Vista Ulimate, Microsoft is trying to make me buy another key, can anyone help?

Question

I bought the Vista Ultimate 64 bit software. the install was long but i finally got it up and running. A few weeks later my system crashed. I still have the CD but i threw the box away. And now it says I need to activate vista. I called Microsoft at least 20 times with this problem but there only solution is to by another key for $299...This is retarded.

Answer 1

let me make sure I understand this. You threw away the sticker that says; "KEEP THIS NUMBER" and you think it's Microsoft's fault. How do they know that you don't still have the code? if you run $300 cash through your shredder or toss it in the trash, no body is going to give that back to you either.

Answer 2

Ouch.
Whatever made you throw the box away ?
Have you tried going through the trash to see if you can find it ?
The thing with Microsoft software is that any old disk will do - it's the key number you are paying for.

You could try looking on Limewire for a key gen or crack for it but then technically you would be using illegal software. Bit of a pain in the ar5e really when you already paid for it

Answer 3

Get some temper with them. I hate MS, I use Ubuntu. If I was you, I'd say "No f***Ing way i am paying $299" Vista has been banned from some business such as Department of Transport.

PS: I live in the UK, if had the key back for free they better pay for the international call as well!

Jbitkill (ripkill)

Answer 4

My advice will sting a bit but you really need to dump M$ unless you like spending your hard earned money on software that isn't compatible with a lot of software/hardware out there right now. I recommend Ubuntu Linux, it's very easy to install, has everything you need to rip dvd's, download and record mp3 cd's, a universal media player called VLC, an office suite called open office, and much more. I run several M$ games in Ubuntu with Wine a binary emulator for Linux that allows you to install and run non native programs in Linux.

I've installed M$ Office for people using wine, as well as BF2142, America's Army, FEAR, and many other games and applications.

Get Ubuntu here:
http://www.ubuntu.com
Install tutorial here:
http://www.howtoforge.com/the_perfect_desktop_ubuntu7.04

Answer 5

you can contact the shop that you bought the CD,
and ask him if he can find you the key

or

keep trying to contact microsoft support

or

find a key from the internet :P jk

Answer 6

Call them and explained that you upgraded your video card, and now it is asking for an activation code.