Problem activating error 0XC004E003

Alan wrote:

>
>
> Before reinstalling I took a note of the product key using a keyfinder
> and
> the product key on the label they were different. While loading I tried
> the one from the label first but it failed so I tried the other and that
> worked. Now when I try to Activate windows it fails and asks me if I want
> to change the key and when I try it says I need to activate before I can
> change the key. Nuts!

You haven't provided any information about your computer and what version of
Vista you're running, but my guess is that you have an OEM machine (Dell,
HP, etc.) and you've tried to installed with a retail disk. With OEM
machines the Product Key that you see with a keyfinder program is the one
used by the OEM for volume installs. You need to use the one on the
Certificate of Authority sticker on the computer.

Perhaps you should describe more thoroughly your computer and the version of
Vista you've installed. Obviously there is a mismatch but without knowing
your exact circumstances, any advice you get will be based only on
guessing.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

Acer Aspirte 3680 laptop, Oem vista installed, I used OEM Vista disk to
reinstall. I really can't understand why I am getting an error, but I do know
other are getting the same error but cannot find a solution

"Malke" wrote:

> Alan wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Before reinstalling I took a note of the product key using a keyfinder
> > and
> > the product key on the label they were different. While loading I tried
> > the one from the label first but it failed so I tried the other and that
> > worked. Now when I try to Activate windows it fails and asks me if I want
> > to change the key and when I try it says I need to activate before I can
> > change the key. Nuts!
>
> You haven't provided any information about your computer and what version of
> Vista you're running, but my guess is that you have an OEM machine (Dell,
> HP, etc.) and you've tried to installed with a retail disk. With OEM
> machines the Product Key that you see with a keyfinder program is the one
> used by the OEM for volume installs. You need to use the one on the
> Certificate of Authority sticker on the computer.
>
> Perhaps you should describe more thoroughly your computer and the version of
> Vista you've installed. Obviously there is a mismatch but without knowing
> your exact circumstances, any advice you get will be based only on
> guessing.
>
> Malke
> --
> MS-MVP
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> Don't Panic!
>

You think it is wrong OEM Vista disk? I thought any Vista OEM disk would do.

"Malke" wrote:

> Alan wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Before reinstalling I took a note of the product key using a keyfinder
> > and
> > the product key on the label they were different. While loading I tried
> > the one from the label first but it failed so I tried the other and that
> > worked. Now when I try to Activate windows it fails and asks me if I want
> > to change the key and when I try it says I need to activate before I can
> > change the key. Nuts!
>
> You haven't provided any information about your computer and what version of
> Vista you're running, but my guess is that you have an OEM machine (Dell,
> HP, etc.) and you've tried to installed with a retail disk. With OEM
> machines the Product Key that you see with a keyfinder program is the one
> used by the OEM for volume installs. You need to use the one on the
> Certificate of Authority sticker on the computer.
>
> Perhaps you should describe more thoroughly your computer and the version of
> Vista you've installed. Obviously there is a mismatch but without knowing
> your exact circumstances, any advice you get will be based only on
> guessing.
>
> Malke
> --
> MS-MVP
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> Don't Panic!
>

Alan wrote:

> Acer Aspirte 3680 laptop, Oem vista installed, I used OEM Vista disk to
> reinstall. I really can't understand why I am getting an error, but I do
> know other are getting the same error but cannot find a solution

Did you use a generic Vista OEM? If you used a branded OEM disk (HP, Dell,
etc.) then that won't work on Acer.

Solution:

1. Contact Acer for restoration media; or
2. Purchase a *retail* copy of Vista and install. Use the Product Key that
comes with it. Have all the Acer drivers and laptop-specific software
available for installation ahead of time.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

Only problem with your solution is, have to spend money for OS when laptop
already has COA so in my mind Microsoft should activate.
Acer charge £50 plus for recovery disks which I feel is a rip off, after
spending £500 on the laptop in the first place

Thanks for your advice though, appreciated

Alan

"Malke" wrote:

> Alan wrote:
>
> > Acer Aspirte 3680 laptop, Oem vista installed, I used OEM Vista disk to
> > reinstall. I really can't understand why I am getting an error, but I do
> > know other are getting the same error but cannot find a solution
>
> Did you use a generic Vista OEM? If you used a branded OEM disk (HP, Dell,
> etc.) then that won't work on Acer.
>
> Solution:
>
> 1. Contact Acer for restoration media; or
> 2. Purchase a *retail* copy of Vista and install. Use the Product Key that
> comes with it. Have all the Acer drivers and laptop-specific software
> available for installation ahead of time.
>
> Malke
> --
> MS-MVP
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> Don't Panic!
>

Just been on the phone to MS and they said I can only use Acer software on an
Acer laptop and they would not help in anyway. Bummer! Looks like if I want
to get the laptop working properly I will have to give Acer their £50.