Activation Nightmare

I've been trying to get some assistance or support for an activation issue
that I have been experiencing recently and I'm still looking for answers. So,
if anyone cares to lend a hand I would appreciate it.

Here is the story thus far:
- Windows Vista Home Premium - (Pre-installed)

Activation status for my system changes frequently (active or inactive.)

Everytime I use certain programs I notice that activation changes status and
I have to go back and hit the "activate windows now" button. This is
obviously a temporary fix as it will soon go back to inactive status when I
run a program again.

I want to know if my copy of windows is activated and this is a display
error or my copy is not activated.

I posted this question previously on another thread and the response that I
got was to go and install the BIOS Validation Check update (KB931573) which
is supposed to fix this KNOWN ERROR. However, upon downloading and installing
this update I get an error telling me, "This software is not compatible with
your system" and it won't install at all. (I am actually downloading the
update to my desktop and running it as administrator, fyi.)

So, here I am still wondering what to do since this update won't even
install on my computer.


---Do I need to worry that my copy of Windows Vista Home Premium is not
activated?

---Do I need to install this update and if so, how do I get it to install
without an error?

---Is this just a display error and my copy is already activated since it
came pre-installed from a well known computer company?

---If I have to call Microsoft to activate my copy, will this problem still
exist since I can't install the update?

This is really bugging me and I need some help. I want some answers if they
are out there and would rather not get a response like "call microsoft to
activate your windows." I want to know why this stuff is happening.

Thank you, in advance.

Responses inline...

gregparsons wrote:
> I've been trying to get some assistance or support for an
> activation issue that I have been experiencing recently and I'm
> still looking for answers. So, if anyone cares to lend a hand I
> would appreciate it.
>
> Here is the story thus far:
> - Windows Vista Home Premium - (Pre-installed)
>
> Activation status for my system changes frequently (active or
> inactive.)
>
> Everytime I use certain programs I notice that activation changes
> status and I have to go back and hit the "activate windows now"
> button. This is obviously a temporary fix as it will soon go back
> to inactive status when I run a program again.
>
> I want to know if my copy of windows is activated and this is a
> display error or my copy is not activated.
>
> I posted this question previously on another thread and the
> response that I got was to go and install the BIOS Validation Check
> update (KB931573) which is supposed to fix this KNOWN ERROR.
> However, upon downloading and installing this update I get an error
> telling me, "This software is not compatible with your system" and
> it won't install at all. (I am actually downloading the update to
> my desktop and running it as administrator, fyi.)
>
> So, here I am still wondering what to do since this update won't
> even install on my computer.
>
>
> ---Do I need to worry that my copy of Windows Vista Home Premium is
> not activated?

Yes

> ---Do I need to install this update and if so, how do I get it to
> install without an error?

No idea. You can email Microsoft for support (free) with this Windows
Update error, however.

Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527

Did you download the correct version for your system? 32 bit or 64 bit?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931573

Have you downloaded the latest updates for the computer from the original
equipment manufacturer (the company you say is well known?)

Can you tell us who this company is? Dell? HP? IBM? Other?

> ---Is this just a display error and my copy is already activated
> since it came pre-installed from a well known computer company?

Not necessarily. We are not looking at your computer - but I would *highly
doubt* this is what you are referring to as a 'display error'. To me - a
display error would be you seeing the color blue instead of yellow on your
screen. *grin* If the message comes up that you are not activated -
something has 'triggered' that in Windows Vista itself. If it is a bug in
Windows Vista or something else - I cannot say - but it is most definitely
not just some 'ghosted' message appearing to freak you out. Something
triggered it appearing - something is wrong with your system.

> ---If I have to call Microsoft to activate my copy, will this
> problem still exist since I can't install the update?

You'd have to call to answer this. Not to mention - since you stated your
system came from a "well known computer company", likely that is an OEM copy
of Vista and your first line of support is actually said company. What have
they had you do? And if you did what they said and it got you where you are
now - what is their next suggestion?

> This is really bugging me and I need some help. I want some answers
> if they are out there and would rather not get a response like
> "call Microsoft to activate your windows." I want to know why this
> stuff is happening.

Well - you would need to contact the OEM you bought the system from first
(to find out why the copy of Windows Vista they sold/installed for you is
doing this. It is *their* responsibility to help you with this problem.
After that - you can contact Microsoft for update support given the update
you have and the issues you say you are having installing it. Otherwise we
could sit here all day and guess with you - but the products are *not* ours
or yours - let those who created them give you the explanations. ;-)

> Thank you, in advance.

Anytime. The volunteers here (peer-to-peer newsgroup) are just like you.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

Vista-specific newsgroups include:

microsoft.public.windows.vista.general
microsoft.public.windows.vista.administration_acco unt
microsoft.public.windows.vista.hardware_devices
microsoft.public.windows.vista.installation_setup
microsoft.public.windows.vista.mail
microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance
microsoft.public.windows.vista.print_fax_scan
microsoft.public.windows.vista.security
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L.ORG http://66.39.69.143/

gregparsons wrote:
> I've been trying to get some assistance or support for an activation issue
> that I have been experiencing recently and I'm still looking for answers.
> So, if anyone cares to lend a hand I would appreciate it.
>
> Here is the story thus far:
> - Windows Vista Home Premium - (Pre-installed)
>
> Activation status for my system changes frequently (active or inactive.)
>
> Everytime I use certain programs I notice that activation changes status
> and
> I have to go back and hit the "activate windows now" button. This is
> obviously a temporary fix as it will soon go back to inactive status when
> I
> run a program again.
>
> I want to know if my copy of windows is activated and this is a display
> error or my copy is not activated.
>
> I posted this question previously on another thread and the response that
> I
> got was to go and install the BIOS Validation Check update (KB931573)
> which
> is supposed to fix this KNOWN ERROR. However, upon downloading and
> installing this update I get an error telling me, "This software is not
> compatible with your system" and it won't install at all. (I am actually
> downloading the update to my desktop and running it as administrator,
> fyi.)
>
> So, here I am still wondering what to do since this update won't even
> install on my computer.
>
>
> ---Do I need to worry that my copy of Windows Vista Home Premium is not
> activated?
>
> ---Do I need to install this update and if so, how do I get it to install
> without an error?
>
> ---Is this just a display error and my copy is already activated since it
> came pre-installed from a well known computer company?
>
> ---If I have to call Microsoft to activate my copy, will this problem
> still
> exist since I can't install the update?
>
> This is really bugging me and I need some help. I want some answers if
> they
> are out there and would rather not get a response like "call microsoft to
> activate your windows." I want to know why this stuff is happening.
>
> Thank you, in advance.

huh? I don't know what this means. Can you please tell me?

"PA Bear" wrote:

> Vista-specific newsgroups include:
>
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.general
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.administration_acco unt
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.hardware_devices
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.installation_setup
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.mail
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.print_fax_scan
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.security
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
> DTS-L.ORG http://66.39.69.143/
>
> gregparsons wrote:
> > I've been trying to get some assistance or support for an activation issue
> > that I have been experiencing recently and I'm still looking for answers.
> > So, if anyone cares to lend a hand I would appreciate it.
> >
> > Here is the story thus far:
> > - Windows Vista Home Premium - (Pre-installed)
> >
> > Activation status for my system changes frequently (active or inactive.)
> >
> > Everytime I use certain programs I notice that activation changes status
> > and
> > I have to go back and hit the "activate windows now" button. This is
> > obviously a temporary fix as it will soon go back to inactive status when
> > I
> > run a program again.
> >
> > I want to know if my copy of windows is activated and this is a display
> > error or my copy is not activated.
> >
> > I posted this question previously on another thread and the response that
> > I
> > got was to go and install the BIOS Validation Check update (KB931573)
> > which
> > is supposed to fix this KNOWN ERROR. However, upon downloading and
> > installing this update I get an error telling me, "This software is not
> > compatible with your system" and it won't install at all. (I am actually
> > downloading the update to my desktop and running it as administrator,
> > fyi.)
> >
> > So, here I am still wondering what to do since this update won't even
> > install on my computer.
> >
> >
> > ---Do I need to worry that my copy of Windows Vista Home Premium is not
> > activated?
> >
> > ---Do I need to install this update and if so, how do I get it to install
> > without an error?
> >
> > ---Is this just a display error and my copy is already activated since it
> > came pre-installed from a well known computer company?
> >
> > ---If I have to call Microsoft to activate my copy, will this problem
> > still
> > exist since I can't install the update?
> >
> > This is really bugging me and I need some help. I want some answers if
> > they
> > are out there and would rather not get a response like "call microsoft to
> > activate your windows." I want to know why this stuff is happening.
> >
> > Thank you, in advance.
>
>

Issues related to Activation in Vista would be more appropriately posed in a
Vista-specific newsgroup, Greg.

gregparsons wrote:
> huh? I don't know what this means. Can you please tell me?
>
> "PA Bear" wrote:
>
>> Vista-specific newsgroups include:
>>
>> microsoft.public.windows.vista.general
>> microsoft.public.windows.vista.administration_acco unt
>> microsoft.public.windows.vista.hardware_devices
>> microsoft.public.windows.vista.installation_setup
>> microsoft.public.windows.vista.mail
>> microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
>> microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance
>> microsoft.public.windows.vista.print_fax_scan
>> microsoft.public.windows.vista.security
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>> DTS-L.ORG http://66.39.69.143/
>>
>> gregparsons wrote:
>>> I've been trying to get some assistance or support for an activation
>>> issue
>>> that I have been experiencing recently and I'm still looking for
>>> answers.
>>> So, if anyone cares to lend a hand I would appreciate it.
>>>
>>> Here is the story thus far:
>>> - Windows Vista Home Premium - (Pre-installed)
>>>
>>> Activation status for my system changes frequently (active or inactive.)
>>>
>>> Everytime I use certain programs I notice that activation changes status
>>> and
>>> I have to go back and hit the "activate windows now" button. This is
>>> obviously a temporary fix as it will soon go back to inactive status
>>> when
>>> I
>>> run a program again.
>>>
>>> I want to know if my copy of windows is activated and this is a display
>>> error or my copy is not activated.
>>>
>>> I posted this question previously on another thread and the response
>>> that
>>> I
>>> got was to go and install the BIOS Validation Check update (KB931573)
>>> which
>>> is supposed to fix this KNOWN ERROR. However, upon downloading and
>>> installing this update I get an error telling me, "This software is not
>>> compatible with your system" and it won't install at all. (I am actually
>>> downloading the update to my desktop and running it as administrator,
>>> fyi.)
>>>
>>> So, here I am still wondering what to do since this update won't even
>>> install on my computer.
>>>
>>>
>>> ---Do I need to worry that my copy of Windows Vista Home Premium is not
>>> activated?
>>>
>>> ---Do I need to install this update and if so, how do I get it to
>>> install
>>> without an error?
>>>
>>> ---Is this just a display error and my copy is already activated since
>>> it
>>> came pre-installed from a well known computer company?
>>>
>>> ---If I have to call Microsoft to activate my copy, will this problem
>>> still
>>> exist since I can't install the update?
>>>
>>> This is really bugging me and I need some help. I want some answers if
>>> they
>>> are out there and would rather not get a response like "call microsoft
>>> to
>>> activate your windows." I want to know why this stuff is happening.
>>>
>>> Thank you, in advance.

See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931573

otherwise post to the Vista Newsgroups
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/com...s/default.mspx



"gregparsons" wrote:

> I've been trying to get some assistance or support for an activation issue
> that I have been experiencing recently and I'm still looking for answers. So,
> if anyone cares to lend a hand I would appreciate it.
>
> Here is the story thus far:
> - Windows Vista Home Premium - (Pre-installed)
>
> Activation status for my system changes frequently (active or inactive.)
>
> Everytime I use certain programs I notice that activation changes status and
> I have to go back and hit the "activate windows now" button. This is
> obviously a temporary fix as it will soon go back to inactive status when I
> run a program again.
>
> I want to know if my copy of windows is activated and this is a display
> error or my copy is not activated.
>
> I posted this question previously on another thread and the response that I
> got was to go and install the BIOS Validation Check update (KB931573) which
> is supposed to fix this KNOWN ERROR. However, upon downloading and installing
> this update I get an error telling me, "This software is not compatible with
> your system" and it won't install at all. (I am actually downloading the
> update to my desktop and running it as administrator, fyi.)
>
> So, here I am still wondering what to do since this update won't even
> install on my computer.
>
>
> ---Do I need to worry that my copy of Windows Vista Home Premium is not
> activated?
>
> ---Do I need to install this update and if so, how do I get it to install
> without an error?
>
> ---Is this just a display error and my copy is already activated since it
> came pre-installed from a well known computer company?
>
> ---If I have to call Microsoft to activate my copy, will this problem still
> exist since I can't install the update?
>
> This is really bugging me and I need some help. I want some answers if they
> are out there and would rather not get a response like "call microsoft to
> activate your windows." I want to know why this stuff is happening.
>
> Thank you, in advance.
>
>

Please see this page for Activation issues with Vista Home Premium :

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...6&gprid=436922

> E-mail Support, Individual Chat Support, Phone Support
> Response Time: [Email Support] 1 Business Day
>
> 90-day no-charge support begins on the following dates:
>
> * From the date you place your first support request.
> * For Windows Vista, from the date you activate the product.
>
>
> You may have other support available for your Microsoft product through your computer
> manufacturer
> http://support.microsoft.com/gp/oemphone/



MowGreen [MVP 2003-2008]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============


gregparsons wrote:

> I've been trying to get some assistance or support for an activation issue
> that I have been experiencing recently and I'm still looking for answers. So,
> if anyone cares to lend a hand I would appreciate it.
>
> Here is the story thus far:
> - Windows Vista Home Premium - (Pre-installed)
>
> Activation status for my system changes frequently (active or inactive.)
>
> Everytime I use certain programs I notice that activation changes status and
> I have to go back and hit the "activate windows now" button. This is
> obviously a temporary fix as it will soon go back to inactive status when I
> run a program again.
>
> I want to know if my copy of windows is activated and this is a display
> error or my copy is not activated.
>
> I posted this question previously on another thread and the response that I
> got was to go and install the BIOS Validation Check update (KB931573) which
> is supposed to fix this KNOWN ERROR. However, upon downloading and installing
> this update I get an error telling me, "This software is not compatible with
> your system" and it won't install at all. (I am actually downloading the
> update to my desktop and running it as administrator, fyi.)
>
> So, here I am still wondering what to do since this update won't even
> install on my computer.
>
>
> ---Do I need to worry that my copy of Windows Vista Home Premium is not
> activated?
>
> ---Do I need to install this update and if so, how do I get it to install
> without an error?
>
> ---Is this just a display error and my copy is already activated since it
> came pre-installed from a well known computer company?
>
> ---If I have to call Microsoft to activate my copy, will this problem still
> exist since I can't install the update?
>
> This is really bugging me and I need some help. I want some answers if they
> are out there and would rather not get a response like "call microsoft to
> activate your windows." I want to know why this stuff is happening.
>
> Thank you, in advance.
>
>