WGA Vista Removal

RDW · Feb 9, 2010

Just transfered a hard drive from a previous computer to a new one.

Now I'm getting a message that my "key" is no longer valid. Neither Manufacturer, or Microsoft have been ANY help. What can I do?

rustyjack · Feb 9, 2010

I know MG don't like people refering to other sites but i've just been reading about this today you can actually download a small zip file called simple keyfinder from a site called winkeyfinder.com its been tested on Win 2000, 2003, Xp, Vista and Win 7, you could give this a try !

Sorry MA and Mods, but just thought the guy needs help, and maybe this could help out !

Rusty !

plodr · Feb 9, 2010

Depending on the type of install and brand of computer, Vista is tied to that computer; you can not use that key on a different computer. The key printed on the side of my Dell computer belongs to that computer and does not allow me to use that key on any other computer.

Your options are: purchase a new Vista key (this costs as much as buying a new operating system), install a different version of windows provided you have a good key, install linux which requires no license nor any serial number/key to install.

Noone · Feb 10, 2010

Most Vista license installations will fingerprint the machine and not execute on another system once installed or validate online. You will have to do an "Upgrade" installation of vista from your install media from Vista to Vista. Once you have installed that, you will need to call Microsoft and tell them your motherboard blew up, caught on fire, was in a flood, or something, and you had to replace it and your hard drive. They will reset the license for a new machine and you can run it on your new box, but you won't be able to run it on your old machine anymore.

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WGA Vista Removal

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rustyjack MajorGeek

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