Windows activation - The product key you typed is already in use

Slinkie · 16 Feb 2009 at 23:33

Hey,

I had to reinstall vista due to my windows messing up and now upon activation I am getting the error "The key you typed is already in use". Now, to install vista I had to wipe the hard drive it was originally installed on and reinstall it. How do I prove the original was wiped so I can reinstall it?

I'm a bit confused. I tried looking for ways to contact microsoft but their website is such a maze I only managed to find help lines that you had to pay a subscription to use. I don't expect to speak to anyone now about it but would like a number to call tomorrow to get it resolved.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Matt

EDIT - Ignore I've sorted it

Kennysevenfold · 17 Feb 2009 at 00:02

how did you sort it may i ask.?

freddie64 · 17 Feb 2009 at 02:55

Had this a while ago, if i remember rightly you just activate by telephone.

PhillyDee · 17 Feb 2009 at 04:05

Sp00n · 17 Feb 2009 at 07:46

Just phone them, if it fails again just say you are reinstalling it.

Brian Stuart · 17 Feb 2009 at 09:45

08000188354 That will do the trick.

kidloco · 17 Feb 2009 at 09:53

yep, had the same 3 days ago after upgrading my mobo,cpu and memory. just call the number. One of the questions the automated system asks is 'How many PCs is this copy of Vista Installed on', just say 1 and thats it. finish enterering the details and you will get the auth code.