Windows Vista & Gaming

[Damnidge]

I totally understand your position - I'd say the same thing. I am not at all trying to do anything illegal - that's my biggest frustration here. I straight up told the guy yesterday that I'm calling them to be legal and get a legit copy instead of an ISO from who knows where, and he told me on the phone to just borrow someone else's disc to install.

I cannot get a replacement from the main parts department because my copy is not retail - and even if it is - I have no receipt to fax to get the new disc. This left this site:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246

I went there, filled out the form, but when I submit it throws back an error saying my key is not found - which I triple checked was written correctly.

I'm just really frustrated. I spoke to another rep this morning who kept repeating "you need to contact whoever put the event on." I kept repeating it was a Microsoft event! I said - are you not Microsoft? He said yes. I then said - then you put on the event. Then some time later he said - well you need to contact whoever put on the event. Then I should have said - you're a moron!

I'm going to wait for the email which hopefully comes today, but
I'm about to say f$%k it and just use the 32-bit.

[DW_Damaged]

Try this?

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/2 ... fault.mspx

I know they mention retail at the top and you may have already tried this but if not give it a shot and see what happens. You will know as soon as you enter your product key if you can get it or not. Not sure what charges are involved when they say minimal but after entering your product key you can find out.

[Damnidge]

Yeah, thanks for the link but I did try that. The rep I spoke to is the office that does the alternate media. Same issue - I didn't buy it, so I am out of luck.

After my post I called the main Microsoft offices and spoke to a woman who told me that since it is a "promotional" copy then I get what I get so it sounds like I have to live with 32 bit.

I have found several forums where people say they have been able to use the product key on 64-bit retail install discs, but others say that they didn't work and the emailed product key only works with the promo disc. I cannot find anyone with the disc. I think its stupid they won;t sell me the 64-bit disc. So what if it's a promo - it's not like I'm asking for ultimate and I have home premium or something.

I'll keep you posted, but it sounds like I'm with 32-bit - which isn't a big deal - but I would have preferred the 64 bit.

[Damnidge]

So I got a response back from the email people and they need a COA number to go forward, which I don't have, so my quest has ended. One of the reps also seemed to say the emailed keys only work with the promo disc.

I'm installing 32-bit as I type this on my laptop. I'm excited to finally install and play my copy of Far Cry 2!