Windows Vista activation

I was trying to reinstall Windows because the software of the computer was
giving me plenty of problems. When the computer asked for my activation key
I gave it to them. ( I gave the computer the one that was located on my
labtop) I install winows and the old files went to a folder called
windows.old and the computer was brand new! Problem is that the computer is
still asking for my activation key because it was invalid. I checked and
double check if I enter my key correctly and still it said that my key is
invalid.I am sure that I installed the right version of windows because I
have home premium. Also, I am NOT going to buy another key

Post in reply to: riped01

When the activation fails, you are given a phone number.
Call it and wait for a person to answer.
Tell them your problem.

They will ask you for the numbers on the screen and who made your computer
(since it's probably OEM.)
Then, they will give you an activation string to type into your computer.

If you fail to convince them, then you will have to contact the manufacturer
of your computer and they will tell you to use the recovery partition or
recovery disk to restore your drive. (No activation required... usually.
But, you'll lose all your data, so back it up first.)

key
is

Post in reply to: Mark H
As far as my experience called activation center 5 times now for
activating my retail Vista (product key not valid). The first 4 times an
ATM lady asked for my installation ID, and dictated back my activation
ID (she still stucked at Windows XP, as she started with "Please type in
your Windows XP Installation ID" when i was activating Vista). Last time
ATM lady got nasty (well no wonder replaced my pc ) and told me
something not correct and switch me to a Microsoft employee.

Csaba

Post in reply to: riped01
You will need to use the Restore disc that came with the PC. I had this
same problem and the Key listed on the PC its self cannot be used for
activation. No, you will not need to purchase a new PC. You will need
both the system restore disc and the Operating System disc when installed
the OS again. Boot with the system restore. I has a prep file that
includes the activation key and will automatically install the key and
activate the OS once connected to the internet. If you have issues just let
me know.