Hi LMyers72,
The issue may have been caused by the Chipset Update.
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, but you must Activate by Phone.
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")
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, (maybe due to an update that changes the specal instructions...like that Chipset Update). So to resolve your issue, we need to change out the OEM SLP key (that is currently in Vista) for the COA SLP (found on the sticker on the side or bottom of the computer) and then Activate Vista by Phone
There are 2 ways to change the Product Key, in Vista
A) The easy way:
1) Click the 'Start' button
2) Righ-click 'Computer' and select 'Properties'
3) Click "Change product key"
4) Type in the Product key from the sticker on your computer
5) Click the Next button.
6) You will be asked if want to Activate, click ok
7) It will attempt to Activate by the internet and will return an Invalid Key error (this is ok, continue to step 8)
8) Activate Vista using the Activate by Phone method
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.
B) Alternate way:
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.
Hope this helps,
Darin Smith
WGA Forum Manager
