Reinstalled Windows - the product key already in use

I just reinstalled Windows Vista, and when I enter the product key, I thought that my key is already used.  How to solve this?  My Windows product key sticker is on my computer.

Hi Christian,

It comes by default. In fact, you are using the product key, not someone else. The problem is easily solved. See this link on my site for more details:http://vistasupport.mvps.org/product_key_already_in_use.htm

This forum post is my own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the opinion or the opinion of Microsoft, its employees or other MVPS.

John Barnett MVP: Windows XP Expert associated with: Windows Desktop Experience: www.winuser.co.uk | vistasupport.mvps.org | xphelpandsupport.mvps.org | www.silversurfer-Guide.com

Tags: Windows

Similar Questions

  • Cannot activate Windows, the product key already in use

    Original title: product key already in use.

    Recently, my computer crashed (power).  Try to avoid problems with my hard drive, I bought the same computer exactly on the line.  I installed my old hard drive on the newest computer and all is well... Except, when trying to activate my Windows Vista Ultimate OS I get the error message "The key of product already in use" Microsoft site confirms that the product key is authentic, but still will not let me activate.  All solutions?

    Your old computer had a "Retail" or "OEM" of Windows installed version?

    OEM versions are related to the 1st motherboard they are installed and can not be activated on another motherboard. The only exception is the 'mother' is exactly the same make / model / part number as the original motherboard.

    Commercial versions can be moved from one computer to another without problem except that the the phone activation may be required.

    How to activate Windows 7 or Vista manually (activate by phone)
    http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

    1) click Start and in the search for box type: slui.exe 4
    (2) press the ENTER"" key.
    (3) to select your "country" you are in the drop-down list.
    (4) choose the option "activate phone".
    (5) stay on the phone * do not select/press any option * and wait for a person to help you.
    (6) explain your problem clearly to the support person.
    (7) the person must give you a confirmation ID, copy it down on paper,
    (8) check that the ID is correct in reading the support person.
    (9) to enter the ID number, then click 'Next' to complete the activation process.

    Activation and registration of a Microsoft product
    http://support.Microsoft.com/?kbid=326851
    Windows activation: (888) 571-2048
    (888) 725-1047 or 800-936-5700

    What's the relationship between activation and genuine Windows?
    http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-in/Windows7/what-s-the-relationship-between-activation-and-genuine-Windows

    What is the validation, and how does it work?
    Windows 7: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/genuine/what-is-validation?os=win7
    Vista: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/genuine/what-is-validation?os=winvista

    Authentic Microsoft software program privacy statement
    What data is collected?
    http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows/genuine/privacy-statement

    -Product key of letters and numbers-

    Not confused the letter B with the number 8, the letter Q with the letter O.
    the letter G and the number 6.

    A, E, I, O and u are not used.

    ----------------------------  Alternatives -------------------------------------

    To enable the use of the phone

    1. open Activation of Windows by clicking on the Start button, right click on computer, clicking Properties.
    then by clicking on activate Windows now. ?

    2. click on show me other ways to activate.

    3 type your Windows 7 product key, and then click Next.

    4. click on use the automated telephone and then click Next.
    If you are prompted for an administrator password or a confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

    5. click on the location nearest you from the drop-down list, and then click Next.

    6. call one of the available phone numbers listed. An automated system will guide you through the activation process.

    7. When prompted, enter the installation ID that is listed on your screen in your phone keypad.

    8 Note the confirmation ID the phone system gives you.

    9. under the terms of step 3, type the confirmation ID in the space provided, click Next, and then follow the instructions.

    10. If the activation is not successful, stay on the line to be transferred to a product activation agent who can help you.

    How to contact a Microsoft Product Activation Center by phone
    http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/950929

    Activation and registration of a Microsoft product
    http://support.Microsoft.com/?kbid=326851
    Windows activation: (888) 571-2048
    (888) 725-1047 or 800-936-5700

    Microsoft Activation centers worldwide telephone numbers:
    http://www.Microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/activation-centers.aspx
    (This site is for activating Volume License, but if you call, they will help you)

    The phone number is not working:
    Microsoft Worldwide contacts: http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/default.aspx

    Register Windows 7
    http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows7/help/register
    Register Windows 7 and you automatically receive a series of three welcome to Windows e-mails
    filled with tips, creative tips and other information to you help get the most out of Windows 7.
    You also get a subscription to the monthly newsletter of Windows Explorer,
    where you will find other tips and tricks, as well as special offers.

    Learn about Activation:
    http://TechNet.Microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff793423.aspx

    J W Stuart: http://www.pagestart.com

  • Activation of reinstalled Windows Vista - the product key already in use message

    My system crashed - continueously runs blue and the cause was the motherboard. Replaced the motherboard and making it to level the motherboard and processor. The new motherboard and processor are compatible with Windows Vista. After you have reinstalled Windows Vista activation using the internet's message that the product key is already in use. What should do?

    If and only if you have a Vista "commercial" version, then you can try the phone activation.

    How to activate Windows 7 or Vista manually (activate by phone)
    http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

    1) click Start and in the search for box type: slui.exe 4
    (2) press the ENTER"" key.
    (3) select your "country" in the list.
    (4) choose the option "activate phone".
    (5) stay on the phone * do not select/press any option * and wait for a person to help you.
    (6) explain your problem clearly to the support person.
    (7) the person must give you a confirmation ID, copy it down on paper,
    (8) check that the ID is correct in reading the support person.
    (9) to enter the ID number, then click 'Next' to complete the activation process.

    Activation and registration of a Microsoft product
    http://support.Microsoft.com/?kbid=326851
    Windows activation: (888) 571-2048
    (888) 725-1047 or 800-936-5700

    -Product key of letters and numbers-

    Not confused the letter B with the number 8, the letter Q with the letter O.
    the letter G and the number 6.

    A, E, I, O and u are not used.

    ----------------------------  Alternatives -------------------------------------

    To enable the use of the phone

    1. open Activation of Windows by clicking on the Start button, right click on computer, clicking Properties.
    then by clicking on activate Windows now. ?

    2. click on show me other ways to activate.

    3 type your Windows 7 product key, and then click Next.

    4. click on use the automated telephone and then click Next.
    If you are prompted for an administrator password or a confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

    5. click on the location nearest you from the drop-down list, and then click Next.

    6. call one of the available phone numbers listed. An automated system will guide you through the activation process.

    7. When prompted, enter the installation ID that is listed on your screen in your phone keypad.

    8 Note the confirmation ID the phone system gives you.

    9. under the terms of step 3, type the confirmation ID in the space provided, click Next, and then follow the instructions.

    10. If the activation is not successful, stay on the line to be transferred to a product activation agent who can help you.

    How to contact a Microsoft Product Activation Center by phone
    http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/950929

    Microsoft Activation centers worldwide telephone numbers:
    http://www.Microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/activation-centers.aspx
    (This site is for activating Volume License, but if you call, they will help you)

    The phone number is not working:
    Microsoft Wordwide contacts: http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/default.aspx

    Register Windows 7
    http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows7/help/register
    Register Windows 7 and you automatically receive a series of three welcome to Windows e-mails
    filled with tips, creative tips and other information to you help get the most out of Windows 7.
    You also get a subscription to the monthly newsletter of Windows Explorer,
    where you will find other tips and tricks, as well as special offers.

    Learn about Activation:
    http://TechNet.Microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff793423.aspx

    J W Stuart: http://www.pagestart.com

  • I cannot activate my windows Vista, says the product key already in use

    I reinstall my windows vista, when I try to turn it on, pop up and says... you type the product key is already used... I don't remember copy my drive to vista... or install another computer... what I'll do... ?

    Activate Vista by phone:
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    NOTE:
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    For the benefits of others looking for answers, please mark as answer suggestion if it solves your problem.

  • After reformatting computer, Vista indicates the product key already in use

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    * original title - the product key you typed is already used, __Pour activate windows, you'll need an another Windows Vista.__Similar to what is happening with my office where the message you have already used the Restricted installation number

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    Which would be very expensive to maintain Microsoft products if all you are not allowed to re-use your GENUINE Microsoft product copies. So does this mean that I am allowed to use my copies more...

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    Hey Toni Sassine

    use your microsoft software licenses are yours

    you don't have to rebuy unless you move to a different computer licensed oem software

    If your microsoft software is pre-installed it is licensed oem and it related to the first machine that is installed the life of this machine

    If a retail license it can be moved to another computer but only installed on a machine at any time

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    You can reinstall Windows on the same computer as many times as you want because activation pairs product key of Windows with information about your computer hardware. If you make a significant hardware change, you may need to activateWindows once again.

    for your office activation issues, you will need to ask in the forum link below office activation because this forum is for vista installation issues

    normally, if you have any problems with vista or office activation you would use the phone activation

    http://social.answers.Microsoft.com/forums/en-us/OfficeInstall/threads?LC=1033&filter=AllTypes

    Walter, the time zone traveller
  • Cannot activate Vista, said the product key already in use

    My computer is having problems, so I re-installed Windows Vista on my computer. When I wrote the product key, which is on portable tmy, in the installation and it re-installed. A few days ago it Windows Activasion asks to activate Vista. When I write key protuct its says that its already in service. What im going to do?

    How to activate Windows Vista manually (activate by phone)
    1) click Start and in the search for box type: slui.exe 4
    (2) press the ENTER"" key.
    (3) select your "country" in the list.
    (4) choose the option "activate phone".
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    Also:
    How to activate Windows Vista by phone
    http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/940315
    http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/10/13/how-to-activate-Windows-Vista-by-phone-activation/

    Microsoft Activation centers worldwide telephone numbers:
    http://www.Microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/activation-centers.aspx
    (This site is for activating Volume License, but if you call, they will help you)

    The phone number is not working:
    Microsoft Wordwide contacts: http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/default.aspx

    Product Activation Solution Center
    http://support.Microsoft.com/contactus/cu_sc_prodact_master

    JS
    http://www.PAGESTART.com

    Never be afraid to ask. This forum has some of the best people in the world to help.

  • Error of reinstallation of Windows Vista, the product key already in use

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    If the computer is now stable then activate: how to activate Windows Vista by phone
    http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/940315
    http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/10/13/how-to-activate-Windows-Vista-by-phone-activation/

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    Never be afraid to ask. This forum has some of the best people in the world to help.

  • Vista wants to be activated after Lenovo replaced my motherboard laptop. It says the product key already in use.

    • As stated in my question.

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  • I can't get my product to enter. It is said that the product key is in use.

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    --

    Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The lazy three fingers

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