ozziesironmanoffroad

i got a notice today from the taskbar to reactivate windows due to a hardware change. so i tried, and it said the key is already in use. i havent changed any hardware since i installed the O/S! a friend installed vista business for me on this computer as a fresh O/S after i replaced the hard drive and power supply, and i havent changed any hardware. basically its not my copy of windows, he got it from his school. i looked it up on yahoo answers and everything says to call microsoft and they'll give me a new key... how would this work when its not my software? should i have him call?

Cal01

better get your music, porn , data etc into a cd or external hd. or else your going to be locked. going to get expired.

ozziesironmanoffroad

so about the only option i have is reloading, huh? im thinking if i have to reload ill just go with XP pro...

stormin94

Just another reason I'll be getting a Mac when I buy another computer.

Cal01

there are some other alternative. send me your email. ill send you it. didnt work for me but might for others. if not just reformat and yah, win xp. thats what i use, plus i think its better.

ozziesironmanoffroad

yeah... that doesnt help me right now, stormin... LOL.

Cal01

not a good reason to buy a mac. he's having this issue cause its not the original copy.

ozziesironmanoffroad

cal, i used the original cd, he made me a copy, but my computer wouldnt read it (and still doesnt!) but every other computer in the house reads it fine. it says there was a hardware change, but i havent added anything.

stormin94

Sorry. I don't know enough about computers to help you.

I'm just tired of Windows problems.

Maybe Toyota could start making computers???

ozziesironmanoffroad

i got your email, but damned vista will not let me open the file. says it could potentially be a virus. grrr.

ozziesironmanoffroad

i have a windows 7 32bit RC client on DVD, with a key from microsoft. should i try that, or just say screw it? i really like the layout of vista.

Tragic Drive

If your going to switch to XP goto you PC manufacturers site and see if they offer drivers for your machine. You might run into SATA driver problems when you try to install the XP software.

ozziesironmanoffroad

i built the computer myself. and i originally had XP home on it. which i found out later XP home does NOT take advantage of dual core processors, which PRO does.

dark_fairytales

im sending you a pm give me a ring and all get you the info. you need and what options you have

VSU_4runnin

7 is what vista was supposed to be. simmilar look... non of the horrible security flaws and terrible o/s stuff. they published vista because their stocks were going down and they needed something to stimulate them. The reason its asking for a renewal is because students, especially CS and engineering get free software, os usually being some of them. but unfortunately they have an expiration time of 1-2 years. i got my windows 7 last week courtisy of the tax payers of GA and Valdosta state U.

Cal01

what in the world!! update your anti-virus?

toyospearo

Get a mac.

ozziesironmanoffroad

fixed it. i dont know if its against forum rules to say how i fixed it.... but know its fixed

Cal01

that's good to hear.