Can't activate windows vista

Question

I am trying to install Windows Vista Business (retail boxed) 64 bit.  The box didn't include 64 bit media and so I've downloaded it from technet. The install asks for the product key but it is not accepted "your product key cannot be validated.
Review your product key and make sure that you have entered it correctly".
I have been in a chat with microsoft for 2.5 hours so far and they have referred me to this forum. I don't feel that I am getting anywhere and I am incredibly frustrated.
I enclose the contents of the chat so that you can see what has already been discussed and what steps have already been taken.
You are now chatting with 'Ethan'.
Ethan: at 10:05:35
Hello Craig. Welcome to the TechNet Online Concierge. How may I assist you today?
Ethan: at 10:07:56
Excuse me, Craig, are you there?
Craig Stenton: at 10:08:01
Hi Ethan. I believe I spoke to you yesterday. I have a retail boxed version of Vista that has been unused that I'd like to use, but it only includes media for 32 bit and I am trying to obtain the media for 64 bit. I was given a link to download the software,
which I have done but my product key doesn't work with the software - product key cannot be validated. The software that I have is Vista Business (box)
Ethan: at 10:09:36
Thanks for your inquiry. In that case, you may claim a product key from the downloading page by clicking the "Product Keys" button.
Ethan: at 10:10:06
Or do you still want to use that product key?
Craig Stenton: at 10:11:07
That's ok if I can legally do that. The software will not be used by me and so I'm not sure the technet license should be used by another. I'm ok with it because I know that I have got a license for Vista. Is that ok legally?
Craig Stenton: at 10:12:01
Also, now that Microsoft is finishing the technet program, what happens to the license keys? Will they become invalid at some point in time?
Ethan: at 10:12:40
Technically, they will continue to work as usual. However, according to TechNet Licensing Terms, you must remove all TechNet products after your subscription expires. There is no perpetual use rights for any TechNet subscription.
Craig Stenton: at 10:16:08
So how does that relate to this enquiry? If I use the technet license and then my subscription expires then I can no-longer use the technet product key. Is it ok to continue to use it in place of the one with the boxed product? If it will work technically,
and I can prove that I have one product key (that I am not using for technical reasons) is that ok?
Ethan: at 10:18:06
In this case, I'd like to check your product key for you. Could you please send the key to [email protected] with "To Ethan" included in the subject so that I could know the issue better? Thanks.
Ethan: at 10:20:45
I mean I'd like to check why the key can't activate your media so that I could tell you if there is any other solutions.
Craig Stenton: at 10:22:01
My media only seems to install 32 bit but the license covers 32 bit and 64 bit. I need 64 bit media.
Craig Stenton: at 10:22:46
My product key doesn't work with the 64 bit media that I have downloaded from technet.
Ethan: at 10:23:38
Excuse me, you mean your product key is a 32 bit key, right?
Craig Stenton: at 10:24:22
I have a product key and just want 64 bit software to work with it. I want it to be legally correct but to a point, in my mind, it shouldn't matter if the software has to use a different product key to replace mine.
Ethan: at 10:26:43
Please note that product key and installation media must match with each other. Do you need me to check the type of your product key for you at this moment?
Craig Stenton: at 10:27:07
There is nothing on the box to say that it is 32 bit only. It does say "includes 32 bit dvd and information on obtaining 64 bit dvd", which does suggest that the product key is for 32 bit and 64 bit. there isn't any information to obtain 64 bit media
Ethan: at 10:31:25
Thanks for your information. In this case, I'd suggest you to contact our Windows Store support to see if they could provide you the retail installation media for you.
Ethan: at 10:31:25
Please click “Windows store support” on the bottom of the following to submit a support ticket for assistance:
Ethan: at 10:31:25
https://msdn.microsoft.com/subscriptions/windevcenter
Craig Stenton: at 10:32:46
Link just takes me to a page that says "We can't find any MSDN Subscriptions that are linked to your current Microsoft Account. If you have your subscription details (Subscriber ID or Benefit Access Number, name, and email) then you can activate your account
to start using your subscription benefits."
Ethan: at 10:33:21
Sorry, one more moment please.
Ethan: at 10:36:52
Still checking, one more moment please.
Craig Stenton: at 10:42:56
ok
Ethan: at 10:43:27
Sorry for the delay.
Ethan: at 10:43:27
Microsoft Store Hours of Operation:
Ethan: at 10:43:27
08:00-20:00 (GMT), Monday - Friday + 09:00-18:00 (GMT), Saturday
Ethan: at 10:43:27
Microsoft Store Sales and Customer Support.
Ethan: at 10:43:27
One of our representatives can process the order over the phone for you:
Ethan: at 10:43:27
0800 026 0329
Ethan: at 10:44:25
By the way, may I know where did you get this product key?
Craig Stenton: at 10:45:28
But surely I can just download the 64bit software? I don't want to have to wait for a disk to be delivered and I don't expect to have to pay for it if it's available on download.
Craig Stenton: at 10:46:19
The product key is on the Vista Business box. I can provide a photo if you wish
Ethan: at 10:46:31
Sorry, I mean could you please tell me where did you  get your retail boxed version of Vista
Craig Stenton: at 10:47:36
Oh, sorry. I can't be certain. Possibly PC World - I used them quite a lot at that time.
Craig Stenton: at 10:49:05
I didn't buy it off ebay or other dubious sources if that is the purpose of your query. If I look back through our accounts I will be able to determine where it was purchased but that is a big task.
Ethan: at 10:53:16
I just double checked it for you, Windows Vista product keys should work for both 36 bit and 65 bit versions.
Ethan: at 10:54:11
**Windows Vista product keys should work for both 36 bit and 64 bit versions. Sorry for my typo.
Craig Stenton: at 10:55:17
I saw that but I know what you meant ;-> so, now that we know that my product key is valid for 64 bit, how do I download the 64bit media? It must be available.
Ethan: at 10:57:55
Just to confirm, your product key is for Windows Vista Business, right?
Craig Stenton: at 10:58:50
Yes, that is correct
Ethan: at 11:02:37
Could you please tell me if you have used before? Also please give me more information about activating the media downloaded from our TechNet site.
Ethan: at 11:02:55
**Could you please tell me if you have used the key before? Also please give me more information about activating the media downloaded from our TechNet site.
Ethan: at 11:04:30
Sorry, I just noticed that you said the key is unused. Then could you please tell me the error message when you activate with the key?
Craig Stenton: at 11:04:52
TBH, I'm not even sure I ever used it, but if I did, it wasn't for long. I purchased it so that I could support a couple of users with new Vista laptops but then downgraded them to XP due to problems (then) with Vista.
Craig Stenton: at 11:06:14
The problem that I get when trying to use my product key with the download from technet is "your product key cannot be validated. Review your product key and make sure that you have entered it correctly"
Ethan: at 11:06:48
In that case, could you please send the key to [email protected] with "To Ethan" included in the subject so that I could check for you if the key is still valid?
Ethan: at 11:09:17
Excuse me, Craig, are you still there?
Craig Stenton: at 11:11:10
yES, i AM STILL HERE. jUST SENDING THE EMAIL
Craig Stenton: at 11:11:31
Sorry, caps on for typing the product key in my email to you.
Ethan: at 11:12:02
It's okay, please take your time.
Craig Stenton: at 11:16:24
I have sent the email to you. I have included photos of the product key and the message.
Ethan: at 11:17:08
Thank you, please give me a moment to check it for you.
Craig Stenton: at 11:19:47
ok
Ethan: at 11:23:57
Still checking. Sorry for the delay.
Ethan: at 11:31:44
Thanks for your waiting. I have checked it for you, your product key is valid.
Craig Stenton: at 11:32:23
OK, but it doesn't work with the software downloaded from technet so what do we do about it?
Ethan: at 11:32:27
But I'm afraid it can be only used on one machine.
Craig Stenton: at 11:33:06
It will only be used on one machine.
Ethan: at 11:35:24
Our tool shows that the key has been used for activation before. Is that also on the same machine?
Craig Stenton: at 11:37:40
If it has been activated before then it would either have been my machine, in which case it hasn't been used for a very long time, or a 32 bit version on the machine that I am trying to use it on, which would have been in the past couple of days.
Craig Stenton: at 11:42:44
Are you still there Ethan?
Ethan: at 11:43:46
Sorry, I was taking to another customer online.
Ethan: at 11:44:54
Could you please provide me the file name of your installation media?
Ethan: at 11:47:34
Excuse me, Craig, are you still with me?
Craig Stenton: at 11:47:41
Yes I am
Craig Stenton: at 11:47:56
Do you mean the file that I downloaded from technet?
Ethan: at 11:48:09
Yes, you are correct.
Craig Stenton: at 11:48:40
en_windows_vista_x64_dvd_x12-40712.iso
Craig Stenton: at 11:49:12
I understand that this is not Vista Business, which I queried in my chats yesterday and I was told that it is the same media and should be ok
Ethan: at 11:52:13
Yes, the media contains Windows Vista and other editions. Normally, you may just claim a product key for Windows Vista Business, then you can install Windows Vista Business on your machine.
Craig Stenton: at 11:54:14
OK, so can you help me with that please?
Craig Stenton: at 11:54:42
It seems that I have the correct media, and my product key is valid so there shouldn't be any problems
Ethan: at 11:57:21
In that case you may call your regional Activation Center for further assistance. Please give me a moment to locate the contact information of the Activation Center in the UK.
Ethan: at 11:58:25
Thanks for your waiting. You may refer to the following KB article to learn how to contact Microsoft Product Activation Center for your region:
Ethan: at 11:58:25
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929
Ethan: at 11:58:25
(Or you may enter “SLUI 4” in “Run” to check out the number of every region in the world)
Ethan: at 12:01:04
Excuse me, have you received my above messages, Craig?
Craig Stenton: at 12:01:54
Yes I have
Ethan: at 12:02:41
Is there anything else I could do for you at this moment?
Craig Stenton: at 12:02:59
yes
Craig Stenton: at 12:03:12
just bear with me
Craig Stenton: at 12:05:06
I have done what you said and when I call the number it is an automated system that requires numbers from the activation wizard. I can't ebven install thde software to be able to get to that stage. I need my product keey to be made to wotk with the downloaded
media, or if it can't be made to work then I need to be supplied with a product key that will work
Ethan: at 12:07:18
Please give me a moment to check it for you.
Ethan: at 12:12:07
Thanks for your waiting. Have you tried the following steps?
Ethan: at 12:12:07
To activate Windows Vista over the telephone, follow these steps:
Ethan: at 12:12:07
1. Click the Start button, and then click Computer.
Ethan: at 12:12:07
2. Click System properties on the toolbar, and then click Click here to activate Windows now in the Windows activation area.
Ethan: at 12:12:07
User Access Control permission If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
Ethan: at 12:12:07
3.The Windows Activation Wizard starts.
Ethan: at 12:12:07
4.Click Use the automated telephone system in the Windows Activation Wizard.
Craig Stenton: at 12:13:04
but I can't install windows! During the install I am asked for the product key and it tells me that it is not valid and so I can't proceed.
Craig Stenton: at 12:14:16
I can't use the usual methods of activation because I cannot get an activation code. I can't use the activation wizard. I can't call the number because it requires an activation code.
Craig Stenton: at 12:14:35
I am completely stuck without somebody making it work.
Craig Stenton: at 12:16:01
We've established that everything is correct so what is the problem?
Ethan: at 12:18:45
Okay, then you may post this issue on our support forums for further assistance from our support engineers. One moment please, let me locate the entrance for you.
Craig Stenton: at 12:20:09
But surely it isn't a support issue. It is a product key issue.
Ethan: at 12:21:03
Windows Vista Activation
Ethan: at 12:21:03
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/home?forum=itprovistasetup&filter=alltypes&sort=lastpostdesc
Ethan: at 12:24:45
But your product key is valid, and the media is correct. You may post your issue on the Windows Vista Activation forum to see if our support engineers have any solution on this issue.

Answer 1

Craig Stenton: at 12:13:04
but I can't install windows! During the install I am asked for the product key and it tells me that it is not valid and so I can't proceed.
Craig Stenton: at 12:14:16
I can't use the usual methods of activation because I cannot get an activation code. I can't use the activation wizard. I can't call the number because it requires an activation code.
Hi,
I'm a bit confused with this paragraph, as you said Vista already install on your computer, why did you say Windows can't be installed?
According to your description with your problem, it is Product edition and key are not match. Firstly of all, we must make sure the system you installed on your computer was
Windows Vista Business, not matter 32 or 64 bit.
Note: you can check current system edtion at System Properties.
After that, you can try to input your product key and activate your system for test.
If problem still presists, it would be better to provide the activation error message.
Roger Lu
TechNet Community Support