I am unable to get out of reduced functionality mode neither command prompt is showing nor the desktop.
Earlier IE was working but now its also not workng I am having dual boot system with Windows 7 and vista

Hi brink,

Earlier when I used to log on it shows 3 options

1. Activate online
2. reduced functionality mode
3. type product key

when I tried to type my product key which I have, it showed me message that this has been expired type different key. then showed me options:

1. ??? (Not remembering)
2. Activate online
3. Remind Later

Then I clicked remind later, then system restarted and now it showing me 3 options:

1. phone activation
2. reduced functionality mode
3. type different product key

Earlier IE was working in reduced functionality mode but its not working now. page expired message is coming. I am using vista since 2009 september.

Please help!!!!!

Hi.. Brink,

Yes this a store bought computer that came with Vista preinstalled.

Do you still want me to do phone activation??? or is there still any hope left??

Hi there, I am having the same problem as well after I made a restoration using the recovery system. I am left with three choices: 1. Reduced Functionality 2. Type a different product key 3. Contact Acer

I tried finding solutions through the net and none of the methods work. To find acer will be my last choice because they told me I will be charged 50 bucks just to bring the laptop in which I refused to pay because this is clearly not a service.

The Product Key at the back of my panel is valid/genuine, but somehow the system said it is an invalid product key. I think I have this problem before when I made restoration using the recovery system but this is the first time I am being blacked out to reduce functionality windows.

The 25 product key of mine doesn't have any OEM in the 25 letters though, as from what I saw on other forums an OEM product Key will have OEM in between the 25 letters.

I have no problems re-activate my windows vista usually and this is the first time I am unable to activate it, any suggestion?

Hi Brink,

I made a recovery/restore using the acer recovery mode to make it back to factory default settings.

According to your product key article, if this windows is under OEM license it should be a 25 characters which will have OEM in between, however the sticker on the back panel of my laptop doesn't have any OEM in between. Is it a retail version? I doubt so.

However the product ID that is on displayed in my system panel have an OEM, but I don't think the letter O and E is valid in the product key as it can't be type so there shouldn't be any OEM in between the product key? It's a 20 character including an OEM in between for the product ID that is on displayed in my system.

The sticker behind my laptop stated its a Windows Vista HmPRem OA (EM)-(SEA) Acer Incorporated.

Is there any chance that I can use the SIW System Information for Windows in the reduce functionality windows mode? I always get the not enough quota error. I can't seems to do anything as for now.