Hello mosttalentedtom,
This is a Licensing Question.
a) if the Windows was Retail (came in a nice retail container, product key printed on a card found inside the container) then you are licensed to be able to move that Windows from one computer to another, as you wish. If this is the case, then folow the steps at the bottom of this post to generate a Diagnostic Report so I may diagnose the issue.
b) if the Windows was OEM (came in apaper or cardboard sleeve, product key printer on the Certificate of Authenticity) then you are restricted from using this Windows on any other PC then the first one it was installed on.
To Generate a Diagnostic Report:
In order to receive the best support, we request all users initially download and run the Genuine Diagnostics tool (MGADiag.exe) at this link http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012. Click "Continue", click the "Copy" button then “Paste” the report into a reply message in this thread.
If you do not have access to the Start Button:
1) Login to Vista and click the option that brings up Internet Explorer.
2) Type: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012 into the browser address bar.
3) A window will come up asking if you want to “Run” or “Save”, Select “Run”
4) When the program runs, click the “Continue” button, then click the “Copy” button.
5) Return to this thread http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/genuinevista/thread/b4d1e40a-b2a1-4be7-9b93-434644b08795.
6) In a reply post, paste the Diagnostic Report
Thank you,
Darin MS
