Hello barndogs9,
First, I will provides some background information that will help explain the issue and then I will explain how to resolve it.
Computers, that are built by large manufactures, that come with Vista Pre-Installed, come with two (2) Product Keys:
1) OEM SLP: This key comes pre-installed 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 sees the special instructions and Self-Activates. (that's why you did not 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 (or bottom) of your computer. It is a valid product key, but should only be used in limited situations. The key must be manually activated and must be Activate by Phone. (All large manufactures, that build computers with Windows pre-installed, are required to include a COA SLP key on a COA sticker on the side or bottom of the computer)
You can see from your Diagnostic Report that your Vista currently has the OEM SLP Key (seen in your Diag report on line "Windows License Type: OEM SLP")
OEM SLP keys periodicly reactivates itself by recheck the Special Instructions (imbeded in the computer's motherboard). For some reason (possibly thru updating the motherboard Bios or just a plain glitch) Vista is unable to see the Special Instructions and because of that the OEM SLP key is unable to re-activate Vista.
The easest way to resolve the issue is to replace the OEM SLP key with the COA SLP key found on the sticker on the computer. To do that, 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.
Below I have also included alternate steps to change the Product Key, in case you are unable (for whatever reason) to follow the above steps.
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 may 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.
Thank you,
Darin MS
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