Sorry guys, this is my first post. Im sure there are other places I could of turned to for help but I came here! So my 7-8 year computer is going down the hole, within the 6 months I have had to replace the video card. Now my computer says I need to re-activate Windows Vista to be genuine. I have the key (its a sticker on my computer lol) but it says I need to reinstall windows for me to do it. I dont know where the disk is sadly. If I reinstall windows will all my data be lost? Also if anyone could help me with the whole re-activating thing I would be very happy. Thanks!
If you can back up your important files, that would be great. It may completely reformat your drives, causing you to lose files.
You can reinstall Windows from the Windows website, by downloading the OS and placing it onto a bootable USB drive.
If you reinstall your operating system, your drive will be wiped and everything on that drive will be LOST.
Can you reactivate Windows with the automated phone system?
Well this sucks, I really dont even know how this happens. I already did a system restore to when it was working previously and I expected that to work.
automated phone system? Please explain..
It depends if you're absolutely certain that you NEED to reinstall it.
I assume you have tried the key already? You can phone Microsoft, as Baz recommended. I had to do that once, when I downloaded a service pack (now that I remember). They gave me a key, and I was able to retain my data.
Im pretty certain, It wont even let me enter the code.
http://imgur.com/44yVTZL
Back up any important files, before you try anything. I would suggest trying what I suggested above. But, someone else might have another, easier solution. In my experience, I was given a diag box to type in a given OS key. And it looked a lot different to the problem you're experiencing. Perhaps it needs those bootable files, whereas I was able to do it without a disk, way back on XP. Some kind of ISO and virtualised disk might be appropriate.
Im pretty sure I just need a new computer anyway. I have way more troubles like constant blue screens and aero turning off automatically. This is just adding frosting to the frustration cake.
That's up to you. I think this computer is perfectly salvageable, as a basic word processing and web browsing PC.
Post a new thread if you want advice on parts, or an entirely new build.
Well, after seeing your screenshot it looks like Vista doesn't even even give you the chance to reactivate. So my previous advice can be ignored. Sorry.
Vista is so horrible so I suggest to just move on...
One solution before getting a new pc (yes, you want to upgrade) is to install Ubuntu or w/e alongside Windows, and once you're in Ubuntu or w/e just copy your important files from Vista to your new local folders, and just use Linux until you have your new system to move your stuff to.
Then keep your old computer and make it a router. :)
that screenshot looks fishy, there is absolutly no reason you would have to reinstall for an activation
Well reinstalling windows would wipe anything anyways so theres no point in malware causing this.. Unless you have a suggestion what the cause could be?
Whats the dfference between using a old computer for a router then a store bought one?