I bought my computer five years ago, and only now has it started showing that warning. "The Windows Vista Home Premium product key you typed is invalid". It's locked me out of my computer.

I tried installing the update Microsoft's website pitched to fix it, but the install force-cancels itself, saying that it's not compatible with the system.

What do I do?

Additional info:

• Getting a new computer's not an option right now.
• I have no access to the Start menu.
• I'd REALLY rather not go through the trouble of phoning anyone.

Install a Linux fork. As long as you don't need to play games you're golden.

Games are just about all I use my computer for.

-Look. All I want is to get my Windows Vista back. I don't want a Linux or a Mac. I just want back in my comfort zone. It's a good computer, it's just this one error, and it's not an isolated incident; I've looked around on google, and people have run into this before.

Did you reinstall your operating system, or did it just pop up one day?

You should attempt this : http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/84488 ... phone.html

I've known several people who had issues with activating their windows. Phone activation always worked for them.

It just popped up one day. The computer's worked perfectly fine for five years before this.

And while I'll definitely keep that in the cards, I'd rather not call someone until there's absolutely no more options.

It should be an automated line, you'll never talk to a real person if it succeeds. If it doesn't, then you'll get an operator who will help you further.

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/thread ... nformation

if all else fails

If you really want your comfort zone, get 7.

Sorry for replying late, but I've been too busy playing SSF2 on my once-again fully functional computer.