windows vista?

Question

today my laptop gave me limited acces to my computer, so i can't use anything on my computer, everytime i log on, it ask me to purchase a product key but it's like $89 or to use this automotive phone system to activate my product key. If i used a product key from one of my friend's laptop will it work?

ive been searching for the product key on this lap top and i found a sticker on the bottom saying product key, but every time i put in the number, it doesnt work i dont know why

Answer 1

Most computers I've seen come with an OS installed or "bundled" with the computer. Are you talking about Vista or software like MS Office?
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Your friend's product key will not work on your computer. When a user installs MS software, MS takes the product key, mixes it with information about the computer on which it is being installed, and comes up with an "installation ID." This will not match any other computer.

I don't think Vista's product key is on the bottom of the laptop. It sounds like this would be the serial number of the laptop.

Here is how Microsoft prevents piracy:
Vista – How Microsoft Prevents Piracy
Source: http://windows.about.com/od/windowsvista/a/spp_vista.htm
Learn what features of Vista will be disabled if the software isn't genuine
Microsoft's efforts to combat software piracy will be stronger with Windows Vista than they are with XP. Microsoft Software Protection Platform, the Vista equivalent of Windows Genuine Advantage, will virtually disable your computer if your Vista install doesn't pass Microsoft's validation test.

Exactly what happens when Microsoft determines that a version of Vista isn't genuine isn't entirely clear in the white paper describing the Sotware Protection Platform (SPP) tools. At one point, Microsoft writes that people using a failed copy of Vista will not lose access to their personal data.

Instead, they will see a persistent message on the desktop telling them the copy of Vista isn't genuine and they will lose access to certain Vista features including:
• Windows Aero
• Windows Defender
• Windows ReadyBoost
• Download Center, Windows Updates, and other updates and new releases
While a persistent message and missing features would be a deterent to piracy, there is the potential that SPP could do much more to disable a copy of Vista that fails validation. If validation fails, Microsoft writes that Vista will enter "reduced functionality mode". Once in reduced functionality mode, users will only be able to use the default Web browser for an hour at a time. No other applications will be available, as there will be no Start menu or desktop icons. After using the Web browser for one hour, Vista will log the user off without warning. The user can log back on immediately, but the same limitations apply. Since the screen shot provided in the white paper says that accessing your computer with reduced functionality will "also allow you to buy a product key online", it appears that the purpose of reduced functionality mode is little more than to provide a way for users of presumed pirated software to purchase another copy from Microsoft.
More information at the site.
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Suggest you contact Microsoft for clarification:
Microsoft contact numbers on: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

Answer 2

yes. it will work on all pc

Answer 3

This is Windows Vista Product Activation.

If your friend has already used his key on his computer, it will not work on your laptop since Windows keys are designed to work on only one computer unit. This is their move against piracy.

Answer 4

that's... illegal?

..did you buy that copy of windows vista? sounds like the 30 day trial ran out. ..if you did then there should be a product key there somewhere on the case....

Answer 5

yes, but then ur friend can no longer use theirs. so no.