i need to reactivate windows!

Call the phone number thats listed, follow the promts and you'll get a key which will activate Windows.

You must register your CD key at Microsoft. Follow the link to register via internet.
If you have not Internet connection, you can call the appropriate Microsoft dealer to get the activation key.

Don't worry as you have Genuine OS. You can call the local vendor from where you have purchased the PC and the Genuine OS. Or directly call the MICROSOFT's tall free number which will be with your CD and its other authorised paper.

Customer service people may mail you or snail mail you or will tell you the new code to enter on your system.

Good Luck.

Next time backup c:\windows\wpa.dbl and c:\windows\wpa.bak to a disk and when you reinstall or reformat your pc just boot to safe mode and copy them back. These are your Activation files and you won't have to active again- unless it is asking you on another pc.

The Product Key on the COA is for installing XP not activating it. You'll either need to use the Internet Activation or Phone in Option to get a new activation Key for XP and it's no good keeping a copy of the code as it changes every time that you reinstall Windows. It also generates its own unique code which describes the hardware configuration so if there are 3 or more changes you need to reactivate again.

Col

buy a mac

You are encouraging people to commit a crime by using illegal software. Microsoft would by now have a list of illegal keys on the market and therefore security updates would not be available and the PC would be a sitting duck for being taken over by Trojans run by other criminals.

Firstly install the vista without any product key and don't do anything. Insert the DVD again and boot it.This time enter your product key. Then choose repair/upgrade. Follow the installation and try activation. Many OEM manufacturers buy the Upgrade license. This might solve the problem.