Can you help me with a Windows Vista activation issue?

Question

I'm running a computer that I bought in Singapore(Compaq) that origionally came with Windows Vista(I don't have the recovery disk).  I've just reinstalled Vista using a recovery disk from my friend(Dell recovery disk) and am trying to activate it using the key registered to this computer.  Vista won't take it.  How do I get this thing activated.

Notes:  Getting a recovery disk from HP is proving nigh impossible.  The North American tech support refers me to Singapore and vice versa.
I really don't want to have to go out and spend $100 on a copy of Windows

Allan · Accepted Answer

I presume you haven't tried the over the phone "automated activation"?

If not read this tutorial, it's for windows7 but the operation is the same (more or less) for Vista

http://www.kodyaz.com/articles/how-to-activate-windows-7-by-phone.aspx

If that fails the issue is that Dells use a unique group of product codes, and that 
while on a Dell it won't even ask for a product code, if another code is used with 
a dell disc the whole process chokes.

I will comment that HP and Compaq recovery discs turn up on ebay all the time
and that Vista Recovery discs are about as popular as catching Herpes.

But HP and compaq recovery discs tend to be twitchy about the specific model 
they are being used on...

If you can find a "Generic" OEM reinstaller (a "System builder" version) it'll probably accept the code.

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Matt Anonymous · Answer

It doesn't work that way... unless your friend had exactly the same PC as you, you cant use the recovery disc on it. Each PC has different drivers installing it on a different system could potentially damage it.

Also it is the reason you cant activate it as when the recovery disc is created a certain hardware profile is attached to it, since you cant meet those requirements it will deny you activation. It's exactly the same concept like you trying to use your car key to open someone else's car.

Solution: bite the bullet and invest in windows 7, an OEM version should set you back around $90, or if you're feeling a little risky download the windows 8 beta. Vista was superseded a long time ago, it's time to move on dude -_-

brayden · Answer

You can't activate Windows that came on a DELL computer to an HP computer.  It doesn't work that way.  The only person who can use that version of Windows is your friend who has the DELL computer.

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Can you help me with a Windows Vista activation issue?

3 Answers