I have to activate my windows home edition but my product key has been used already ?

Is their anyway to activate it without buying anything new if not what should i do because i cant access any of my folders. Thank you

Hello,

(ANS) The problem you have here is that each individual copy of MS windows XP home or Vista comes with a product key. The product key allows you to install the software on your computer and the product key identifies that specific copy of the software ( when it was made & where it came from originally).

However, the problem is that the product key is also used in order to generate (create) the activation code. The activation code locks your specific copy of windows to your specific hardware configuration and once the product is activated you can make x5 major hardware changes before windows needs to be reactivated with Microsoft. This was done to prevent or reduce fraud.

**Activation can be done a) online or b) over the phone using the Microsoft automated process where you are stepped through the activation process by a verbal wizard and voice prompts or c) phone up Microsoft and talk directly to a customer agent who can help you.

**The above does assume your copy of windows is a fully legitimate copy of the operating system (software). If the version is NOT fully legitimate then you might be in a more difficult position and you might be asked to pay for an end user license (EUL) in order to make the software legal.

Hope that helps?

Kind Regards Ivan

computer veteran, system builder, MCSE trained.

You have an illegal copy of the operating system and need to purchase a licensed copy.

make sure that you entered it properly because that happend to me and when i got some1 else to do it they saw my mistake if that dosnt work ring up windows with your proof of purchase and everything and they can help you out

You were sold a pirated copy, perhaps. Phone the Microsoft Activation Help Desk to find out what the deal is.

Read this http://www.rm.com/Support/TechnicalArtic...

If you are reloading your machine with the same operating system, call Microsoft and explain what you have done - they should help you if you have a valid lisence .