Previously owned Vista version installed, cannot be enabled

Similar Questions

• T400 Windows 7 or Vista clean install - cannot detect hard drive

  I tried to install Windows Vista x 64 and Windows 7 x 64 using copies of two OS on my T400 retail. No operating system can find the hard disk during the installation process. I downloaded all the possible drivers of Lenovo and load them via USB for installation, with absolutely no luck. I installed Ubuntu until we have a usable computer, but I really need Win7 there, so I understand that. All solutions? (and tell me to go download the driver isn't going to help me). Also, I have messed around with the setting AHCI in the BIOS, but that did not help either.

  I thought about it. For some reason, I had to delete all partitions on the disk and create a single NTFS partition (using gParted), and then he appeared. I had not yet install a driver during Setup (BIOS was set to the compatibility mode).

  I've never seen this before on the wide variety of machines to dual boot, I've built in the past. Well well, at least its working now.

• I have an OEM of Windows Vista version on a dying computer. Can I buy the upgrade for Windows 8 and install it on the new PC, I'm building?

  I have an OEM of Windows Vista version on a dying computer. Can I buy the upgrade for Windows 8 and install it on the new PC, I'm building? The upgrade, is published at the same time as I'm rebuilding my PC. I'm just looking to replace my OS. I need Vista.

  Hello

  OEM license is tied to the first machine that is installed on the OEM license dies when this machine dies.

  An OEM license is not transferable.

  And you need a legal edition of Windows, enabled for upgrade.

  There is no use, you buy a license upgrade of Windows 8 by itself as you have to upgrade anything of in the new computer, you build...

  You can buy a license of Windows 8 when it comes out later this year.

  See you soon.

• Desktop PC's processor HP 251 - a11, Windows 10, AMD quad core A6-6310 accelerated with 4 GB memory DDR3 system and 500 GB hard drive. I installed I tunes last version and cannot operate.  Error message says Hello not activated.  Tells me to

  Desktop PC's processor HP 251 - a11, Windows 10, AMD quad core A6-6310 accelerated with 4 GB memory DDR3 system and 500 GB hard drive. I installed I tunes last version and cannot operate.  Error message says Hello not activated.  Tells me to go to the Control Panel then administrative tools and allow to Hello.  I followed these instructions, but I can't activate Hello.  What did wrong and how I can activate the Hello?  My email is * any help is greatly appreciated

  < email published by host >

  For general advice, see troubleshooting problems with iTunes for Windows updates.

  The steps described in the second case are a guide to remove everything related to iTunes and then rebuild what is often a good starting point, unless the symptoms indicate a more specific approach.

  Review the other boxes and other support documents list to the bottom of the page, in case one of them applies.

  More information area has direct links with the current and recent buildings if you have problems to download, must revert to an older version or want to try the version of iTunes for Windows (64-bit-for old video cards) as a workaround for problems with installation or operation, or compatibility with QuickTime software or a third party.

  Backups of your library and device should be affected by these measures but there are links to backup and recovery advice there.

  TT2

• I had a version of windows vista pre installed my lap top hp for some reason I formatted and installed windows 7 now that I can get the vista will have the product key

  cd key always produces with me please advise soon

  Hello

  HP normally with laptop press F11 at startup to start the recovery process

  How to reinstall Vista

  Contact the manufacturer of the laptop computer and ask them to send you to vista recovery disks to reinstall the operating system back as it was when you bought it

  they do it for a nominal cost of $

  also ask them if you have a recovery partition on your hard drive to get back to the way you bought

  you would normally press F8, F9, F10 or F11 or Alt + F10 or 0 to start to start the recovery process according to the manufacturer

  Ask them of the exact key sequence

  or borrow a vista microsoft dvd; not a HP, Acer recovery disk etc

  Make sure that you borrow the correct 32-bit or 64-bit microsoft dvd to your computer

  they contain all versions of vista

  This is the product key that determines which version of vista is installed

  http://www.theeldergeek.com/Vista/vista_clean_installation.html

  How to replace Microsoft software or hardware, order service packs and replace product manuals

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/326246

• I reinstalled the operating system on the same computer multiple times, however, this time it is said, I'm 'cannot be enabled.

  I have problems activating windows x 64 bits.

  I reinstalled the operating system on the same computer multiple times, however, this time it is said, I'm 'cannot be enabled. Recently, I updated my motherboard and changed to a quad core. I would appreciate help from the administrator. Legitimately, I bought my version of Vista x 64 tiger direct for years and relied on it as my OS for a while now. Any live medium or other assistance, advice, etc., would be appreciated. This operating system has been reinstalled several times, and the last time I had to reinstall it is because I closed windows because he wasn't updated correctly, and then restarting the operating system has not yet worked so I HAD to reinstall. Now windows says that my code is already used. I'm ready to take pictures, show my keycode and do anything to get my system online. Vista is saying I need to activate within 3 days. Also, I have problems installing Service Pack 1. Which maybe has something to do with my questions? Please, someone help me!

  Mark,

  In this case, you will need to contact Microsoft by phone for your landline number. Usually, most product keys have some time, they can be turned on before you reach this State.

  Best,

• No sound on Vista after installing SP1/SP2 with Realtek

  Hello.

  I encountered a strange problem on the computer of my parents-in-law office. After an installation of SP1 (and later SP2) no sound stereo speakers that is connected to the computer to an outlet.

  The computer is an Acer Aspire T180 with a built-in audio device Realtek HD (5.1, but the connected speakers are two standard PC speakers), and the operating system is Vista. Before installing SP1, the sound was working properly, and absolutely no software or hardware changes have been completed.

  My troubleshooting so far include:

  -Tested with a helmet and another pair of speakers that I know works

  -I have obviously checked that nothing is cut in all available parameters, or speakers

  -Tried each input/output on the back of the computer, as well as on the front

  -Checked in "output devices" that the speakers are connected and checked by default device

  -Tried the two codecs/drivers available here: http://support.acer-euro.com/drivers/desktop/aspire_t180.html

  -Tried the drivers of avaiable supplied directly from Realtek: http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/

  -Uninstalled Realtek everything (both in the Device Manager and programs) and let Vista automatically install the original drivers

  -Disabled the 'digital output device (s/PDIF)"which is in the list of devices in output/game

  -Unchecked the 'detect connection on the front"in Realtek audio manager program

  -In addition, SP2 has been installed, which did not help. In addition, I tried every setting available, uninstalled/installed and so on. During music playback (or test tones Realtek or Windows sounds) all is apparently looking for OK with indicators of volume, jumping up and down, but everything is quiet.

  So I'm out of ideas and cannot understand this. I am very grateful for any help and advice. Thank you!

  Hello

  Make a Restore Point to be sure it works manually. The below indicates how to use VSSadmin to put in place
  and control if necessary.

  How to create a Vista System Restore Point
  http://www.Vistax64.com/tutorials/76332-system-restore-point-create.html

  How to make a Vista system restore
  http://www.Vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-System-Restore-how.html
  How to turn System Restore on or off in Vista
  http://www.Vistax64.com/tutorials/66971-system-restore.html

  Adjustment of the amount of disk space, System Restore uses for restore points
  http://bertk.MVPs.org/html/diskspacev.html
  How to change how much Space System Restore can use
  http://www.Vistax64.com/tutorials/76227-system-restore-disk-space.html
  http://www.Petri.co.il/change_amount_of_disk_space_used_by_system_restore_in_vista.htm

  ShadowStorage vssadmin commands
  http://TechNet.Microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc755866 (WS.10) .aspx
  http://technet2.Microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/library/89d2e411-6977-4808-9AD5-476c9eaecaa51033.mspx?mfr=true

  Guide to Windows Vista system restore
  http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial143.html

  Expiration errors occur in Volume Shadow Copy service writers, and shadow copies are lost during
  backup and at the time when there are high levels of input/output
  http://support.Microsoft.com/?ID=826936

  A good utility:

  Explorer of the shadow - free
  http://www.ShadowExplorer.com/

  ================================

  After doing your restore point.

  Go to Device Manager - click anywhere in the blank area - then click on VIEW - show hidden devices

  Look around your Sound Device - If found click right on - UNINSTALL and when the box appears
  -REMOVE the pilot - REBOOT - reinstall your latest driver - do not forget to check the version of the Device Manager
  that they could rollback and you will need to install the driver - reboot - check until the correct version shows
  upward.

  Also the sound driver in previous posts.

  Hardware devices not detected or not working - A Mr Fixit
  http://support.Microsoft.com/GP/hardware_device_problems

  No sound in Windows - a Mr Fixit
  http://support.Microsoft.com/GP/NO_SOUND

  I hope this helps.

  Rob - bicycle - Mark Twain said it is good.

• Just after I turn on the laptop (before that turns on Vista) I get "cannot open volume for direct access.

  Just after I turn on the laptop (before Windows Vista turns on) the following message appears "cannot open volume for direct access.  What this mean and how can it be solved?

  Thank you

  Eddie

  Hi EddieLopezA,

  ·         Which version of Windows Vista is installed on your computer?

  ·         You have antivirus software on your computer?

  This problem may occur if another utility or service, for example a virus check program or a program disk monitoring, locked the partition before you try to run the Chkdsk.exe or Autochk.exe utility.

  I have some steps that may help you.

  Method 1: I suggest you to turn off all third-party applications and check if you have a similar question.

  To do this, follow these steps:

  1. open the start search box, type services.msc and click OK.

  2. in the Services (Local) list scroll the service concerned (for example auditor of virus or disk monitoring tool).

  3. right click on the service and select Properties.

  4. change the startup type to disabled for all applications 3rd - party that could be the cause of the blocking of Chkdsk problem.

  5. click OK/apply.

  6. restart the computer.

  Method 2: If this does not help, try to change the registry value and restart the computer.

  1. click on the start search box, type regedit.

  2. in the Publisher of the registry under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE subtree, go to the following subkey:

  \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session manager

  3 change the Boot entry run of:

  autocheck autochk * /r\DosDevice\C: (or other)

  TO:

  autocheck autochk *.

  Note: Change the settings of the REGISTRY can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from starting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the REGISTRY settings configuration can be solved. Changes to these settings are at your own risk.  If you want to edit the registry to fix this I urge you to back up your registry before proceeding.

  Links for:

  Unable to run CHKDSK

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/555484 (also applies to Vista)

  Hope the helps of information.

• When I bought my computer idid not receive a vista instead disc they gave me three recovery disc, I want to make my own vista disc to repair or reinstall my own vista program

  When I bought my computer with vista as my windows operating program.                  I want to get a vista disk to repair or reinstall vista instead of the disk three gave me or just sent me my own vista disc

  Microsoft sends NO Vista DVD.

  You already have the manufacturer's recovery disks.
  Recovery disc reinstall Vista and your computer about how you bought.

  You will need to contact your computer manufacturer to see if you have a recovery Partition on your hard drive.

  This isn't their recovery process, Microsoft.

  Recovery discs are made from the recovery Partition, OR provided by the manufacturer, as in your case!

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Here is some general info recovery options.

  How to get Vista recovery Media or the Vista recovery Partition on your computer back to factory settings.

  There is no Vista free download legal available.

  Contact your computer manufacturer and ask them to send a recovery disk/s Vista set.

  Normally, they do this for a cost of $ small.

  In addition, ask them if you have a recovery Partition on your computer/laptop to restore it to factory settings.

  See if a manual provided with the computer or go to the manufacturer's website, email or you can call for information on how to make a recovery.

  Normally, you have to press F10 or F11 at startup to start the recovery process...

  Another way I've seen on some models is press F8 and go to a list of startup options, and launch a recovery of standards of plant with it, by selecting the repair option.

  Ask them if you can also make recovery disk/s for the recovery Partition in case of a system Crash or hard drive failure.

  They will tell you how to do this.

  Every computer manufacturer has their own way of making recovery disk/s.

  Or borrow a good Microsoft Vista DVD (not Dell, HP, etc).
  A good Vista DVD contains all versions of Vista.
  The product key determines which version of Vista is installed.

  There are 2 disks of Vista: one for 32-bit operating system, and one for 64-bit operating system.

  If install a cleaning is required with a good DVD of Vista (not HP, Dell recovery disks):

  Go to your Bios/Setup, or the Boot Menu at startup and change the Boot order to make the DVD/CD drive 1st in the boot order, then reboot with the disk in the drive.

  At the startup/power on you should see at the bottom of the screen either F2 or DELETE, go to Setup/Bios or F12 for the Boot Menu

  http://support.Microsoft.com/default.aspx/KB/918884

  MS advice on the conduct of clean install.

  http://www.theeldergeekvista.com/vista_clean_installation.htm

  A tutorial on the use of a clean install

  http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_install_03.asp

  Super Guide Windows Vista Installation

  After installation > go to the website of the manufacturer of your computer/notebook > drivers and downloads Section > key in your model number > get latest Vista drivers for it > download/install them.

  Save all data, because it will be lost during a clean installation.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Download the ISO on the link provided and make a record of startup if repair you need to do a startup repair.

  Go to your Bios/Setup, or the Boot Menu at startup and change the Boot order to make the DVD/CD drive 1st in the boot order, then reboot with the disk in the drive.

  At the startup/power on you should see at the bottom of the screen either F2 or DELETE, go to Setup/Bios or F12 for the Boot Menu.

  When you have changed that, insert the Bootable disk you did in the drive and reboot.

  http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial148.html

  Link above shows what the process looks like and a manual, it load the repair options.

  NeoSmart containing the content of the Windows Vista DVD 'Recovery Centre', as we refer to him. It cannot be used to install or reinstall Windows Vista, and is just a Windows PE interface to recovering your PC. Technically, we could re-create this installation with downloadable media media freely from Microsoft (namely the Microsoft WAIK, several gigabyte download); but it is pretty darn decent of Microsoft to present Windows users who might not be able to create such a thing on their own.

  Read all the info on the website on how to create and use it.

  http://NeoSmart.net/blog/2008/Windows-Vista-recovery-disc-download/

  ISO Burner: http://www.snapfiles.com/get/active-isoburner.html

  It's a very good Vista startup repair disk.

  You can do a system restart tool, system, etc it restore.

  It is NOT a disc of resettlement.

  And the 32-bit is what normally comes on a computer, unless 64-bit.

  See you soon. Mick Murphy - Microsoft partner

• Windows Vista startup repair cannot repair this computer automatically

  The issue takes place at the start.  The computer go directly into Startup Repair, which finally returns the message above.  It allows me to report the problem or not and then proceeds to close.  What can I do?

  Problem event name: Startup Repair V2

  Problem 1 of Signatures to 10 below:
  Automatic failover
  6.0.6000.16386.6.0.6000.16386
  6
  1048591
  CorruptFile
  CorruptFile
  322122587
  1
  WrpRepair
  0

  OS version: 6.0.6000.2.0.0.256.1

  Locale ID: 1033

  You can try this:

  Download the ISO on the link provided and make a record of repair time it starts.

  Go to your Bios/Setup, or the Boot Menu at startup and change the Boot order to make the DVD/CD drive 1st in the boot order, then reboot with the disk in the drive.

  At the startup/power on you should see at the bottom of the screen either F2 or DELETE, go to Setup/Bios or F12 for the Boot Menu.

  When you have changed that, insert the Bootable disk you did in the drive and reboot.

  http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial148.html

  Link above shows what the process looks like and a manual, it load the repair options.

  NeoSmart containing the content of the Windows Vista DVD 'Recovery Centre', as we refer to him. It cannot be used to install or reinstall Windows Vista, and is just a Windows PE interface to recovering your PC. Technically, we could re-create this installation with downloadable media media freely from Microsoft (namely the Microsoft WAIK, several gigabyte download); but it is pretty darn decent of Microsoft to present Windows users who might not be able to create such a thing on their own.

  Read all the info on the website on how to create and use it.

  http://NeoSmart.net/blog/2008/Windows-Vista-recovery-disc-download/

  ISO Burner: http://www.snapfiles.com/get/active-isoburner.html

  It's a very good Vista startup repair disk.

  You can do a system restart tool, system, etc it restore.

  It is NOT a disc of resettlement.

  And the 32-bit is what normally comes on a computer, unless 64-bit.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  How to get Vista recovery Media and/or to use the Vista recovery Partition on your computer.

  There is no Vista free download legal available.

  Contact your computer manufacturer and ask them to send a recovery disk/s Vista set.

  Normally, they do this for a cost of $ small.

  In addition, ask them if you have a recovery Partition on your computer/laptop to restore it to factory settings.

  See if a manual provided with the computer or go to the manufacturer's website, email or you can call for information on how to make a recovery.

  Normally, you have to press F10 or F11 at startup to start the recovery process...

  Another way I've seen on some models is press F8 and go to a list of startup options, and launch a recovery of standards of plant with it, by selecting the repair option.

  Ask them if you can also make recovery disk/s for the recovery Partition in case of a system Crash or hard drive failure.

  They will tell you how to do this.

  Every computer manufacturer has their way of doing recovery disk/s.

  Or borrow a good Microsoft Vista DVD (not Dell, HP, etc).
  A good Vista DVD contains all versions of Vista.
  The product key determines which version of Vista is installed.

  There are 2 disks of Vista: one for 32-bit operating system, and one for 64-bit operating system.

  If install a cleaning is required with a good DVD of Vista (not HP, Dell recovery disks):

  Go to your Bios/Setup, or the Boot Menu at startup and change the Boot order to make the DVD/CD drive 1st in the boot order, then reboot with the disk in the drive.

  At the startup/power on you should see at the bottom of the screen either F2 or DELETE, go to Setup/Bios or F12 for the Boot Menu

  http://support.Microsoft.com/default.aspx/KB/918884

  MS advice on the conduct of clean install.

  http://www.theeldergeekvista.com/vista_clean_installation.htm

  A tutorial on the use of a clean install

  http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_install_03.asp

  Super Guide Windows Vista Installation

  After installation > go to the website of the manufacturer of your computer/notebook > drivers and downloads Section > key in your model number > get latest Vista drivers for it > download/install them.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Data recovery:

  1. slave of your hard drive in another computer and read/save your data out there.

  2. put your Hard drive in a USB hard drive case, plug it into another computer and read/save from there.

  3 Alternatively, use Knoppix Live CD to recover data:

  http://www.Knopper.NET/Knoppix/index-en.html

  Download/save the file Knoppix Live CD ISO above.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm

  Download the Vista software from the link above.

  After installing above ISO burning software, right click on the Knoppix ISO file > copy the Image to a CD.

  Knoppix is not installed on your PC; use only the resources of your PC, RAM, graphics etc.

  Change the boot order in YOUR computer/laptop to the CD/DVD Drive 1^st in the boot order.

  Plug a Flash Drive/Memory Stick, BOOT with the Live CD, and you should be able to read the hard drive.

  When the desktop loads, you will see at least two drive hard icons on the desktop (one for your hard drive) and one for the USB key.

  Click on the icons of hard drive to open and to understand which drive is which.

  Click the icon for the USB drive and click on "Actions > Change the read/write mode" so you can write to disk (it is read-only by default for security reasons).

  Now to find the files you want to back up, just drag and drop them on the USB. When you're done, shut down the system and remove the USB key.

  See you soon.
  Mick Murphy - Microsoft partner

• Toshiba value added Package for Windows Vista Version 1.1.3 on Qosmio F45

  I installed the new * Toshiba value added Package for Windows Vista Version 1.1.3 * for my Qosmio F45-AV413 and function keys was arrested for work.

  If I don't go back to the previous system, there is no action that I can do to make the works of buttons again.

  I tested with Vista Home Premium which is installed with the product, tested with Vista Business from scratch, and none of them work as expected.

  Well, if someone could help me with this question I really thank you,

  Marcelo.

  Have you already tried to install an earlier version of the software function button on your system? I think the new version is buggy and if not already a newer version is released, you should have the old version until a new one comes out.

  Please check if the old version works, it shouldn´t be a big problem for the single download from the Toshiba driver download site.

  See you soon

• Blue screen after Windows Vista SP2 installed on my TouchSmart IQ770

  
  

  All, I came across this thread, after having the same problem (constant BSOD after Vista SP2) installed.  The fix referenced by MS that contains a placeholder file.  However, this most recent patch http://support.microsoft.com/kb/975163/ contains even more recent versions of all the files in question.

  For this installation, I went to safe mode and disabled the wireless network card.  I copied the fix of a usbstick on the desktop.  After the reboot of the machine was stable enough to install this fix (before it would break before the fix might get installed).  After the restart, yet once again, I have reactivated the wireless card.

  The system seems to be stable again (its place for over an hour now, the previous record was 5 minutes approximately from SP2)

  I hope this helps someone to another Google search for Vista SP2 IQ770 BSOD USB

• How to install Windows XP Home SP2 to a Dell 755 Tower comes with Vista Business installed?

  OK guys,

  I aquried a used Dell 755 minitower that had wiped HARD drive, but originally shipped with Vista Business installed o/s. This computer still had the sticker code product key for Vista Business on the computer.

  I have a Windows XP Home SP2 OEM disc with a product code and tried to install it on this computer, but I get an protection windows with a blue screen error whenever I tried.

  I have a Vista Home OEM disk basic with its own key code product. The computer has allowed me to install this operating system, but not would allow me to use its product key code, but would allow me to use the old Vista Business key product code that was on the computer and complete the installation. Everything was fine, but I just don't like Vista o/s and I would like to install my OEM Windows XP Home SP2 to this computer and high grade it to SP3.

  In dealing with this computer, I discovered it would allow me to load Windows XP Pro just find, but I was using a copy borrowed this o/s and had to uninstall if I could return it to its owner. I also borrowed a copy of Windows 7 OEM I installed in this machine and it works just fine, but I had to uninstall it to return to its owner.

  I still want to know why I can't install Windows XP Home Edition for this machine.  Does anyone have information about this situation or a way to solve it?

  Btk (billy the kid)

  Looks like the drive you borrowed your friend had a SATA driver integrated into it.  What you can do, is go into the BIOS and change the AHCI to IDE mode.  This should allow you to install XP.  Or you could use a floppy disk and install the driver by pressing f6 during installation.

  Don't forget: OEM keys are related to the original motherboard enabled on.

• Second 64 Vista clean install from upgrade costs DVD, $99?

  My first Vista 64 installation was a clean installation of a DVD upgrade, that I have upgraded XP, and only a clean install was possible, then (2005). I chose Vista, he was then (and I think still is) only possible to use my ASUS mobo to combine with this OS PCI video card.  The hard drive died recently, and after I reinstalled on a new hard drive and made the odd updates hundreds, telephone support assured me it's 100% possible for them to turn it on again, but as that (I think change remote registry) process was "Advanced Troubleshooting", it would cost $99.  I asked to speak to his supervisor, and after a wait, the line was cut off. I called back, got the same result, and after a long wait, the second tech supervisor told me the same thing, with a reference to an article that pointed out that if I reinstalled a previous operating system of microsoft and started the process of upgrading within this installation of windows, it would activate.  I tried the first time, and the upgrade option has been grayed out, so I think it won't, if I go to XP.

  Do I use? Or do I have to buy Vista again?

  Hello

  When you have a version upgrade of Windows, you must install the previous operating system before installing the upgrade.

  Once you install Windows XP, you must install all security and optional updates for unity.  When you are finished, you install the upgrade.  It can then be activated.

• After getting my laptop reformatted, Windows Vista says it must be enabled. Can I use my current product key?

  original title: help with windows vista please!

  I recently got my laptop reformatted. the guy who must have to fix my computer installed a trial instead of my vista under license. Can I still use my previous vista and its product key for my laptop? Help!

  Hello

  your product key/license of vista is up to you to use your laptop for the life of your laptop

  How to reinstall Vista

  Contact the manufacturer of the laptop computer and ask them to send you to vista recovery disks to reinstall the operating system back as it was when you bought it

  they do it for a nominal cost of $

  also ask them if you have a recovery partition on your hard drive to get back to the way you bought

  you would normally press F8, F9, F10 or F11 or Alt + F10 or 0 to start to start the recovery process according to the manufacturer

  Ask them of the exact key sequence

  or borrow a vista microsoft dvd; not a HP, Acer recovery disk etc

  Make sure that you borrow the correct 32-bit or 64-bit microsoft dvd to your computer

  they contain all versions of vista

  This is the product key that determines which version of vista is installed

  http://www.theeldergeek.com/Vista/vista_clean_installation.html

  How to replace Microsoft software or hardware, order service packs and replace product manuals

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/326246