Kurt Shintaku's Blog

Most consumers activate Windows Vista over the Internet, however there are times when it’s more convenient to activate with the assistance of someone from the Microsoft Product Activation call center.  These folks have "powers" that neither you nor I have to "make things work" so it’s often a good way to get an installation going if you find yourself stuck.

The phone number is supposed to be displayed if you don’t have Internet access, however if you do, it doesn’t tell you what the phone number is in my experience.  So the phone number for consumers, for future reference, is 1-866-740-1256.  Keep it handy, write it down… and again, this is for consumers or home users that bought Windows Vista off-the-shelf at CompUSA or online at Amazon.com.

CONSUMERS:

Microsoft Windows Vista Consumer Product Activation Phone Number: 
1-866-740-1256

One other thing:  A lot of hub bub has been made over Windows Vista activation.  The thing that I personally want to communicate is that in my experience, Windows Vista activation through the phone number above has been very liberal.

In other words, if you’ve used up your activations and find yourself stuck without the ability to activate using the Windows Vista key you rightly have for your workstation (because you’ve blanked thne hard drive on your original computer, bought a new upgraded PC, and and you want to install your legally acquired copy of Windows Vista) you can call the number above and they’re quite forgiving.

I believe the activation process exists only to make it difficult for pirates to use the same key over and over again.  The intent is not to push around the average home user who’s just trying to get their newly acquired PC using their legally acquired Windows Vista license.

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BUSINESSES:

For customers that purchased Windows Vista in volume through an Enterprise Agreement or Volume Licensing, there’s a different number to use:

US DOMESTIC:  Microsoft Windows Vista Volume Activation Phone Number: 
(888) 652-2342

Obviously, this is US only but for you guys that have International subsidiaries that need to call in, check the web site here for the phone number for your respective country.

INTERNATIONAL: Microsoft Windows Vista Volume Activation Phone Numbers: 
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/vol/numbers.mspx