Hello Keith,
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
