Vista Licencing

[lapenass]

Hi. This is my third thread already. This time I would really like to know why doesn't Vista accept the original key from a sticker on a bottom of a notebook after clean install? I know taht the key is an OEM,so it can't be used for online activation. But... I know all those hacks with SLIC emulation an certificate installation (For those who don't know: Vista comes preloaded on almost all new brand notebooks. To avoid online activation, OEM manufacturers preactivate OS so that an end user does not have to do it. Everything needed is a BIOS supporting SLIC (software licensing table), a digital certificate and a matching key of OS. When Vista detects a SLIC, digital licence and a key installed, it permanently activates). So, after I did a clean OS setup, I had to use such a 'hack'. I installed a Sony certificate, but Vista does not accept a key. OS somewhy knows that the key is for Home Premium version as during setup, after it being entered, Vista installs Home Premium. But when setup is finished and a certificate installed, I do not have the OS activated, instead it gives me three days to activate! When I changed a key, my Vista became permanently activated. So what the hell is wrong with the original product key?!!! I have a licence for my Vista and want to use an genuine product Any ideas?

[W33ALH]

I read a post at cnet a while back that someone had made a keygen that was generating valid keys and that it would mean there would be instances whereby a key would be in use on a pirate copy before the key was even released by MS

I've had a look to try and find the post but couldn't - if I do come across any more info I'll post it here.

In the meantime it might be a good idea to call MS

[lapenass]

Cheers for reply Hope everyone with good info will post it here Now I do not have any problem, as my OS is activated with another key and is considered to be genuine Still it is interesting why having bought a new PC with a licenced OS I can not use it And some about MS. As you may know, a preinstalled OS is an OEM, right? It means that Original Equipment Manufacturers get OEM licences from Microsoft with a great discount. So, as we use a cheaper OEM-licenced version of OS, Microsoft does not think we are worth any online support Wanna support? Go and get a retail OS :smileygrin:

[Blencogo]

The Sony Recovery process from the Vaio Recovery Utility or from the Recovery Discs NEVER needs activation - in fact you do not ever need to put in the license key.

If you check the license key of your installed version of Vista, it will not be the same as the key on the bottom of your Vaio. The key on your Vaio just gives you a unique key to prove you own the software legally - but it is never used on your Vaio which uses the Sony OEM Key. This key is likely to be the same for all similar Vaio models.

That said, it is possible to get the key on the bottom of the Vaio recognised - but I expect you will need to activate by phone.

Have a look at THIS STICKY THREAD which shows how to do this with XP.

[kee-lo_]

The discussion of using keygens is not allowed here, and is illegal, no wonder CNet removed it.

[lapenass]

Well, the thing is that I have never used Vaio Recovery. When bought, I reformated entire drive thus deleting any previous data on it. I did it because I didn't want all that junk software preloaded, half of which was trial. So, I did a clean install from a Vista DVD and wondered, why it did not it properly accept an original key (which I had to enter). Well, if Sony indeed uses the same key for all models then it stands to reason why my key is not accepted

[Thalamus.]

Hi lapenass,

If your sure the recovery partition has been deleted you could contact Vaio-Link to purchase a new set of recovery DVD's..

[W33ALH]

The discussion of using keygens is not allowed here, and is illegal, no wonder CNet removed it.

It actually came on a daily update mail as it was affecting corporate vista rollouts - I wasn't starting a discussion, I was just stating a fact to try and help the guy

[lapenass]

Yop And I found it helpful Thanks. To experts -> I would never ever buy Vista from Sony. Not only because I've already paid for it when purchased a notebook, but mostly because I simply do not want all that crap software preinstalled. Uninstalling it makes system very unstable. Clean OS installation is the only way to have it all OK, although I have to admit Sony utilities and drivers still have lots of bugs(maybe because Vista is still a new OS).

[Blencogo]

Hi lapenass,

I am not here to defend Sony. You are free to do whatever you want - but I was just answering your question as to why the license key would not work and pointing you at a solution.

If I were you, I would phone Microsoft giving them the Key on your Vaio and ask them how you are meant to enter the key - you have paid for it. They MAY help.

You have, of course, bought a true OEM Version that can only be installed on your original Vaio and Microsoft will want to know why you are reinstalling it.

From personal experience, I think the argument that uninstalling what you don't need from the OEM installation causing instability and a loss of speed to be an old wives tale. Usually many more problems arise from an install of a commercial version.