Vista - Locked out of Vista Ultimate -error code 00XC004F061!!!

I am typing this message from my wife's computer, I am no longer able to even
log onto my Windows Vista on my computer!

Did a clean install of Vista Ultimate late November/early December. A real
BEAR! I had to totally recover my new HP slimline in the process (may have
something to do with my current dilema). I have been using Vista Ultimate
without problem now for four or five weeks. During this period, every now
and then, the 'Activate Windows Now' balloon would pop up, I'd enter the
product key as instructed, get error code - key not accepted, but
nonetheless, windows would then open, and I would proceed with my work.

Today, the balloon pops up and I enter the key again as before, only this
time, I am logged off and given the option of purchasing a new product key!!
The difference this time is that I am totally locked out of my new compute
(and work)!! What gives?!

The error message I am now presented with states that a clean install CANNOT
BE PERFORMED from an Ultimate Upgrade program. Yet, these were the VERY
INSTRUCTIONS on the outside of the Vista Ultimate Upgrade package I paid $259
for!

I would prefer to either call Microsoft support or chat with a technician -
but I am unable to retrieve the PID number. Is there either a direct Phone
number or could someone please link a chat site with a Microsoft Tech?!
Again, I am unable to even log onto my new computer! will I be issued a new
Product Key for activation?

ReBell (scooter2)

Clean install from upgrade package is NOT supported by Microsoft.

"rebell" wrote:

No disrespect, but I followed the instructions on both the outside of the
packaging my software came in and the advice of moderators on this Microsoft
help forum to get to this point. Did not even know what a 'clean install'
was and I had to come to this forum to find out.

The way I see it is that I have now paid Microsoft twice - once for the
pre-installed Vista Home Edition that came with my new HP and a second time
when I purchased my Vista Ultimate Upgrade from Staples this past Summer. I
can scan both my sales receipt and Staples statement and email along with my
Product Key to Microsoft as proof-of-purchase. But bottom line, I am locked
out of computer and AM UNABLE TO WORK!

Is there a direct number I might call for this specific issue? I need a
valid Product Key to Activate my Software ASAP!

Thank you!

"Mick Murphy" wrote:

"rebell" <rebell@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:8C08606C-A332-4155-AE46-120813638D2C@xxxxxxYes, you can perform a clean install from an Upgrade disk, but the product
key it came with is not valid for use on a clean install. That's why you
are getting the invalid product key error.

At this point, if I'm reading you correctly, you did a clean install 30+
days ago. If so, then the way to unlock your system is to purchase a retail
key for your current installation.

To do a rebuild that matches the key you have, you would need to recover
your system to original, then upgrade with Ultimate to use the key you have.
An upgrade consists of performing the installation from within Windows.

Rebell, there are NO moderators here; we are it.
And most posters will tell you that Microsoft does NOT support it.

Clean Install From Upgrade Vista

Have a read of the above link; hope it helps.

"rebell" wrote: