[Fix] List of Common Problems in Activating Windows Vista

When you install Windows Vista in a computer system and try to activate it using Windows Vista activation process, you may receive some error codes or error messages and face problems during activation process.

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Today in this exclusive article, we are going to list some common problems which are frequently faced by Windows Vista users while activating Windows. We hope this tutorial will help you in troubleshooting these error codes and problems.

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Just look for the error code or error message in the following list and follow the instructions to fix your problem:

Error code 0xC004C003

The activation server determined that the specific product key is in use.

Solution:

This error code indicates that your product key has been used to activate Windows in past and you’ll need to obtain a new product key.

Error code

0xC004E003: The Software Licensing Service reported that the license evaluation failed.
0xC004F050: The Software Licensing Service reported that the product key is invalid.

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Solution:

These error codes indicate that either license validity interval has expired or the license is not signed correctly. To fix this problem, you’ll need to rerun Windows Vista activation process.

You can try to re-insert your Windows Vista product key using “Change product key” option given in System Properties window and it should activate Windows without any problem.

You can also try to restore Windows to an earlier state using System Restore and then try to activate Windows again.

Error code

0x80072EFD: A Connection with the server could not be established.
0x80072EE7: The server name or address could not be resolved.
0x80072F78: The server returned an invalid or unrecognized response.
0x80072F8F: A security error occurred.
0x8004FC03: Unrecognized error.

Solution:

These error codes indicate that there might be issues with your Internet connection. Verify and make sure that your Internet connection is working properly and then try to activate Windows Vista again.

Error code

0xC004F061: The Software Licensing Service determined that this specified product key can only be used for upgrading, not for clean installations.
OR
To use the product key you entered, start the installation from your existing version of Windows.

Solution:

This error code indicates that you are trying to install or activate Windows Vista using an upgrade product key. To fix this problem, either use a full package product key (FPP) to activate Windows or boot into another operating system and then upgrade it to Windows Vista using your upgrade product key.

Error code 0x8007000D

Unable to open the license. The data is invalid.

Solution:

This error code occurs when you use “Windows Anytime Upgrade” (WAU) feature and indicates that the initial download may have been corrupted. Try to download the setup package again.

Error message

The Product Key you have entered will not Work with this Edition or Version of Windows Vista.

Solution:

If you receive this error message, it might be possible that you entered a different Windows Vista edition product key that does not match the installed Windows edition. To fix this problem, either install the correct Windows Vista edition or use the correct product key.

Error message

The Windows Vista version product key you typed is invalid for activation.

Solution:

This error message occur if you upgrade an existing lower Windows Vista edition to another higher Windows Vista edition and try to activate the new Vista edition with the product key of previous Vista edition. To fix this issue, restore original Windows Vista edition in your computer and the try to upgrade.

Error message

Activate Windows Now
Your activation period has expired and Windows is no longer working.
To use Windows you must activate this copy of Windows.

Solution:

This error message indicates that Windows Vista is running in “Reduced Functionality Mode” which means you didn’t activate Windows Vista within the trial or grace period and now the free trial period has expired. To fix this problem, re-insert correct product key and then re-activate Windows Vista.

This information has been taken from Microsoft KB article

Published in: Troubleshooting Guides, Windows Vista

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

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