Windows Vista Forums

Product key already in use
  1. #1


    incd Guest

    Product key already in use

    Hello,

    Some time ago, I bought a new computer, and Windows Vista with it. Some days
    ago windows updated itself, and then I couldn't log-in anymore, I tried
    repairing it with the Vista's DVD and system restore points, but that did not
    help cause it just reinstalled and applied the same updates again, and
    prevented me to login. Tried other functions on the DVD too, didn't help. So
    it suggested me to reinstall windows.



    So I did, now everything works again and I'm able to login, but now Windows
    Activation says that: "The product key you typed is already in use". How to
    solve this new problem? Will it "remove" the earlier activation when its
    inactive for a while, then I can activate windows again? ..Or do I always
    have to buy a new Vista when upgrading messes up computer?

    Thanks already.



      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  2. #2


    Dwarf Guest

    RE: Product key already in use

    Hi incd,

    The reason for this message is because the key is already in use - BY YOU!
    To reactivate, you will have to use the phone option. Note that the first
    part will also fail as it is merely an alternative method of transferring the
    codes as per the Internet method. Instead, hold the line until an operator
    answers and explain to him your situation. There should be no problem in
    reactivating Vista if you follow his instructions. Basically, all the
    operator does is to override the activation server to allow you to reactivate.
    Dwarf

    "incd" wrote:

    > Hello,
    >
    > Some time ago, I bought a new computer, and Windows Vista with it. Some days
    > ago windows updated itself, and then I couldn't log-in anymore, I tried
    > repairing it with the Vista's DVD and system restore points, but that did not
    > help cause it just reinstalled and applied the same updates again, and
    > prevented me to login. Tried other functions on the DVD too, didn't help. So
    > it suggested me to reinstall windows.
    >
    > So I did, now everything works again and I'm able to login, but now Windows
    > Activation says that: "The product key you typed is already in use". How to
    > solve this new problem? Will it "remove" the earlier activation when its
    > inactive for a while, then I can activate windows again? ..Or do I always
    > have to buy a new Vista when upgrading messes up computer?
    >
    > Thanks already.
    >
    >

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  3. #3


    incd Guest

    RE: Product key already in use

    Yes thanks, this is what I kinda hoped for. Going to do that tomorrow.

    "Dwarf" wrote:

    > Hi incd,
    >
    > The reason for this message is because the key is already in use - BY YOU!
    > To reactivate, you will have to use the phone option. Note that the first
    > part will also fail as it is merely an alternative method of transferring the
    > codes as per the Internet method. Instead, hold the line until an operator
    > answers and explain to him your situation. There should be no problem in
    > reactivating Vista if you follow his instructions. Basically, all the
    > operator does is to override the activation server to allow you to reactivate.
    > Dwarf
    >
    > "incd" wrote:
    >

    > > Hello,
    > >
    > > Some time ago, I bought a new computer, and Windows Vista with it. Some days
    > > ago windows updated itself, and then I couldn't log-in anymore, I tried
    > > repairing it with the Vista's DVD and system restore points, but that did not
    > > help cause it just reinstalled and applied the same updates again, and
    > > prevented me to login. Tried other functions on the DVD too, didn't help. So
    > > it suggested me to reinstall windows.
    > >
    > > So I did, now everything works again and I'm able to login, but now Windows
    > > Activation says that: "The product key you typed is already in use". How to
    > > solve this new problem? Will it "remove" the earlier activation when its
    > > inactive for a while, then I can activate windows again? ..Or do I always
    > > have to buy a new Vista when upgrading messes up computer?
    > >
    > > Thanks already.
    > >
    > >

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  4. #4
    Brink's Avatar

    Administrator


    Join Date : Apr 2007
    Texas, USA
    Posts : 30,529
    64-bit Vista Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 Ultimate SP1, Windows 8 Enterprise
    Local Time: 10:29 PM
    usa us texas

     

    Re: Product key already in use

    Quote Originally Posted by Dwarf View Post
    Hi incd,

    The reason for this message is because the key is already in use - BY YOU!
    To reactivate, you will have to use the phone option. Note that the first
    part will also fail as it is merely an alternative method of transferring the
    codes as per the Internet method. Instead, hold the line until an operator
    answers and explain to him your situation. There should be no problem in
    reactivating Vista if you follow his instructions. Basically, all the
    operator does is to override the activation server to allow you to reactivate.
    Dwarf

    "incd" wrote:
    > Hello,
    >
    > Some time ago, I bought a new computer, and Windows Vista with it. Some days
    > ago windows updated itself, and then I couldn't log-in anymore, I tried
    > repairing it with the Vista's DVD and system restore points, but that did not
    > help cause it just reinstalled and applied the same updates again, and
    > prevented me to login. Tried other functions on the DVD too, didn't help. So
    > it suggested me to reinstall windows.
    >
    > So I did, now everything works again and I'm able to login, but now Windows
    > Activation says that: "The product key you typed is already in use". How to
    > solve this new problem? Will it "remove" the earlier activation when its
    > inactive for a while, then I can activate windows again? ..Or do I always
    > have to buy a new Vista when upgrading messes up computer?
    >
    > Thanks already.
    >
    >
    Hi Incd,

    In addition to Dwarf's post, if you need further details on the phone activation process, this can help you.

    Activate Vista by Phone

    Shawn

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  5. #5


    incd Guest

    RE: Product key already in use

    Ok the next problem,

    I bought and installed Microsoft Office, and ran Windows Update. After a
    reboot I get this instead of the normal login screen:
    http://image.bayimg.com/majelaabd.jpg

    Any solutions? Sytem restore points did not help cause safe mode gives the
    same dialog. I have to re-re-re install Vista? (Sorry about the picture
    quality, taken with a cellphone)

    Thanks.

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  6. #6
    Brink's Avatar

    Administrator


    Join Date : Apr 2007
    Texas, USA
    Posts : 30,529
    64-bit Vista Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 Ultimate SP1, Windows 8 Enterprise
    Local Time: 10:29 PM
    usa us texas

     

    Re: Product key already in use

    Quote Originally Posted by incd View Post
    Ok the next problem,

    I bought and installed Microsoft Office, and ran Windows Update. After a
    reboot I get this instead of the normal login screen:


    Any solutions? Sytem restore points did not help cause safe mode gives the
    same dialog. I have to re-re-re install Vista? (Sorry about the picture
    quality, taken with a cellphone)

    Thanks.
    Incd,

    Sit down, you may not like this. When I Googled your error message, the problem turned out to be a bad hard drive for everyone. When they replaced it, the error went away.

    Sorry,
    Shawn

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

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