116. Vista Prompts For Activation After
Installing SP1
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is an important
update for the Windows operating system. However,
after you have installed this latest service pack
and re-started your PC, you may find that Vista
request that you re-activate the operating system,
even though it was activated prior to installing the
service pack.
There are a couple of reasons why this might
happen:
- You have changed the original hardware or
SP1 has found it necessary to update a specific
driver or set of drivers.
- Your copy of Windows Vista was either not
activated originally or contains a hack to
by-pass activation.
Instance One
In the first instance, as outlined above, Windows
Vista SP1 has found it necessary to update some
hardware drivers on your machine and this,
ultimately, has led to Windows Vista requiring
activation once again.
All that is necessary in this instance is for the
user to re-activate. The first option is to try to
re-activate over the internet. If, however,
re-activation is refused then the next option is to
use the Telephone Activation option.
I should point out that the Telephone
activation service is automated
and that you will be required to input a series of
numbers using your telephone keypad.
These numbers will be displayed on your computer
screen as you progress through the activation
wizard.
Once these numbers have been processed the
automated service will read out to you another set
of numbers which you must input into the dialogue
box which appears on your computer screen. Once this
has been completed successfully Windows Vista will
activated.
The telephone number you are asked to dial will
vary depending upon your location (country etc), but
generally I will be a Toll free
(Free Phone) number. If activation is not completed
successfully using the telephone method then it is
important that you DO NOT end the
call. Stay on the line and you will be connected to
a 'real' person who will guide you through the
activation process. The whole process should take no
more than 10 to 15 minutes, if that.
Instance Two
If your activation problem falls into the second
category this means that your copy of Vista has had
a hack applied to by-pass the
activation process. SP1 has been modified
to seek out and disable these
hacks. In this instance the only way you will be
able to activate your copy of Windows Vista is to
provide a current, valid Windows Vista product code.
Without this valid product code Windows Vista will
not activate