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I have a Windows Vista retail business edition. Yesterday, i tried to install a new hard drive on my system with the same product key. but when i tried activating my copy, i got error saying, product key is in use. Why is that so? any suggestions please.
The version of Vista that gets installed depends on the product key that you enter. So may be it is in use by your Vista86 version. Use the telephone option and stay on the line if necessary to explain to the operator. If you have removed the Vista86 version you should have no problems. To change the product key through the System applet within the Control Panel. Under the Windows activation section, click the Change product key link. The window that appears will allow you to enter a new product key and thereby upgrade to a different version of Vista.
Another way to get rid of this error is to restore your computer to an earlier date and retry the Activation process. because The product key has already been used, and is registered as being activated at the Microsoft server. Since you have changed your hard disk, the hardware hash does not match the original and so the activation fails. You should be able to reactivate by going for the phone activation option.
The 64-bit and the 32-bit versions of Vista are completely separate, and neither can be upgraded to the other, so you will not have to validate the 32-bit version first. try to re-insert the product key by using the "Change product key" tool. To do so, click Start and then click Computer, and then click System properties on the toolbar. In the Windows activation section, click Change product key.In the Product key box, type the product key, and then click Next.Follow the steps in the Windows Activation Wizard to complete the activation process.