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Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM Harddrive swap / key already used RRS feed

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    Hello,

    I first installed Vista on my Western Digital SATA Harddrive and got a random Blue Screen (could not reproduce the error, could happen anytime).
    After troubleshooting for about a week, I found that the harddrive was faulty so I reintalled Windows on another ATA drive I had lying around to test it. And it works like a dream now.

    Only problem is that windows sees the new hardware, and wants me to use another key.
    It says it's already in use, which in some sense is correct, but also untrue.

    I am just using this harddrive till I can get a replacement for my SATA, will Windows work again when I install in on a harddisk of the same model or am I screwed here, to say it properly?

    Thanks in advance,
    -Martin
    Saturday, March 31, 2007 7:54 PM

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    Hmm...  if you've got an OEM version of Vista, you should talk to your OEM since they're managing support for you now.
    Tuesday, April 3, 2007 10:20 PM

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    Hi Martin,

     

    They 'key in use' error is usually a result of a UI issue we're fixing where you're tempted to click a button that does something different than what you expect it to do.  Would you try changing your product key by clicking on the "Change product key" in System Properties (you can get there by right-clicking on Computer in the Start Menu and choosing Properties).  When you install your new harddisk if you are prompted to reactivate you should be able to activate by phone.  You can get started with phone activation by typing "slui.exe 4" in the search field in the Start Menu.  Let me know if I can help you with anything else.  Thanks!

     

     

    Monday, April 2, 2007 5:52 PM
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    Hello, thanks for your feedback, I tried to reenter my key (Changed the product key, but to the same one). It still says it's in use and suggests I buy a new one, or reenter a new one.

     

    I'm currently using a Western Digital WD300AB, my first installation (activated windows on it) was a Western Digital WD3200KS, question is, can I get my OEM to work on the current one, or will it work if I get a replacement WD3200KS? I heared that the OEM "locks" itself to the motherbord and harddisk, but how well? to the model type or deeper?

     

    Hope you can help me with this,

    -Martin

    Tuesday, April 3, 2007 1:55 PM
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    Hmm...  if you've got an OEM version of Vista, you should talk to your OEM since they're managing support for you now.
    Tuesday, April 3, 2007 10:20 PM