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I need to change Vista keyocde but cannot access control panel

Hey there, I have a system that had been infected, but is now clean. Somewhere along the way, the activation got hosed and I want to re-enter the keycode to re-activate, but the virus that was removed had messed things up so I cannot get to the System and maintenance panel to change the key for reactivation.

I would like to either.....
Whack the file holding the activation information (I seem to remember there was one somewhere) so I get prompted to enter the keycode and activate again

or

what can I run from the RUN prompt to manually open the system and maintenance page to enter a new keycode and reactivate.

Thank you

acl-puzz

Hi

here is the comprehensive tutorial to accomplish this

http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/2062/vista_activation_slmgr_command_options_explained/

Cheers

bcameron70

ASKER

When I use the SLMGR utility I get the following

error
windows script host
line:291
Char:5
Error: Permission Denied
Code: 800a0046
Source: microsoft VBscript runtime error

I have tried taking ownership, but this does not help

Thoughts?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

acl-puzz

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CarbonMonkey

if you can get into command prompt do this :

1. In the CMD window, type: slmgr.vbs -ipk <type your product key here>
2; To activate windows after changing the key, type: slmgr.vbs -ato

PS - Make sure you run CMD as Admin or it wont work

bcameron70

ASKER

I am downloading an install CD to do a SFC from technet now..SLMGR.vbs is locked up tight for some reason

leobabur

After downloading install cd boot from cd and click on repair options.
Then after repairing restart system. It should prompt you for activation.
You need to call microsoft to reactivate your copy of windows.
you can choose a number from the list, according to your regeion in the activation dialogbox.

bcameron70

ASKER

Had to do a wet install of Vista (upgrade) to fix the file system.