In the past, early adopters of new Windows versions have had some small hurdles to overcome. Such hurdles may be software incompatibility, or lack of driver support. These sorts of things are almost expected with each new Windows launch. But what would you do if you bought Windows Vista and your product key didn’t work? What if Microsoft had no solution and was unwilling to issue you a new key?
Many (if not all) users who took advantage of Microsoft’s Vista Family Discount have been issued invalid installation keys and cannot install Windows Vista Home Premium. Microsoft confirms that the keys are indeed valid, but not for Windows Vista. The CSR I spoke with was unable to tell what the key was for, but it did appear to be a valid key, for something.
Microsoft says, “This is a known issue and has been escalated to the program manager.” When asked what could be done I was told, “I can take your name and number and call you back when there is a solution. If that is not acceptable, I can cancel your order and issue you a refund.” I was also told, “There is no expected time period for a fix at this time.”
If Microsoft does not have this issue fixed very soon, they are going to have a lot of unhappy customers. In the past Microsoft has just issued new keys when this happened. Why is Microsoft being so tight gripped about handing out new keys? If I purchased a valid key, what is it for? How long is this going to take to fix? So many questions, so little answers.
View: Vista Family Discount Website
Many (if not all) users who took advantage of Microsoft’s Vista Family Discount have been issued invalid installation keys and cannot install Windows Vista Home Premium. Microsoft confirms that the keys are indeed valid, but not for Windows Vista. The CSR I spoke with was unable to tell what the key was for, but it did appear to be a valid key, for something.
Microsoft says, “This is a known issue and has been escalated to the program manager.” When asked what could be done I was told, “I can take your name and number and call you back when there is a solution. If that is not acceptable, I can cancel your order and issue you a refund.” I was also told, “There is no expected time period for a fix at this time.”
If Microsoft does not have this issue fixed very soon, they are going to have a lot of unhappy customers. In the past Microsoft has just issued new keys when this happened. Why is Microsoft being so tight gripped about handing out new keys? If I purchased a valid key, what is it for? How long is this going to take to fix? So many questions, so little answers.
View: Vista Family Discount Website
Now that we have some publicity on the subject, maybe Microsoft will get it fixed.
But tbh, how the hell can MS let this happen? lol.
ste
Technically, it's both technologies combined.
You really should check your facts before you try to correct people. Windows Home Server
You really should check your facts before you try to correct people. Windows Home Server
Sorry, I was mistaken. The article posted about it here a while back seemed to imply that it would be a device, not an acutal OS.
I didn't mean to sound rude in my post by the way, it just sort of came out that way.
Yep. Or at least that's what they told me. I'm sure someone could find out, maybe the CSR just couldn't.
Maybe they are Server 2003 keys, or Exchange 2007 keys. Wouldn't that be nice for $50!
There is WTF words going all over my brain
they're probably Vista Ultimate keys, but they don't want everyone to know they each have $600+ worth of keys to just give away if they want...
Is there a time limit for the family plan offer or is this always going to be there for ultimate owners?
-d
Huh? Is this your personal observation or just simply something you heard somewhere?
I was going to post about this issue yesterday on the forums, but no one else was complaining,
so I thought it was me being incompetent.
I've yet to receive a response.
I was going to post about this issue yesterday on the forums, but no one else was complaining,
so I thought it was me being incompetent.
I've yet to receive a response.
Your best bet is to call them and tell them you wish to be notified when there is a solution. The CSR I spoke with said he would call me back within 2-3 days regardless of a solution and let me know what was going on.
It seems like MS is in no rush to fix the issue. If I had known this was an issue, I wound't have used this program. Alas, I had to install Vista with no key. So, if MS doesnt have a solution within 30 days, they will have to face the wrath of me, and it won't be pretty.
However, I don't expect it will drag out that long, now that the public knows about it.
You mean 120 days, don't you? http://blogs.msdn.com/buckh/archive/2007/0...o-120-days.aspx
You mean 120 days, don't you? http://blogs.msdn.com/buckh/archive/2007/0...o-120-days.aspx
Someone else mentioned that down below earlier. I was unaware that you could extend the trial time.
However, I shouldn't have to extend the trial period and be bugged by the activation bubble of death for 120 days. This should have worked from day 1.
Microsoft is well within their rights to protect themselves from potential losses due to piracy. Their key creation/validation system seems to have a problem at the moment (with no indication of when it might get resolved), but installation can still be done with a "pending" validation for 30 days, right?
Hardly "draconian", in my book.
Product keys are draconian? Doesn't virtually every software provider use them these days?
This was an annoying slip-up to be sure, but it could happen to any product that distributes product keys. It certainly has nothing to do with Activation if that's what you mean to complain about.
not product keys themselvs, but all the activation and revalidation in ms products now.
not product keys themselvs, but all the activation and revalidation in ms products now.
Activation and revaildation is a real pain yeh? Yes so hard to click activate now and then thats it. You will not be asked to revalidate....
We apologize for any issues you are experiencing with the Vista Family Discount
license keys. Please be assured that we are aware of these errors and are
currently escalating this issue to work towards a resolution. We appreciate your
patience in this matter.
I guess.. I'm stuck waiting.
We apologize for any issues you are experiencing with the Vista Family Discount
license keys. Please be assured that we are aware of these errors and are
currently escalating this issue to work towards a resolution. We appreciate your
patience in this matter.
I guess.. I'm stuck waiting.
Thanks for sharing.
I made sure to let the CSR know that I was disappointed. I also let his manager know that "Waiting to use a downloadable product I already paid online for is unacceptable."
That's really not cool, though. Microsoft better get their act together!
To add to that, you can extend the trial period up to a total of 120 days. Hopefully that will get you out to far enough so that a solution is available.
Here are the trial period extension instructions:
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000778.html
-d
To add to that, you can extend the trial period up to a total of 120 days. Hopefully that will get you out to far enough so that a solution is available.
Here are the trial period extension instructions:
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000778.html
-d
True, BUT if you do this, you MUST make sure you install it properly or you will not be able to use the key without redoing the entire process (yes that means a format and XP reload then Vista upgrade).
In order to make sure it will work, you must upgrade from within windows. If you do a clean install, it will not work and you cannot upgrade by booting from the CD.
There is a however already a workaround available to install an upgrade without having any previous OS installed.
http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/4069
Could be related. Maybe Microsoft disabled new Family Discount purchases because of the issue?
I called CSR and they dont know whats up but will get back to me within 24-48 hours. Its a retail upgrade of Ultimate, purchased from Futureshop.
Nothing for the UK as usual!
When a product is not fit for purpose then the first recourse is to go to whoever sold you it. Broached shrinkwrap refund dodging doesn't apply here no matter what some sales droid might say (it also is probably illegal as it abrogates your statutory rights). If they deny responsibility (which is quite likely, after all they just supply it and a replacement has just the same chance of not working) then liability woudl then rest with the supplier, from which you can demand an immediate refund. Accepting a "oh, we'll get around to it" response just weakens your case and lets them get away with it. You're still entitled to a full refund, but they don't have to do it immediately.
historically, mac os x has not even needed registering. no key, no code, no activation, just install and update!
i really cant see why windows is so popular. perhaps this will inspire some people to make the switch.
Logically I would guess the reason that Mac OS need no registering or activation or similar is that it's by far not as widely used and therefor not subjected to piracy as much. Let's how things might change at some point if Apple comps and Mac OSX become more popular.
Let's say that you decide to install a pirated copy of OS X or even install a single legitimate copy of OS X on several machines. What computer are you going to install them on? An Apple Mac, of course. Apple makes their profit through the sale of their hardware. Mac OS X is only there to aid in the sales of the hardware. That's why they will never license Mac OS X to run on PCs.
And that's why Microsoft has to try to stop people pirating their OS and Apple doesn't.
Let's say that you decide to install a pirated copy of OS X or even install a single legitimate copy of OS X on several machines. What computer are you going to install them on? An Apple Mac, of course. Apple makes their profit through the sale of their hardware. Mac OS X is only there to aid in the sales of the hardware. That's why they will never license Mac OS X to run on PCs.
And that's why Microsoft has to try to stop people pirating their OS and Apple doesn't.
That's a little flawed because OS X can and does run on standard PCs. You don't need Apple hardware to run OS X.
Not legally.
Not legally.
And not with proper hardware drivers.
Yes like mistakes have never happenned in this world, and like you have never made a mistake in your entire life.
This guys need to close down business. So they issued large number of keys for OSX? or Win 95?
Care to explain?
All you have to do to click activate now and then thats it. You will not be asked to revalidate.
So much to annoy legal customers yeh? Sure there are the 0.5% of users who get screwed by WGA in XP [that has since been fixed and fixed for vista] but the vast vast majority do not.
What gets me is Microsoft is still allowing Ultimate users to purchase the Family Discount Program even through they know there is a problem. Why not shut down the order site and just post a message saying to check back in a few days. At least let the buyer know there is a known issue and they can purchase but will need to wait for their key. I found out about this issue while browsing Neowin while waiting on hold for Microsoft because of this issue.
To me that is the biggest mystery.
Also doesn't this only mention home premium and not ultimate?
You need ultimate to take part in this program. You are correct that you can purchase home premium. My point was to take part in this program you already shelled out a great deal of money for Ultimate. You are (or at least should be) a valuable customer in Microsofts mind. I think they need to make sure to handle this properly and quickly or some of their customers with money to spend may decide not to get burned down the road.
If apple happens to make a mistake, im pretty sure 95% of you would say its ok I can wait.....but yes its microsoft so lets flame them.
Activation and revaildation is a real pain yeh? Yes so hard to click activate now and then thats it. You will not be asked to revalidate....
Obviously microsoft will not tell you what the keys are for.....they don't want you to go end up using those keys on another product which you havent paid for. Use your brains.
Honestly, just grow up...
It doesn't work as advertised, the majority of stores won't take back opened software, and Microsoft isn't offering any kind of fix...so yeah just bend the f*ck over and 'grow up'.
Sounds like a solution to me!
Subject: Re: Family Discount Ordering Trouble (Resolution)
Hi Eveyrone. I finally got an answer. From what I have been told:
The Vista Family Discount (VFD) team has found the problem with the product
keys. Turns out they are not Vista Keys. The VFD team is working on a fix
and will email out new keys to everyone with in 4-5 days.
If your key does not work; odds are its one of the bad ones. If you do not
hear back from the VFD team with a new key next week; I would send them an
email or call:
email: vistafamilydiscount -at- one.microsoft.upgrade.com
Phone: 1-800-835-0663
I hope this helps!
Thanks and sorry for any issues...
-Doug
Those who have this problem, like I do, should be getting their new keys soon.
Edited the email addy slightly, just in case.
Last edited by VinnyJ5 on 02 Feb 2007 - 02:44
Thanks for the information.
User: "Ok! Jim bob Johnson, 123 fake street, visa, 1234-5678-9012-3456, 01/02, click download to continue! Thank goodness I can finally rest assured that Microsoft can approve all my media content for playback and every website I visit!"
Microsoft: "The key you have received is invalid. As a criminal, you have 30 days to either extend your period of criminal activity, or pay us for this illegal copy of Microsoft Windows Vista. If you would rather not use your computer, you can wait in line for a rebate here."
The most insulting thing about this are the people who say "Oh well. I have 120 days to be flagged 'not a criminal' before my computer is rendered useless". Now, if it isn't obvious, I'm not a fan of Microsoft products, and I opt not to use them. But this is a gross error on Microsoft's part. Instead of honoring their paying customers and simply issuing new license keys, they are honoring their bottom line (which is unparalleled in history for a software company), And that is, in my opinion, disgusting. I, for one, will continue to look elsewhere for software solutions.
The 1st day I installed I activated it with no problem.
8 Hours later.... It asked me to activate once again..
So I tryed to do so! It told me I could not do so becuase another computer had already done so.
So I had to call to activate. 20 mins of my time wasted.
Any how last night I was watching tv on media center and when I turned it off to go to bed guess what vista asked me to do again? "activate" This time it let me do it online with no problems but from what I hear their is only ten activations in one key so now im down to 8 more and I've only had this software for 3 days.
The 1st time I had to reactivated I was useing media center is this maybe related? just a thought?
I beta test vista and never had this problem any one else having this issue?
I Own premium also and once installed... it decided to wipe out my sound drives
And ALso Wipe out My Ethernet card... so very annoying. The Software engineers should
have over looked it all..... now we have to pay
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