I have a version of Vista Ultimate on my PC that has locked me out until it is activated. It currently can not pass activation.

I purchased a copy of Vista Ultimate Upgrade (retail)and would like to use it to correct the installation that is already in place.

I haven't tried, so this may be easy, but I'm wondering if anyone know if I can just do a "repair" installation of Vista using my new Vista Ultimate Upagrade CD? I'm trying to preserve the hours of work that went in to installing my programs and such thus far.

I think it's that easy -right. I choose to do a "Repair" installation. The wizard should prompt me for my serial number and the new installation files will be written to disk. I'm basing my memory of the process off Windows XP. Is Vista different?

Po

I'm not sure if what you want to do will work Why don't you start with the MSKB at the link below that addresses the various issues with Vista activation AND return the upgrade box you bought for full refund (provided that you haven't broken open any of the three security seals).

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/951...

i_Xp/VistaUser

Why would you buy another copy?? All you had to do was activate by phone. Does that mean your already installed version of Vista is pirated? This trick will buy you some time:

http://www.vistaultimate.com/delay-...

http://windowssecrets.com/2007/03/1...

Thanks guys for the help. I have another question. But first answers - I did install a pirated copy of Vista. So I bought the Upgrade because it was cheap and because I can't activate the pirate.

I am limited only to Internet access on the computer now. Explorer doesn't even load. Just a VERY stripped down version of Vista (only IE) so I can buy a new key. That's why I was thinking that the "repair" installation was the way to go. So can I do that or something else using the tools that are included on the Vista DVD?

Po

M$'s mouth is closely guarded with regard to how a user could legalize a pirated copy of Vista. Since I assume the Windows kill switch RFM (Reduced Functionality Mode) has kicked in, the best you can do is speak with a representative at M$ product Activation Center by following the article below.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950...

For a valid (??) phone number, try the ones given in the following thread.

http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-11...

Good luck.

i_Xp/VistaUser

Because you bought the upgrade DVD rather than the full install, you *may* not be able to do it.

Thanks guys for the help. I'm going to tinker this week and I'll let you know how it goes.

Po

OK - not sure what happened to my last post but I'll try again. Vista Upgrade has to be done from within Windows. So it didn't work.

What did work so far:

-Booted into Reduced Functionality Mode
-Accessed my C: drive through the address bar
in FireFox
-Opened cmd.exe (with Firefox as my default
browser every time I tried to open cmd.exe
I was only given the option to save it. So
I had to go to my Firefox Downloads to open
cmd.exe)
-Ran slmgr.vbs -rearm
-Rebooted

At first it didn't appear to take . . . and then it took. So I'm back into a legit trial version of my pirated copy. From here I will run my legit Vista Upgrade copy and report back the results. Hope this saves someone the trouble I had getting out of this pickle.

Po

Ran the Vista Upgrade this week and it looks like everything is working fine. Thankfully I don't have to reinstall all of my other programs. The Upgrade took a LOT longer to install than the full version but I had time. Tonight I install SP1 and try to figure out why I can't get my two Vista computers to access each other. Wish me luck.