Activation key help!

[Markymarc206]

Okay, big problem I think. I recieved my new hard drive in the mail today and so excited I switched out my 250gb for my new 750gb without reformating or anything. So, now I am not sure what to do because it says my activation key is still active from my other hdd. Oh and if it helps I went from 32bit on 250 to 64bit on the 750.

I bought Vista Ultimate in 2007, so I have the RTM version of it. Hopefully someone can help me out.

 

[joel406]

You need to activate your install.

If Vista came preinstalled on your system its what is called OEM. It will need to be activated by phone, online activation will "not" work.

If you bought it retail, online activation should not be a problem.

Welcome to the forums and if you have any other issues let us know.

 

[Markymarc206]

I did a search on the forum's with someone with my problem. Should have done that in the first place. My second question is can I have two hdd's in my pc that have an OS installed on each?

 

[Dwarf]

Hi Markymarc206 and welcome to Vista Forums

Your key is still recorded by Microsoft as being in use. To remedy this, follow the instructions in the following Tutorial: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/84488-activate-vista-phone.html
You will probably be unsuccessful, but don't worry. Just follow the instructions from Step 9 in the Tutorial and explain your situation to the activation operator.
You should be able to do any subsequent activation on the same system online, but if not you will have to do a phone activation.

 

[Markymarc206]

Cool, thanks Dwarf!

 

[Dwarf]

That's OK.

My second question is can I have two hdd's in my pc that have an OS installed on each?

Sure you can. There is no problem there. There is one proviso, though, and that is if you have multiple installations of the same OS then each installation needs to be separately activated with its own unique product key.

 

[Markymarc206]

Right, But once I get my crap off the old hdd I am going to reformat it. So vista will not be on it.