Windows Vista Product key

[msemma]

I have a HP Pavillion running Vista. It's only about a month old. I had a query I needed to contact Microsoft so i went to try and email them via this link:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ct=2&trl=so%2cwm&oa=1450&wm=0&ln=en-gb&gprid=436922&med=online&enty=pid&stim=633434348227983562&prid=10296&tp=dd&atp=pd&as=1

However, whether I type in the product identification number or let the computer search for it, iI get the message that it is either not valid or in the wrong format! My product is activated and registered as legit, so why amd I encountering this problem.

I noticed that the product key on the Vista sticker ont he size od my Pc unit is different to this one but I tried to change it and it made no difference.

[ACtheTROLL]

either right click computer | properties
or control panel | system

on the window that opens
"view basic information about your computer"
scroll to the bottom
and the windows activation section will show the PRODUCT ID
xxxxx-xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxxx

the number on the side of the case is your SERIAL NUMBER ... which you should never divulge.

[ACtheTROLL]

oops!

continued

HP have a blanket license which doesn't work in quite the same way as smaller vendors.

because it's an OEM version
HP will provide support for your system ... including the operating system - not microsoft

[msemma]

Ah, yesit is an OEM version.
So that's why the mocrosoft help system wasn't working. i already emailed HP to get more answers from them. They guy on the phone yesterday told me anything to do with windows was down to microsoft, not them!

[markysngc]

have you posted you query on here, someone may be able to help

[ACtheTROLL]

yes .... well spotted marky!! ;-)
couldn't see the question for the questions.

see the second to last para
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070130- 8730.html

what's the problem you're having?

[msemma]

Yes already posted and then I found online that it was a common problem - system restore not working in vista!