How to Locate a Product Key for Windows Vista
If you have recently installed Windows Vista and now you see a message on your screen, asking you to activate your copy of Windows, then you should enter your unique product key that came with your Windows disk. Windows Vista allows its users to activate the key within 30 days.
So, if you do not activate the copy of your Windows Vista, then you will not be able to operate it after the deadline reaches. Moreover, you will not be able to use all the Windows Vista tools, until you validate your copy of Windows. In order to activate it, you should first locate the key and then enter it in the Windows Vista activation window.
Instructions
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1
Windows Vista product key, also known as "Proof of License" and "Certificate of Authenticity,” is a 25-character alphanumeric code, which you need to enter in the activation window in order to validate your copy of Windows.
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2
In order to find the product key, you will have to look for your Windows Vista CD, along with its case. You can find the product key mention on the case.
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If you do not have the CD, and you bought a computer with the Windows Vista installed in it, then you can look for the product key at the side of the computer casing, if it is a desktop. Similarly, you can look for the key at the bottom if you are using a laptop.
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Once you find the activation code, you can write it in the activation prompt and confirm the activation. Here, you should make sure that you enter the key in the same sequence as it was written on the CD, or at the side or bottom of your computer. Otherwise, the activation window will give an error, asking you to enter the correct product key.
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If you do not find your activation key and you are sure that you own a valid Windows Vista, then you should contact Microsoft Support, by sending them an email or calling them on their customer support number. The support representative may ask you some basic questions about your purchase date and any other proof, related to your copy of Windows, and will provide you with your product key.
