Windows doesn't let me use product key, but it is valid. How can I contact it?

I have a second-hand machine from my father. He gave me the copy of Windows Vista Home Premium it bought to go with it. But now I installed it all he continues to ask for activation. When I type in the product key, Windows tells me that it is already in use. I made contact with him and he has checked his machines and assures me, it is not in use on any of them - he bought his own copies of Windows 7 that he uses.

How can I contact Microsoft and get this resolved? I tried to communicate with them directly, which to my product ID number. When I enter it, it tells me that it has expired. To get a new code, I need - surprise - activate Windows. To talk to Microsoft without the code PID costs £46! I'm a loyal customer of Microsoft, with a Xbox and WP7 phone. Makes me want to chuck the lot in the bin, frankly.

Sorry, rant over. Can anyone suggest a way around this activation problem?

How to activate Windows 7 or 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".
(5) stay on the phone * do not select/press any option * and wait for a person to help you.
(6) clearly explain your problem 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.

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

To enable the use of the phone
1. open Windows Activation by clicking the Start button, right-click computer, clicking Properties, and then clicking

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.

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

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

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

Tags: Windows

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