Vista validation issue (service contact please)

I purchased a retail Windows Vista Ultimate, custom installed it (64-bit) on
a new PC, and Vista confirmed my copy had been validated online.

I have had ongoing hardware issues with the new Vista PC that are not
related to Vista. The PC vendor, among other suggested options, has offered
to accept the return of the PC for repair. I am considering accepting the
offer but if I accept I intend to request a different model PC tower case
with a more reliable design

I called the Vista Support number (this evening - 2/7/08) listed in my Vista
'Quick Start Guide' to ask how I could preserve my Vista validation were I
to reformat the drives on my Vista PC and return it for a replacement. The
Microsoft agent, 'Hazel,' gave me a reference number for my call & advised
me to call the MS validation team at (866) 740-1256.

I did. However, Hazel should have known that the Microsoft validation
phone# was completely automated and programmed to perform validations only.
When I could not give it the right answers it hung up on me. (I suppose
somebody very high up at Microsoft would call that experience an example of
innovation?)

Seriously now - will somebody kindly give me a contact with a live person at
Microsoft whose job it is to explain how I protect my validated copy of
Vista when I return my PC for a replacement with drives reformatted?

Thank you - Blithe

You can reactivate Vista by performing the following:

1. Click on the Start button and in the Start Search box type in: slui.exe 4
2. Press the Enter key on your keyboard.
3. Select your Country.
4. Follow the instructions for phone activation.
5. Once completed, restart your computer.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Blithe" wrote:

I purchased a retail Windows Vista Ultimate, custom installed it (64-bit) on
a new PC, and Vista confirmed my copy had been validated online.

I have had ongoing hardware issues with the new Vista PC that are not
related to Vista. The PC vendor, among other suggested options, has offered
to accept the return of the PC for repair. I am considering accepting the
offer but if I accept I intend to request a different model PC tower case
with a more reliable design

I called the Vista Support number (this evening - 2/7/08) listed in my Vista
'Quick Start Guide' to ask how I could preserve my Vista validation were I
to reformat the drives on my Vista PC and return it for a replacement. The
Microsoft agent, 'Hazel,' gave me a reference number for my call & advised
me to call the MS validation team at (866) 740-1256.

I did. However, Hazel should have known that the Microsoft validation
phone# was completely automated and programmed to perform validations only.
When I could not give it the right answers it hung up on me. (I suppose
somebody very high up at Microsoft would call that experience an example of
innovation?)

Seriously now - will somebody kindly give me a contact with a live person at
Microsoft whose job it is to explain how I protect my validated copy of
Vista when I return my PC for a replacement with drives reformatted?

Thank you - Blithe

Hi,

You can't do it that way. You cannot preserve the activation if you need to
reinstall afterwards, you will just simply need to reactivate using the
phone method. Incidentally, if the automated activation fails, you just need
to hold the line for a live person for assistance in reactivating.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

"Blithe" <> wrote in message
news:...
>I purchased a retail Windows Vista Ultimate, custom installed it (64-bit)
>on
> a new PC, and Vista confirmed my copy had been validated online.
>
> I have had ongoing hardware issues with the new Vista PC that are not
> related to Vista. The PC vendor, among other suggested options, has
> offered
> to accept the return of the PC for repair. I am considering accepting the
> offer but if I accept I intend to request a different model PC tower case
> with a more reliable design
>
> I called the Vista Support number (this evening - 2/7/08) listed in my
> Vista
> 'Quick Start Guide' to ask how I could preserve my Vista validation were I
> to reformat the drives on my Vista PC and return it for a replacement.
> The
> Microsoft agent, 'Hazel,' gave me a reference number for my call & advised
> me to call the MS validation team at (866) 740-1256.
>
> I did. However, Hazel should have known that the Microsoft validation
> phone# was completely automated and programmed to perform validations
> only.
> When I could not give it the right answers it hung up on me. (I suppose
> somebody very high up at Microsoft would call that experience an example
> of
> innovation?)
>
> Seriously now - will somebody kindly give me a contact with a live person
> at
> Microsoft whose job it is to explain how I protect my validated copy of
> Vista when I return my PC for a replacement with drives reformatted?
>
> Thank you - Blithe
>
>
>

To: Messrs. Frisch and Rogers, Microsoft MVPs

Thank you both for your replies. Your advice might even work! Forgive the
slight sarcasm, but in part because of the 'help' I got from Hazel, the MS
service agt. who misdirected me, I do not feel sufficiently confident or
comfortable unless I can see something in writing that addresses the
situation I anticipate.

First, (1) is there not an official Microsoft protocol posted on the web
that I can review or cite if I do not experience "good luck" when I attempt
to reactivate my Vista product key on another PC? Got a link? Secondly,
(2) Do I not, as a Vista retail customer, have 90 days of free service for
any Vista issue? Can't any Microsoft person give me a MS service phone
number so I can determine from live customer agents all the available
options Microsoft has authorized to govern my situation?

(Yes, I did try to Google for the appropriate Microsoft contact - without
luck! ) Why do I need 'luck' when I am a Microsoft customer? I much prefer
Microsoft professional customer service. Got a number?

Please advise. Thank you - Blithe


"Rick Rogers" <> wrote in message
news:%...
> Hi,
>
> You can't do it that way. You cannot preserve the activation if you need
to
> reinstall afterwards, you will just simply need to reactivate using the
> phone method. Incidentally, if the automated activation fails, you just
need
> to hold the line for a live person for assistance in reactivating.
>
> --
> Best of Luck,
>
> Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
> Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
> My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com
>
> "Blithe" <> wrote in message
> news:...
> >I purchased a retail Windows Vista Ultimate, custom installed it (64-bit)
> >on
> > a new PC, and Vista confirmed my copy had been validated online.
> >
> > I have had ongoing hardware issues with the new Vista PC that are not
> > related to Vista. The PC vendor, among other suggested options, has
> > offered
> > to accept the return of the PC for repair. I am considering accepting
the
> > offer but if I accept I intend to request a different model PC tower
case
> > with a more reliable design
> >
> > I called the Vista Support number (this evening - 2/7/08) listed in my
> > Vista
> > 'Quick Start Guide' to ask how I could preserve my Vista validation were
I
> > to reformat the drives on my Vista PC and return it for a replacement.
> > The
> > Microsoft agent, 'Hazel,' gave me a reference number for my call &
advised
> > me to call the MS validation team at (866) 740-1256.
> >
> > I did. However, Hazel should have known that the Microsoft validation
> > phone# was completely automated and programmed to perform validations
> > only.
> > When I could not give it the right answers it hung up on me. (I suppose
> > somebody very high up at Microsoft would call that experience an example
> > of
> > innovation?)
> >
> > Seriously now - will somebody kindly give me a contact with a live
person
> > at
> > Microsoft whose job it is to explain how I protect my validated copy of
> > Vista when I return my PC for a replacement with drives reformatted?
> >
> > Thank you - Blithe
> >
> >
> >
>

Hi Blithe,

Tchnical Support options:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...09&gprid=3221&

You get 2 free ones with a boxed retail version of Vista (a generic OEM disk
or preinstalled system does not qualify). You may not want to waste one on
this relatively simple matter.

Hazel was incorrect in misleading you into believing that you can preserve
activation for reinstallation. As you have a retail disk, the solution is
really very simple in that you simply install on the new hardware and then
phone in activation. The retail license (should you read the EULA, it
contains verbiage addressing the protocol you seek) allows for you to move
your licensed copy of Vista to new hardware as often as you please.
Activation of Vista is only automated the first time. Subsequent ones
generally have to be phoned in.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

"Blithe" <> wrote in message
news:...
> To: Messrs. Frisch and Rogers, Microsoft MVPs
>
> Thank you both for your replies. Your advice might even work! Forgive
> the
> slight sarcasm, but in part because of the 'help' I got from Hazel, the MS
> service agt. who misdirected me, I do not feel sufficiently confident or
> comfortable unless I can see something in writing that addresses the
> situation I anticipate.
>
> First, (1) is there not an official Microsoft protocol posted on the web
> that I can review or cite if I do not experience "good luck" when I
> attempt
> to reactivate my Vista product key on another PC? Got a link? Secondly,
> (2) Do I not, as a Vista retail customer, have 90 days of free service for
> any Vista issue? Can't any Microsoft person give me a MS service phone
> number so I can determine from live customer agents all the available
> options Microsoft has authorized to govern my situation?
>
> (Yes, I did try to Google for the appropriate Microsoft contact - without
> luck! ) Why do I need 'luck' when I am a Microsoft customer? I much
> prefer
> Microsoft professional customer service. Got a number?
>
> Please advise. Thank you - Blithe
>
>
> "Rick Rogers" <> wrote in message
> news:%...
>> Hi,
>>
>> You can't do it that way. You cannot preserve the activation if you need
> to
>> reinstall afterwards, you will just simply need to reactivate using the
>> phone method. Incidentally, if the automated activation fails, you just
> need
>> to hold the line for a live person for assistance in reactivating.
>>
>> --
>> Best of Luck,
>>
>> Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
>> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
>> Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
>> My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com
>>
>> "Blithe" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>> >I purchased a retail Windows Vista Ultimate, custom installed it
>> >(64-bit)
>> >on
>> > a new PC, and Vista confirmed my copy had been validated online.
>> >
>> > I have had ongoing hardware issues with the new Vista PC that are not
>> > related to Vista. The PC vendor, among other suggested options, has
>> > offered
>> > to accept the return of the PC for repair. I am considering accepting
> the
>> > offer but if I accept I intend to request a different model PC tower
> case
>> > with a more reliable design
>> >
>> > I called the Vista Support number (this evening - 2/7/08) listed in my
>> > Vista
>> > 'Quick Start Guide' to ask how I could preserve my Vista validation
>> > were
> I
>> > to reformat the drives on my Vista PC and return it for a replacement.
>> > The
>> > Microsoft agent, 'Hazel,' gave me a reference number for my call &
> advised
>> > me to call the MS validation team at (866) 740-1256.
>> >
>> > I did. However, Hazel should have known that the Microsoft validation
>> > phone# was completely automated and programmed to perform validations
>> > only.
>> > When I could not give it the right answers it hung up on me. (I
>> > suppose
>> > somebody very high up at Microsoft would call that experience an
>> > example
>> > of
>> > innovation?)
>> >
>> > Seriously now - will somebody kindly give me a contact with a live
> person
>> > at
>> > Microsoft whose job it is to explain how I protect my validated copy of
>> > Vista when I return my PC for a replacement with drives reformatted?
>> >
>> > Thank you - Blithe
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>
>

These groups a are set up for Volunteer Peep-to-Peer help. They are not any
per say official MS employee's here. You already talk to Hazel, the MS
service agt and you know doubt are not satisfied with what she tried to help
you with. You then get answers from 2 MS-MVP's whom have been around these
groups for many years and have answered thousands of questions.You then ask
for forgiveness for your slight sarcasm because of the 'help' you got from
Hazel, so this also reflects the "help" you are being offered here as well.

You then insult Rick by his "Good Luck" in his Sig. That Sig has been in his
post as long as I can remember and that's just not meant for you
specifically and not specific to your post. It's just like my Sig "All the
Best" or any other. It's just a "KIND" gesture at the end of someone's
reply, nothing to do with your seeking help. Perhaps if he would have had
something like, "I wish you the worst, hope the He** you never get your
system fix" would have been better for you? you could then complain,

You much prefer Microsoft professional customer service and then ask for a
number. You sure you trust these two MVP's to give the the "CORRECT" one?
For your reply I would give you a 1-900 number, but IMO you don't even
deserve that.

The end of your post you say "Please advise". OK here is my advise, next
time you need help if you don't like the answer you seek then don't respond
with your "I don't trust your response", I want to talk to Bill Gates or
else.


--
All the best, execpt Blithe :>)
SG

"Blithe" <> wrote in message
news:...
> To: Messrs. Frisch and Rogers, Microsoft MVPs
>
> Thank you both for your replies. Your advice might even work! Forgive
> the
> slight sarcasm, but in part because of the 'help' I got from Hazel, the MS
> service agt. who misdirected me, I do not feel sufficiently confident or
> comfortable unless I can see something in writing that addresses the
> situation I anticipate.
>
> First, (1) is there not an official Microsoft protocol posted on the web
> that I can review or cite if I do not experience "good luck" when I
> attempt
> to reactivate my Vista product key on another PC? Got a link? Secondly,
> (2) Do I not, as a Vista retail customer, have 90 days of free service for
> any Vista issue? Can't any Microsoft person give me a MS service phone
> number so I can determine from live customer agents all the available
> options Microsoft has authorized to govern my situation?
>
> (Yes, I did try to Google for the appropriate Microsoft contact - without
> luck! ) Why do I need 'luck' when I am a Microsoft customer? I much
> prefer
> Microsoft professional customer service. Got a number?
>
> Please advise. Thank you - Blithe
>
>
> "Rick Rogers" <> wrote in message
> news:%...
>> Hi,
>>
>> You can't do it that way. You cannot preserve the activation if you need
> to
>> reinstall afterwards, you will just simply need to reactivate using the
>> phone method. Incidentally, if the automated activation fails, you just
> need
>> to hold the line for a live person for assistance in reactivating.
>>
>> --
>> Best of Luck,
>>
>> Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
>> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
>> Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
>> My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com
>>
>> "Blithe" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>> >I purchased a retail Windows Vista Ultimate, custom installed it
>> >(64-bit)
>> >on
>> > a new PC, and Vista confirmed my copy had been validated online.
>> >
>> > I have had ongoing hardware issues with the new Vista PC that are not
>> > related to Vista. The PC vendor, among other suggested options, has
>> > offered
>> > to accept the return of the PC for repair. I am considering accepting
> the
>> > offer but if I accept I intend to request a different model PC tower
> case
>> > with a more reliable design
>> >
>> > I called the Vista Support number (this evening - 2/7/08) listed in my
>> > Vista
>> > 'Quick Start Guide' to ask how I could preserve my Vista validation
>> > were
> I
>> > to reformat the drives on my Vista PC and return it for a replacement.
>> > The
>> > Microsoft agent, 'Hazel,' gave me a reference number for my call &
> advised
>> > me to call the MS validation team at (866) 740-1256.
>> >
>> > I did. However, Hazel should have known that the Microsoft validation
>> > phone# was completely automated and programmed to perform validations
>> > only.
>> > When I could not give it the right answers it hung up on me. (I
>> > suppose
>> > somebody very high up at Microsoft would call that experience an
>> > example
>> > of
>> > innovation?)
>> >
>> > Seriously now - will somebody kindly give me a contact with a live
> person
>> > at
>> > Microsoft whose job it is to explain how I protect my validated copy of
>> > Vista when I return my PC for a replacement with drives reformatted?
>> >
>> > Thank you - Blithe
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>
>

You are an idiot.


"Blithe" <> wrote in message
news:...
> To: Messrs. Frisch and Rogers, Microsoft MVPs
>
> Thank you both for your replies. Your advice might even work! Forgive
> the
> slight sarcasm, but in part because of the 'help' I got from Hazel, the MS
> service agt. who misdirected me, I do not feel sufficiently confident or
> comfortable unless I can see something in writing that addresses the
> situation I anticipate.
>
> First, (1) is there not an official Microsoft protocol posted on the web
> that I can review or cite if I do not experience "good luck" when I
> attempt
> to reactivate my Vista product key on another PC? Got a link? Secondly,
> (2) Do I not, as a Vista retail customer, have 90 days of free service for
> any Vista issue? Can't any Microsoft person give me a MS service phone
> number so I can determine from live customer agents all the available
> options Microsoft has authorized to govern my situation?
>
> (Yes, I did try to Google for the appropriate Microsoft contact - without
> luck! ) Why do I need 'luck' when I am a Microsoft customer? I much
> prefer
> Microsoft professional customer service. Got a number?
>
> Please advise. Thank you - Blithe
>
>
> "Rick Rogers" <> wrote in message
> news:%...
>> Hi,
>>
>> You can't do it that way. You cannot preserve the activation if you need
> to
>> reinstall afterwards, you will just simply need to reactivate using the
>> phone method. Incidentally, if the automated activation fails, you just
> need
>> to hold the line for a live person for assistance in reactivating.
>>
>> --
>> Best of Luck,
>>
>> Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
>> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
>> Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
>> My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com
>>
>> "Blithe" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>> >I purchased a retail Windows Vista Ultimate, custom installed it
>> >(64-bit)
>> >on
>> > a new PC, and Vista confirmed my copy had been validated online.
>> >
>> > I have had ongoing hardware issues with the new Vista PC that are not
>> > related to Vista. The PC vendor, among other suggested options, has
>> > offered
>> > to accept the return of the PC for repair. I am considering accepting
> the
>> > offer but if I accept I intend to request a different model PC tower
> case
>> > with a more reliable design
>> >
>> > I called the Vista Support number (this evening - 2/7/08) listed in my
>> > Vista
>> > 'Quick Start Guide' to ask how I could preserve my Vista validation
>> > were
> I
>> > to reformat the drives on my Vista PC and return it for a replacement.
>> > The
>> > Microsoft agent, 'Hazel,' gave me a reference number for my call &
> advised
>> > me to call the MS validation team at (866) 740-1256.
>> >
>> > I did. However, Hazel should have known that the Microsoft validation
>> > phone# was completely automated and programmed to perform validations
>> > only.
>> > When I could not give it the right answers it hung up on me. (I
>> > suppose
>> > somebody very high up at Microsoft would call that experience an
>> > example
>> > of
>> > innovation?)
>> >
>> > Seriously now - will somebody kindly give me a contact with a live
> person
>> > at
>> > Microsoft whose job it is to explain how I protect my validated copy of
>> > Vista when I return my PC for a replacement with drives reformatted?
>> >
>> > Thank you - Blithe
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>
>
>

Blithe wrote:
> I purchased a retail Windows Vista Ultimate, custom installed it (64-bit) on
> a new PC, and Vista confirmed my copy had been validated online.
>
> I have had ongoing hardware issues with the new Vista PC that are not
> related to Vista. The PC vendor, among other suggested options, has offered
> to accept the return of the PC for repair. I am considering accepting the
> offer but if I accept I intend to request a different model PC tower case
> with a more reliable design
>
> I called the Vista Support number (this evening - 2/7/08) listed in my Vista
> 'Quick Start Guide' to ask how I could preserve my Vista validation were I
> to reformat the drives on my Vista PC and return it for a replacement. The
> Microsoft agent, 'Hazel,' gave me a reference number for my call & advised
> me to call the MS validation team at (866) 740-1256.
>
> I did. However, Hazel should have known that the Microsoft validation
> phone# was completely automated and programmed to perform validations only.
> When I could not give it the right answers it hung up on me. (I suppose
> somebody very high up at Microsoft would call that experience an example of
> innovation?)
>
> Seriously now - will somebody kindly give me a contact with a live person at
> Microsoft whose job it is to explain how I protect my validated copy of
> Vista when I return my PC for a replacement with drives reformatted?
>
> Thank you - Blithe
>
>
>

Tired of this crap? Check out Ubuntu, a Linux operating system that is
very user friendly, has no activation, becoming "genuine" or any of that
nonsense. Not only that, it comes with access to over 23,000 free
programs. Ubuntu is also free and can be installed on as many computers
as you like. Check it out at http://www.ubuntu.com/

To top it off, it's bulletproof compared to Windows in regards to
viruses and other malware.

Alias

Alias wrote:


SPAMMER!!!
Get lost asshole!
Frank

Frank wrote:
> Alias wrote:
>
>
> SPAMMER!!!
> Get lost asshole!
> Frank

Frank once again proves that he is a mental midget who needs
psychological help.

Alias