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    Hi,

    I have upgraded the hardware for my clinic server by cloning the hard disk. I have a retail version of Vista business 32 bit. I have done this as the clinic patient database is remotely installed and I did not want to take any chances losing the lot, even with backups.

    I have gotten windows Vista up and running, even knowing that there could've been a hardware restarting issue or even a software validation issue. I have it running again but the automatic activation has said the key is already in use.

    I have genuinely tried to sort this out by contacting Microsoft and got onto  Live chat  to organise a new key or even purchase one, only to be told me that Vista is no longer supported. I cannot find anywhere that I could purchase a new key for Vista.

    1/ Am I entitled to a reactivation of the same key since the software is not in use on any other computer ?

    2/ My full intention is to upgrade this new server to Win7 Pro now. Hence if I upgrade now will the installation be accepted as it is not activated ?

    3/My local shops only have the Full version of Win7 Pro and not the upgrade version. Will the full version allow an upgrade or will want a clean install? Which will of course defeat the whole purpose.

    How do I sort out this mess ?

    Thank you and hope you can help.

    Mark

    Friday, January 11, 2013 1:22 PM

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    Your copy of Windows Vista must be properly activated before it can be upgraded.  Otherwise, you will need a "Full Version" of Windows 7 and perform a "clean install".

    Carey Frisch

    Friday, January 11, 2013 8:05 PM
    Moderator

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    Your copy of Windows Vista must be properly activated before it can be upgraded.  Otherwise, you will need a "Full Version" of Windows 7 and perform a "clean install".

    Carey Frisch

    Friday, January 11, 2013 8:05 PM
    Moderator
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    To properly analyse and solve problems with Activation and Validation, we need to see a full copy of the report produced by the MGADiag tool
    (download and save to desktop - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012 )
     Once saved, run the tool.
    Click on the Continue button, which will produce the report.
     To copy the report to your response, click on the Copy button in the tool (ignore any error messages at this point), and then paste (using either r-click/Paste, or Ctrl+V ) into your response.
      - **in your own thread**, please
     
    Please also state the Version and Edition of Windows quoted on your COA sticker (if you have one) on the case of your machine (or inside the battery compartment), but do NOT quote the Key on the sticker!
    http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Hardware.aspx

    Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth
    No - I do not work for Microsoft, or any of its contractors.

    Friday, January 11, 2013 11:48 PM
    Moderator
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    Thank you to Carey and Noel for your answers.

    Got onto Microsoft and they very kindly allowed the activation. Once the new server was now legitimate again, I updated to Windows 7 Professional.

    All good again.

    Cannot thank the Activation department for their excellent support. The three different support levels of service I received appeared all to be Phillipino. 

    When legitimate people get left behind, for not upgrading, there should be a mechanism still in place to help them at least upgrade. I can fully understand no support if you stay at the same level.

    Anyway all sorted and thank you for your efforts.

    Noel. I don't think your standard answer of providing MGADiag tool report would've been relevant in my case.

    Mark

    Sunday, January 20, 2013 2:46 AM