Problem Activating Vista with Acer Product Key

jaseuk · 07-31-2010, 07:56 PM

Hi guys,

Got a Acer Aspire Desktop PC that needed a new motherboard. However now the new motherboard is installed Windows will not activate using the OEM Product key that is on the COA sticker.

Granted its OEM and its a major change of hardware but is there anything I can do?

I have tried recovering the factory installation from the hidden partition but it just keeps throwing up a 'load int15 driver error'.

I think I already know what the answer will be, but before I go and buy another product key I was just hoping something could be done

NoNaMe · 07-31-2010, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaseuk

Hi guys,

Got a Acer Aspire Desktop PC that needed a new motherboard. However now the new motherboard is installed Windows will not activate using the OEM Product key that is on the COA sticker.

Granted its OEM and its a major change of hardware but is there anything I can do?

I have tried recovering the factory installation from the hidden partition but it just keeps throwing up a 'load int15 driver error'.

I think I already know what the answer will be, but before I go and buy another product key I was just hoping something could be done

Are you only using the recovery partition? That will likely fail as the MOBO drivers etc. will be wrong, you could try external media (a DVD) as you have the Product Key.

jaseuk · 07-31-2010, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoNaMe

Are you only using the recovery partition? That will likely fail as the MOBO drivers etc. will be wrong, you could try external media (a DVD) as you have the Product Key.

Thanks for the fast reply,

I used a OEM Vista DVD installation disc that I purchased many moons ago. It does not allow me to enter the product key during installation as it says it is the wrong key. So I installed it without using the key.

Once Vista was installed I tried to activate it online but it doesn't have it. I then phone Microsoft up like I have done a thousand times and for the 1st time ever they say it is not a valid product key and I will have to phone Acer.

I did a lot of research and there are many others in the same boat, but no resolve.

The only thing I haven't tried is a Acer recovery DVD, but I dont have one.

SG66 · 07-31-2010, 08:41 PM

depending on age of the pc might be worth seeing if you can download a copy of the recovery disc, if you got the product key then i dont think its illegal to download it

jaseuk · 07-31-2010, 08:56 PM

I cant find a download, I dont even think Acer provide recovery dvd's anymore with new computers. Its all on the partition.

Redccm · 08-01-2010, 07:32 AM

Not had a failed activation on Vista but when doing Windows 2003/2008 servers, you can phone up and activate the product. When it prompts you to activate, select activate over the phone. There's then an option to regenerate the activation key and then call the 0800 number specified. You go through an IVR where you have to put the activation code in and they then read back a code that you type in. Job done. Had to do this many times with servers that we're not allowed to connect to the internet and it can become a bit tiresome as it's eight blocks of 6 numbers you have to type in.

I believe there is a limit on the number of times you can regenerate an activation code for any one product key and if you've exceeded that then the IVR will put you through to a person but this shouldn't be a problem if it's a pucker version of Windows you have.

The problem you have is the activation key is based off your product hardware and if it doesn't match what's already stored with your product key at MS then MS assume's you're trying to install it on a second PC and it will fail activation. Hence you have to generate a new activation key.

Disclaimer, I'm no MS guru, I'm only basing this off a LOT of activations of MS servers over the past couple of years.

Olly_K · 08-01-2010, 09:54 AM

i've changed the mobo loads of times on my OEM OS. Just phone the activation line and press the option on where it says "Have you changed the motherboard" and then answer faulty to the question "why did you replace the motherbaord"

Are these computer jobs that your doing for the public and getting paid for it ? While we answer your questions ??

Redccm · 08-01-2010, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olly_K

Are these computers jobs that your doing for the public and getting paid for it ? While we answer your questions ??

Was that aimed at me Olly?

Olly_K · 08-01-2010, 10:15 AM

no, jase

its just more of a question really, im interested in something similar

jaseuk · 08-01-2010, 10:30 AM

hey thanks for the replies guys.

Just thought I'd mention I have activated plenty of OEM's over the phone with MS but this thing with SLIC's tied to certain BIOSes in motherboards, hmmm.

In reply to your question Olly, Yeah I'm repairing computers/laptops for customers but only low level atm but I'm hoping it will grow.

EDIT:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olly_K

Just phone the activation line and press the option on where it says "Have you changed the motherboard" and then answer faulty to the question "why did you replace the motherbaord"

I dont think I have come across this option before

07-31-2010, 07:56 PM	#1
jaseuk Chilled PC Regular iTrader: (2) Location: W. Yorkshire Posts: 285	Problem Activating Vista with Acer Product Key Hi guys, Got a Acer Aspire Desktop PC that needed a new motherboard. However now the new motherboard is installed Windows will not activate using the OEM Product key that is on the COA sticker. Granted its OEM and its a major change of hardware but is there anything I can do? I have tried recovering the factory installation from the hidden partition but it just keeps throwing up a 'load int15 driver error'. I think I already know what the answer will be, but before I go and buy another product key I was just hoping something could be done __________________ i7 920 \| P6T Deluxe v1 \| 6GB Dominator C8 \| GTX 295 \| M225 128GB SSD 2 x 750GB Samsung F1's \|\| Enermax Revo 85+ 1050w \|\| 2407WFP 1907FP D-Tek Fuzion v1 \| Laing DDC2 12V 18w Pump \| Petras tech DDCT-01s top EK 250 res \|TFC Xchanger 360 rad \| Obsidian 800D \| Windows 7 HP 64bit

07-31-2010, 08:41 PM	#4
SG66 Chilled PC Permanent Fixture iTrader: (7) My System Posts: 844	depending on age of the pc might be worth seeing if you can download a copy of the recovery disc, if you got the product key then i dont think its illegal to download it __________________ * Silverstone LC16B MR - 1.5Tb - Q6600 - Silverstone NT07 - 4 Gig PC6400 Corsair * LG BR/HD Drive - Creative XFI Soundcard - GFX = Powercolour 4670 1Gig

07-31-2010, 08:56 PM	#5
jaseuk Chilled PC Regular iTrader: (2) Location: W. Yorkshire Posts: 285	I cant find a download, I dont even think Acer provide recovery dvd's anymore with new computers. Its all on the partition. __________________ i7 920 \| P6T Deluxe v1 \| 6GB Dominator C8 \| GTX 295 \| M225 128GB SSD 2 x 750GB Samsung F1's \|\| Enermax Revo 85+ 1050w \|\| 2407WFP 1907FP D-Tek Fuzion v1 \| Laing DDC2 12V 18w Pump \| Petras tech DDCT-01s top EK 250 res \|TFC Xchanger 360 rad \| Obsidian 800D \| Windows 7 HP 64bit

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08-01-2010, 07:32 AM	#6
Redccm Chilled PC Newbie iTrader: (0) Posts: 48	Not had a failed activation on Vista but when doing Windows 2003/2008 servers, you can phone up and activate the product. When it prompts you to activate, select activate over the phone. There's then an option to regenerate the activation key and then call the 0800 number specified. You go through an IVR where you have to put the activation code in and they then read back a code that you type in. Job done. Had to do this many times with servers that we're not allowed to connect to the internet and it can become a bit tiresome as it's eight blocks of 6 numbers you have to type in. I believe there is a limit on the number of times you can regenerate an activation code for any one product key and if you've exceeded that then the IVR will put you through to a person but this shouldn't be a problem if it's a pucker version of Windows you have. The problem you have is the activation key is based off your product hardware and if it doesn't match what's already stored with your product key at MS then MS assume's you're trying to install it on a second PC and it will fail activation. Hence you have to generate a new activation key. Disclaimer, I'm no MS guru, I'm only basing this off a LOT of activations of MS servers over the past couple of years.