Vista Install, Activation, Product Key

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jeff Hardy
  • Start date Start date
J

Jeff Hardy

I just installed Vista on a new PC and am trying to buy a license for it. I
used one of those Anytime DVDs they have to do the install, and did not enter
a product key when i installed it. And, i do not have the original case the
CD came in to GET the original product key.

All I am trying to do is legally license this installation, but all appears
to be dependent on a product key that I don't have. I'm not trying to get
away with anything here. Why is this SO difficult? I'm willing to pay the
license fee, but how do i use it without a valid product key?
 
If you performed a "clean install" of Windows Vista using
the Anytime Upgrade disc, then you need to purchase a
"Full Retail Version" license for the Vista edition you installed.

The Anytime Upgrade disc does not come with a product key.
You must purchase a product key depending upon the Vista
edition you installed. If you upgraded from one Vista edition
to another edition, then you'll need to purchase an "Upgrade"
license for the edition you upgraded to. If you installed a Vista
edition without upgrading, then you would need to purchase
a "Full Retail" license.

How to Buy Windows Vista:
http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/category.aspx?bcatid=2804

Anytime Upgrade FAQ:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/37070041-1b90-4433-be0c-ab2855841b981033.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

---------------------------------------------------------------

:

I just installed Vista on a new PC and am trying to buy a license for it. I
used one of those Anytime DVDs they have to do the install, and did not enter
a product key when i installed it. And, i do not have the original case the
CD came in to GET the original product key.

All I am trying to do is legally license this installation, but all appears
to be dependent on a product key that I don't have. I'm not trying to get
away with anything here. Why is this SO difficult? I'm willing to pay the
license fee, but how do i use it without a valid product key?
 
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