Product Key invalid on LAPTOP???? help

[Guest]

I am really getting frustrated now , typed my password into my Laptop and this is the message I got
The Windows Home Premium product key is invalid
Windows Vista (TM)
Build 6000
This copy of windows is not genuine

This happened after a update this morning ,any ideas please in simple terms thanks

[WendyPusey]

Just had a word with Dave.

Go to this website and download the software
SourceForge.net: Downloading ...

Then confirm that the Product Key for XP/Vista that the program displayes matches the sticker on the bottom of your laptop.

If it matches contact the manufacture!

If it doesn't match, you can change the key to the correct one, using the option in the menu.

[Guest]

oh thanks so much Wendy what would I do without you two ????
Thing is it wont let me in to download anything

[WendyPusey]

OK Val, Dave's is having a look to see if he can help get you into the laptop.

[Guest]

you could take it off me for a fiver ?????

[dave pusey]

Can you post the exact error message or photo post it please?

[dave pusey]

Is this the one that had the new motherboard?

[Guest]

thats the exact wording above Dave and yes its the same one with the new motherboard .

[dave pusey]

Copied from Microsoft Forums...

Yes, computers built by Large Computer Manufacturers that come with Vista pre-installed come with 2 keys.



1) OEM SLP: This key come in Vista when it comes from the Factory. This key is geared to work with the special instructions found only on that Manufacturer's computer hardware. So when Vista was installed using the OEM SLP key (at the factory) Vista looks at the motherboard and see the special instructions and Activates itself. (that's why you did need to Activate your computer after you brought it home)



2) COA SLP: This is the Product key that you see on the sticker on the side of your computer. It's a valid product key, but should only be used in limited situations. The key does require activation, but you must Activate by Phone.



So, as you probably noticed, the motherboard is importent for a OEM SLP key to work. Normally when a Motherboard is replaced by the Manufacturer, they will replace it with another board that has the special instructions. But sometimes that doesn't happen or sometime the interface between Vista and the special instructions doesn't work correctly, this is one of those limited situations that the COA SLP key should be used.



You can Click the Start button then Right-click on Computer and then select Properties. In the window that pops up, click the Change Product Key link and follow the directions. When you go to Activate using the COA SLP key, be sure to use the Activate by Phone method.



Alternate steps to the Change Product Key window:



Access to Start button:

1) Click the Start button

2) Type: slui.exe 3 and hit the Enter key

3) Type in the Product key from the sticker on your computer

4) Click the Next button.

5) You will be asked if want to Activate, click ok

6) It will attempt to Activate by the internet and will return an Invalid Key error (this is ok, continue to step 7)

7) Click the Start button

8) Type: slui.exe 4 and hit the Enter key

9) Select your location in the drop down menu and click the Next button

10) The next screen provides the number to call to Activate by Phone

NOTE: when you call that number, you will first hear an Automated Voice that will try to Activate Vista for you. If the Automated Voice gives you an option to talk to a Live Activation Rep, select that option. If not, do not enter any numbers. This should force the Automated Voice to transfer you to a Live Activation Rep. Trying to Activate thru the Automated Voice will not work, in your case, only thru the Live Activation Rep will your Activation be successful.



Once completed, you may need to reboot twice.


No Access to Start button:

1) Click the option 'Run with reduced functionality'

2) A internet Browser should come up, type: %windir%\system32\cmd.exe in the browser address bar

3) A window with a black background will come up

4) Type: slui.exe 3 and hit the Enter key

5) Type in the Product key from the sticker on your computer

6) Click the Next button.

7) You will be asked if want to Activate, click ok

8) It will attempt to Activate by the internet and will return an Invalid Key error (this is ok, continue to step 9)

9) Return to the window with the black background

10) Type: slui.exe 4 and hit the Enter key

11) Select your location in the drop down menu and click the Next button

12) The next screen provides the number to call to Activate by Phone



NOTE: when you call that number, you will first hear an Automated Voice that will try to Activate Vista for you. If the Atomated Voice gives you an option to talk to a Live Activation Rep, select that option. If not, do not enter any numbers. This should force the Automated Voice to transfer you to a Live Activation Rep. Trying to Activate thru the Automated Voice will not work, in your case, only thru the Live Activation Rep will your Activation be successful.



Once completed, you may need to reboot twice.



Thank you,

Darin Smith

WGA Forum Manager

[Guest]

thanks Dave I shall try that when I have composed myself I'm so mad ,why didnt they do this ????

[dave pusey]

To be honest, i was not aware of this "feature" in vista, so i would probably have not done it either.

[Guest]

but I pay for a special support service from them Dave, going to cancel it tomorrow

[Guest]

rang them today and had to reactivate it with the code on the label underneath all 25 of them !!! but I am fuming about it , one more thing and its going back

[dave pusey]

rang them today and had to reactivate it with the code on the label underneath all 25 of them !!! but I am fuming about it , one more thing and its going back

Again, I think this is something new in vista - even I was not aware of it.

[Christine in Portugal]

thanks Dave I shall try that when I have composed myself I'm so mad ,why didnt they do this ????

Perhaps you should try this, :D:D

[Grimsqueaker]

Val,

The problem you have experienced is due to Microsoft tightening their controls to reduce piracy.

For Vista to be automatically activated it requires multiple strings of data to be present in several locations on the PC. If any of these strings are missing, corrupted, or even misread by Vista, activation will fail and you are required to use the licence key present on the sticker attached to your case.

This issue is in no way limited to any single manufacturer, it can happen no matter who you buy your PC from.

[Guest]

thanks everyone
Grimsqueaker what I dont understand is why it would suddenly happen after a new motherboard was fitted and a windows update ????

[Grimsqueaker]

I would suspect that the new motherboard simply doesnt have the appropriate information embedded for your version of Vista.

It is not possible for the motherboards to be supplied to repairers with this information in as they are generally used across multiple models / manufacturers.

It is worth bearing in mind that, in reality, there are very few laptop manufacturers in the world (4 or 5 from memory) and these products just receive the 'brand name' for whoever wishes to sell them

[Guest]

Thanks Grimsqueaker that makes sense