Problem: Vista is not genuine. Requires Product Key.

Hello everyone, I have a bit of weird problem. My step-brother's laptop keeps telling him his version of Vista is not genuine. And yes I'm telling the truth, it really is my step-brother with the problem, and not just me using him as a scapegoat to save my e-pride :D. But anyway I told him a thousand times to look for help online, but every time he just answers with something nonsensical like "No I shouldn't have to. Bill Gates should just make better hardware." And I'm just like there are so many things wrong with that statement I don't know where to start. So I decided to make the topic for him since him complaining about it nonstop won't fix it. I'll provide as much info as I can, but I'm not sure if it'll prove useful. It would be much better if he would just make a topic, so he could go into more detail but it's not like he listens to me.


It's a Dell Inspiron 150? (I forget the last number I think it's a 1 or 3) Laptop with Vista x64 Home Premium 32-bit. Unfortunately that's all I know about it. He got sometime within the last 5 months and was told it was new when he bought it, apparently from a family member of his. I wasn't around at the time so I don't know all the details. It worked perfectly fine since then until just a few days ago when he started having the problem.

From what I understand his problem consists of him constantly receiving the message that he needs to re-enter his product key because his current one is invalid. And that it removes his wallpaper if he has one set and replaces it with a black background with the words "This version of Windows is not genuine." at the bottom right of the screen. Other than this everything is fine as far as I know, he can still use it normally he just keeps getting the messages.

But that's about all the information I can provide and I would like to thank you in advance even if you can't help. I completely understand if the problem is indeterminable with just the given info because the whole thing is rather ridiculous.

EDIT: And of course he doesn't have his product key anymore. Whether he didn't think he needed it anymore and threw it away, never got it in the first place, or something else happened to it, I don't know. All I know is he doesn't have it.

Key Finder Programs - Top 13 Free Product Key Finder Programs - Keyfinder Software

Use the jelly bean key finder. Then you can activate by phone

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html?ltr=A

I suggest that you do it by phone. In the event of a prob. a rep will come to help.
The above link is for 7 or Vista.

Wish you the best.

Thanks a lot! This looks to be heading in the right direction. However we can only get to Step 3 of the second link before encountering another problem.

3. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes

Click to expand...

After typing in slui.exe 4 he is just prompted by the same "Activate Windows" window with the same three options. Buy A New Key, Enter A Different Key, and Contact Microsoft. There is no Yes option.

Because of this he can't get the screen in step 4.

4. Click on the drop down menu and select the nearest location to you for a toll free number to call, then click on the Next button. (See screenshot below)

Click to expand...

Without being able to reach this screen it does not seem like it's possible to do this by phone. Is there a way to get around this? Thanks again.

Im here to help all that I can. This should help.

Microsoft Volume Licensing - Activation Centers

Oops I should have been more specific about the problem, sorry. Finding the number wasn't the part I was having trouble with.

It's the missing screen that causes problems because from what I can tell you need to get the screen in step 4 before the one in step 5,

Click to expand...

But since we're unable to reach the one in step 4 I'm clueless on how to get to this one.

I'd like to figure this all out before calling for assistance and have everything set up beforehand to make it easier for everyone.

You do not understand. Forget activation, just call the number. Put the key using touch tone phone. If it works you are activated, if not a rep will help you.
The rep will give you a code number, which you enter

If you have a problem with the screen, perhaps the best bet is to ask the rep. I will, also see if I can find a remedy.

EDIT: I cannot determine the cause of the problem. There is always the possiblity that it is not genuine and not performing in the normal fashion. I think that you better call the activation center. If your key is accepted, we will solve this problem. but lets be sure the key is accepted, first.

So, instead of working through the problem, as easy as it seems, he decided to just trash it and buy a new one. I am very very sorry that I've wasted your time like this. I do appreciate the help though, even if it was for nothing.

No problem. I offered one method to solve the problem, but another was chosen. I am glad that we had the opportunity to share ideas.