10 calls to microsoft so far...

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Craig - 24 Jul 2007 21:14 GMT

Here is my situation: I was part of the technology advancement program
(32bit to 64bit upgrade) a couple years back. Recently I went to reinstall
windows x64 and and my disk is corrupt. (There was a link provided to
download the .iso in the program.) The link no longer works (obviously) so I
downloaded the latest version assuming my key would work. No go. It
installed the trial OK but will not accept my key. I have spoke to about 10
different people at Microsoft who have no idea about this program or how to
support x64. I finally got ahold of someone who was helpful but says that
since there was no disc provided initially then I have no options and
basically have a valid key with no way to use it. I hope this doesn't come
across wrong I just want to know if there are any other options for me?

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Charlie Russel - MVP - 25 Jul 2007 06:34 GMT

Frankly, I think you're SOL, Craig. This is reason number 1 for always
making a backup copy, or backing up the ISO.

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Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/xperts64
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/charlie.russel

> Here is my situation: I was part of the technology advancement program
> (32bit to 64bit upgrade) a couple years back. Recently I went to
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> come
> across wrong I just want to know if there are any other options for me?

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miso@sushi.com - 25 Jul 2007 08:27 GMT

> Here is my situation: I was part of the technology advancement program
> (32bit to 64bit upgrade) a couple years back. Recently I went to reinstall
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> basically have a valid key with no way to use it. I hope this doesn't come
> across wrong I just want to know if there are any other options for me?

Here is a dumb arse question. Do I have to do anything special to back
up my copy of X64? That is, would a simple Nero copy work? I can't
believe MS doesn't put in some hooks to prevent it from being copied.

Now this is silly, but just how bad is the original disk? Did the dog
chew it, or does it just seem not to install. What I'm thinking is
perhaps you can try a different reader. Either by installing one, or
doing a copy of your original (bad) disc on another PC. It may be that
one reader works better than the other.

Lastly, with a COA, are you saying MS won't give you a new disc for a
reasonable price?

Actually, one more idea. Maybe X64 is on a bit torrent someplace. This
is semi-illegal, but it's not like you don't own a COA. I just took a
look, and there are all sorts of torrents for X64. Personally, I
wouldn't trust pirated software, but it is a thought.

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Charlie Russel - MVP - 26 Jul 2007 14:51 GMT

It's not semi-illegal, it's completely illegal. And you have NO IDEA what
might have been added to the payload.

Signature

Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/blogs/xperts64

>> Here is my situation: I was part of the technology advancement program
>> (32bit to 64bit upgrade) a couple years back. Recently I went to
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
> look, and there are all sorts of torrents for X64. Personally, I
> wouldn't trust pirated software, but it is a thought.

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Craig - 25 Jul 2007 14:08 GMT

Thanks for the replies. My concern about getting a torrent is obviously the
validity of the .iso but also the question as to would my key work? For some
reason it will not work on the latest downloaded version (demo). As far as
the question of the replacement CD - appearantly MS does not ship the x64
directly and it goes through OEM channels. I was told to contact the OEM
vendor which I don't have. Also I was told to get a new key I need a new
CD... Catch 22 I guess.

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Theo - 25 Jul 2007 14:32 GMT

You're correct that your Product Key will not work with the
download Trial version. It's only valid with an OEM copy of
Win x64, which the TAP version is. Your other options would
be to borrow a copy if you know anyone who has either an OEM
or TAP version; or to purchase an OEM copy.

> Thanks for the replies. My concern about getting a torrent is obviously the
> validity of the .iso but also the question as to would my key work? For some
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> vendor which I don't have. Also I was told to get a new key I need a new
> CD... Catch 22 I guess.

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miso@sushi.com - 26 Jul 2007 00:24 GMT

I'd keep phoning microsoft. Better yet, get on the radio and mention
this problem. My favorite geek show is from Leo Laporte.
http://techguylabs.com/radio/pmwiki.php
Leo is a Mac guy though he does PCs too, and would just love to socket
to MS.

Seems to me if you have a key, it is unique to that installation, not
the freaking media.

I'm with you regarding not wanting to use torrents. I will say I know
people with mulitple PCs, often acquired on the used (i.e nearly free)
market, with MS OS from torrents that work just fine.

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