but no KEY password. I purchased and installed Vista Ultimate. I needed to do
a CLEAN INSTALL.Vista Home Premium installed instead of Vista Ultimate i had
purchased. I found a KEY from Produkey.exe but that key was not accepted by
my computer. I have written microsoft support, but have not called Microsoft
or Dell. Does anyone have advice what to do now to install Ultimate, which is
on the installation disk ?

<snip>
It's not clear from your post. You have a Dell PC which came with Vista
Home Premium, but then you bought a copy of Vista Ultimate? Is that right?
If so was it an upgrade version or a full version, and if full was it OEM or
Retail? Where did you buy it from? Is it this copy you lost the product
key for?
Then you installed with that CD, but somehow installed Home Premium instead
of Ultimate?
To begin with it sounds like you have some sort of retail disk for Vista,
because all versions come on the retail disk. The OEM disk is a single
version. Is that correct - you bought a retail version? It's the product
key that determines what version is installed. I'm guessing you didn't have
the product key and selected Home Premium installing that without a product
key.
If it's a retail version as I surmise and you have proof of purchase you can
contact MS through this KB article to get another product key.
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=326246
If it's OEM, though I don't see how that can be, you need to contact the
vendor from which you bought it.
FYI next time don't ask you new question as a reply to someone else's
thread. Start a new thread with your issue.
--
Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]

[Rock]

Post by MelvinShoul
Rock- Thanks for your reply. My Dell XPS 410 came with Vista Home Premium
installed,and an installation disk Using the internet to MS I purchased
Vista Ultimate. MS downloaded to my computer what was needed to install
Vista Ultimate. The sound on the Ultimate failed "no sound device installed"
Otherwise the Ultimate worked well, I thought that a clean boot would
reinstall Vista Ultimate with sound . Instead, using the installation disk
that came with with Dell XPS( but with no Key
anywhere on that disk). Instead Home Premium installed. Using Produkey.exe a
key number was produced, but when I tried to upgrade to Ultimate again, the
KEY was rejected as the wrong key, I will appreciate ANY further
suggestions. Thanks

Post by Rock

Post by MelvinShoul
I have the same problem. My Dell XPS came with a Vista installation disk
but no KEY password. I purchased and installed Vista Ultimate. I needed
to
do
a CLEAN INSTALL.Vista Home Premium installed instead of Vista Ultimate
i
had
purchased. I found a KEY from Produkey.exe but that key was not
accepted
by
my computer. I have written microsoft support, but have not called Microsoft
or Dell. Does anyone have advice what to do now to install Ultimate,
which
is
on the installation disk ?

<snip>
It's not clear from your post. You have a Dell PC which came with Vista
Home Premium, but then you bought a copy of Vista Ultimate? Is that right?
If so was it an upgrade version or a full version, and if full was it OEM or
Retail? Where did you buy it from? Is it this copy you lost the product
key for?
Then you installed with that CD, but somehow installed Home Premium instead
of Ultimate?
To begin with it sounds like you have some sort of retail disk for Vista,
because all versions come on the retail disk. The OEM disk is a single
version. Is that correct - you bought a retail version? It's the product
key that determines what version is installed. I'm guessing you didn't have
the product key and selected Home Premium installing that without a product
key.
If it's a retail version as I surmise and you have proof of purchase you can
contact MS through this KB article to get another product key.
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=326246
If it's OEM, though I don't see how that can be, you need to contact the
vendor from which you bought it.
FYI next time don't ask you new question as a reply to someone else's
thread. Start a new thread with your issue.

I'm getting a better understanding though I don't know if I can really help
here. When you bought Ultimate from MS was it the Anytime Upgrade version?
If so I'm not familiar with that other than you should have a digital locker
with a file in it for reinstalling Ultimate, but I believe the qualifying OS
needs to be installed first. I'm not sure of the whole process with the
Anytime Upgrade so maybe someone else will jump in here.

If it wasn't the Anytime Upgrade what was it? A boxed retail version?

As to reinstalling Vista Home Premium, yes when you used the Dell disk then
it installed Vista Home. Again I'm not familiar with the method Dell uses,
but for XP those recovery versions were BIOS locked so no key was needed.
Whether that's the same with Vista again maybe someone else will jump in
here.

I am not familiar with Produkey.exe, but Google shows it's a utility to show
the installed product key. Ok there are a variety of utils that do this. I
thought at first it was some sort of key generator. In any event, what key
did you use the first time you upgraded to Ultimate? Where did you get that
key? Did you not have to enter anything?

If this is the Anytime Upgrade you might want to contact MS tech support for
that and find out the procedure for reinstalling.

Also you could contact Dell tech support for info on how to properly install
Vista Home Premium.

[drumr35]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Justin]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

The key was on a sticker on the piece of cardboard.

"If kit is missing any of the following items please go to
www.DellVistaUpgrade.com; look under contact us for your appropriate
regional contact, or email:

***@d1.dellvistaupgrade.com

(1) MS DVD
(1) Dell Assistant DVD
(1) Vista Quick Guide
(1) Upgrade Tech Sheet
(1) Certificate of Authenticity

[d2f2]

"I think you should goto google.co and look for win vista key, you will find
a lot of options..

[GQ1MENT]

SCan some one help me? My father purchased windows vista for his laptop. I
also used the same one to istall on mine with Product Key. It seems after
the 30 days it asked me to enter it again but it stating it is already in
use. It tells me i have to purchase another key. Of course this is
something I dont want to do, but is there some way it can be reverted back to
my XP operating system b/c I dont want to loose all this information on my
labtop. Can someone please help me. THanks in advance!!!!

[Jane C]

You have 3 choices.
1. Buy your own Product Key.
2. Back up all of your data to CD/DVD or an external hard drive. Clean
install XP.
3. If you upgraded from XP to Vista, and have not deleted any of the old
folders:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/933168
--
Jane, not plain ;) 64 bit enabled :-)
Batteries not included. Braincell on vacation ;-)
MVP Windows Shell/User

Post by GQ1MENT
SCan some one help me? My father purchased windows vista for his laptop.
I
also used the same one to istall on mine with Product Key. It seems after
the 30 days it asked me to enter it again but it stating it is already in
use. It tells me i have to purchase another key. Of course this is
something I dont want to do, but is there some way it can be reverted back to
my XP operating system b/c I dont want to loose all this information on my
labtop. Can someone please help me. THanks in advance!!!!

[Neilhaslam90]

HI,

In your bill you will have a lot of information, and yes if you speak to
dell and stay on track that you want your keys they will give it to you.
contact customerservices
i'm an ex employee and i my self got these calls

Thanks

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[AMLAN]

I JUST GOT A 32 BIT VISTA HOME PREMIER ANYTIME UPGRADE CD WITH MY NEW
COMPAQ LAPTOP.BUT I DIDN'T HAD A KEY.THE LAPTOP IS COMPELETELY USELESS
.PLEASE DO HELP ME.

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[huwyngr]

Complain to Compaq -- hope you didn't throw away all the packaging.

[Rock]

Post by AMLAN
I JUST GOT A 32 BIT VISTA HOME PREMIER ANYTIME UPGRADE CD WITH MY NEW
COMPAQ LAPTOP.BUT I DIDN'T HAD A KEY.THE LAPTOP IS COMPELETELY USELESS
.PLEASE DO HELP ME.

Contact whomever you got it from. Also please don't post in all Caps. It's
hard to read and considered rude and shouting.

[Nicole & Tom]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??
---
avast! Antivirus: Inbound message clean.
Virus Database (VPS): 000747-1, 06/05/2007
Tested on: 6/6/2007 12:06:43 PM
avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2007 ALWIL Software.
http://www.avast.com

http://www.apcmag.com/5512/pirate_crack_vista_oem_activation



---
avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean.
Virus Database (VPS): 000747-1, 06/05/2007
Tested on: 6/6/2007 12:07:00 PM
avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2007 ALWIL Software.
http://www.avast.com

[Rock]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came
out. I received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key
or it got thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I
have done the install but now am stuck because it wants the product key
to continue. I can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do
I do?? Dell says I am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do
I get another one? Do I have to buy a new full edition??

Yeah right, recommend a software crack.

[Nina DiBoy]

Post by Rock
recommend a software crack.

Well, OK Rock, but only if you insist. You are a very knowledgeable MVP
after all.

[Dave]

pretty disingenuous snipping there...

Post by Nina DiBoy

Post by Rock
recommend a software crack.

Well, OK Rock, but only if you insist. You are a very knowledgeable MVP
after all.
--
http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/kick.html
"Spoken like a true NixTurd (oops, NixTard)."
"Good poets borrow; great poets steal."
- T. S. Eliot

[Nina DiBoy]

Post by Dave
pretty disingenuous snipping there...

Post by Nina DiBoy

Post by Rock
recommend a software crack.

Well, OK Rock, but only if you insist. You are a very knowledgeable
MVP after all.
--
http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/kick.html
"Spoken like a true NixTurd (oops, NixTard)."
"Good poets borrow; great poets steal."
- T. S. Eliot

(in my best elvis impersonation...)
Thank you...Thank you very much! :)

[Dr Murmu]

Try Installing without product key.Vista gets installed for two days till
activated.Be sure to install the correct version recommended for your
PC.Usally the basic vista dvd is same for all versions.

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[MICHAEL]

If you install Vista without a product key, a user has
30 days till activation. Which can be extended 3 times
using "slmgr- rearm" in an elevated command prompt,
for a total of 120 days.


-Michael

Post by Dr Murmu
Try Installing without product key.Vista gets installed for two days till
activated.Be sure to install the correct version recommended for your
PC.Usally the basic vista dvd is same for all versions.

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Russellfap]

This rearm feature I read does not work. There are ways to get the product
key if you have the COA, it has two codes, one code of about 8 digits, which
distinguishes the batch and the product code...can anyone tell us if the
original poster actually resolved their situation.

Post by MICHAEL
If you install Vista without a product key, a user has
30 days till activation. Which can be extended 3 times
using "slmgr- rearm" in an elevated command prompt,
for a total of 120 days.
-Michael

Post by Dr Murmu
Try Installing without product key.Vista gets installed for two days till
activated.Be sure to install the correct version recommended for your
PC.Usally the basic vista dvd is same for all versions.

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[try a progam called magic jelly]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??try magic jelly bean

[Tyler]

just reinstall your operating system and go back to the os that shiped with
your px

[Help4680]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Help4680]

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

I think I can help. First you start the install of your Vista Upgrade when
it gets to the enter PK. DON'T ENTER IT . iT LETS YOU DO THAT AND ALSO
DON'T CHECK VALIDATE WHEN ON LINE. tHE INSTALLATION should complete
successfully.
After you boot up and the system is running you can try 2 things. One is
use the Belarc Advisor software and see if itt tells you your PK.
If it doesn't what you will have to do, is talk to some smart people and do
some google searches ETC. and find out where in the Registery the PK is
listed . I know it's in there some where because I've seen it several
different times. Ask some Computer repair people ETC. Open the registry
editor to look up the key and write it down. Than just reinstall Vista
again. and enter the new found key. I know this will work because I
installed 2 versions of Vista with out entering a key on the first install.
You can run Vista for 30 days without activating it which mes you don't have
to enter your PK like I explained earlier.

Good Luck, I known you'll get out of this problem. Also I've bought 4 PC's
from DEll including a new Vista machine in DEc. and Dell is not what it use
to be I WILL NEVER DEAL WITH DELL AGAIN. bUT ONE MORE POINT FOR THIS TO WORK
YOU HAVE TO choose THE INSTALL OPTION OF (clean install) WHEN ASKED. aFTER
YOU GET YOUR pk AND START THE SECOND INSTALL THAN YOU Choose (Upgade Install)
With Vista you can upgrade from your first (clean install) of The same Vista
CD as the first install. I know cause I've done it twice.

Daniel Allen

[Chris]

I BOUGHT A TOSHIBA, the same thing happened to me except i kept my
wrapping,box,packing,recipt,an those foamy things that keep your computer
secure in the box. There is no product key on any of them. there is a disc
that says upgrade your windows vista experience/windows anytime upgrade. see
this is kind of false advertisement for windows to make a buck off you. One
it didnt upgrade my windows experience it closed the window on my fingers
ouch. Two,yes u can upgrade anytime but u must have the write tools to do
such as a computer that is able to access windows home page o yeah once i put
that disc in my computer it stoped working which it shouldnt because it was
only 2 days old. I bet windows has the answer,"you should have read the fine
print writing in the bottom left".They used .030 size font so u could see it
,it says this software is not licensed without purchase of separtate digital
license. Well iam glad they didnt advertise user friendly or i would have
called a lawer haha. hey windows how about just putting a piece of paper in
there next time that says if u want an upgrade visit our webpage an BUY ONE.

thanks your happy customer


SPC peaster

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Dave]

Just what is your problem?
If your new computer isn't working, take it back.
If you need your key, it should be on a sticker on the side of a desktop
case, or on the bottom of a laptop.

Or, if your computer is working, you can download a program here to find it
for you (32-bit only)
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/beta/

Post by Chris
I BOUGHT A TOSHIBA, the same thing happened to me except i kept my
wrapping,box,packing,recipt,an those foamy things that keep your computer
secure in the box. There is no product key on any of them. there is a disc
that says upgrade your windows vista experience/windows anytime upgrade. see
this is kind of false advertisement for windows to make a buck off you. One
it didnt upgrade my windows experience it closed the window on my fingers
ouch. Two,yes u can upgrade anytime but u must have the write tools to do
such as a computer that is able to access windows home page o yeah once i put
that disc in my computer it stoped working which it shouldnt because it was
only 2 days old. I bet windows has the answer,"you should have read the fine
print writing in the bottom left".They used .030 size font so u could see it
,it says this software is not licensed without purchase of separtate digital
license. Well iam glad they didnt advertise user friendly or i would have
called a lawer haha. hey windows how about just putting a piece of paper in
there next time that says if u want an upgrade visit our webpage an BUY ONE.
thanks your happy customer
SPC peaster

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[Christopher]

If you purchased a Dell, the product ID should be located on a sticker,

Desktop: Placed on the top toward the front of your Tower, or the
upper-right hand side of the right panel.

Laptop: usually on the bottom.

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[MJ]

I had the same problem and I found a little utility which will decode your
Product key and dieplay it for you. Just download it from this site and run
it. It doesn't install jsut runs.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Decrypting-Decoding/WinKeyFinder.shtml

Post by bgosper
I BOUGHT A DELL pc. It came with a free upgrade to Vista when it came out. I
received the upgrade pack from Dell but there was no product key or it got
thrown out--it came shrink wrapped on a piece of cardboard!! I have done the
install but now am stuck because it wants the product key to continue. I
can't reverse it so the PC is basically useless. What do I do?? Dell says I
am screwed basically. Can I get it back? If not how do I get another one? Do
I have to buy a new full edition??

[t***@gmail.com]

Microsoft provides Windows windows vista for gaming and entertainment activities, If you lost or torn your windows vista product key sticker, Don't worry to get its replacement from Microsoft.
You can get one new key for windows vista to activate and get Microsoft windows updates at any time, Just See the details at: http://odosta.com/windows-7-product-key-sticker/

[David H. Lipman]

Post by t***@gmail.com
Microsoft provides Windows windows vista for gaming and entertainment
activities, If you

That is a reply to a 7 year old post. In those 7 years I am sure the OP
resolved their issue and hasn't been waiting all this time for your reply.

Youy are just spamming the web site by dreging up old posts.