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Vista Family Discount Keys Found Not Compatible

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the fits-a-different-lock dept.

acousticiris writes "Many (if not all) users who took advantage of Microsoft's Vista Family Discount have been issued invalid installation keys and cannot install Windows Vista Home Premium. Microsoft says, 'There is no expected time period for a fix at this time.' According to the article, the keys are valid for something, just not Windows Vista. Perhaps it's just too simple to issue these folks new keys and send them on their way."

14 of 394 comments (clear)

  1. Paid customers getting the shaft? by wesley96 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Ah, whodathunkit? :P Anyway, I have an itchy feeling some cracker might be able to put out a valid serial generator before MS could fix this problem.

    --
    Serving time in Aristotelean prison for violating laws of physics
    1. Re:Paid customers getting the shaft? by Nutty_Irishman · · Score: 5, Funny

      Ah, whodathunkit? :P Anyway, I have an itchy feeling some cracker might be able to put out a valid serial generator before MS could fix this problem. Personally I believe in equal opportunity piracy. But, whatever floats your boat...
  2. family values by rigelstar · · Score: 5, Funny

    Microsoft has begun its war against the american family. Grab your pitchforks and join the final battle!

    1. Re:family values by SEWilco · · Score: 3, Funny

      Not to worry. Your Microsoft Vista-compatible Family will arrive tomorrow. All will be well. Just ask them.

    2. Re:family values by Mr2001 · · Score: 3, Funny

      Well, since you're spending an extra $500 for that logo, it'd better be shiny!

      --
      Visual IRC: Fast. Powerful. Free.
  3. Well... by Overzeetop · · Score: 4, Funny

    that should keep the number of Vista zombie machines in check for a while.

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    Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
  4. I think a simple thank you is in order by codepunk · · Score: 3, Funny

    The people this has happened to ought to call MS and thank them for saving them from a pointless
    upgrade.

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    Got Code?
  5. Oh no... by tktk · · Score: 5, Funny
    The keys are valid for some other product. The four words I dread to hear:

    Microsoft Bob for Vista.

  6. Re:I can already see it.. by dynamo52 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Vista was released on time?!? What calendar are you looking at?

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  7. People with tags by jpardey · · Score: 4, Funny

    Yes, defectivebydesign is good. windows and bug are also good. But still, where's the slownewsday?

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    I have freaks! I did something right...
  8. Re:Valid for... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Don't forget to install Linux Genuine Advantage on that fresh new Linux install!

  9. Re:What's to stop someone... by DodgeRules · · Score: 3, Funny

    What's to stop someone from buying Ultimate, doing the family upgrade pack & reselling those licenses for >$50?

    uhm, how about keys that don't work!

    (Can't wait to read about the class-action lawsuit on Groklaw about this one!)

  10. Re:Unacceptable by tftp · · Score: 3, Funny

    But aren't OS/X upgrades sold? If so, there is definitely some p1racy potential if one Mac owner "shares" his upgrade of the OS with other Mac owners. Maybe Apple just depends on the fact that there is a 1,000 miles on average between any two Mac owners? ;-)

  11. Why I love /. BETA by codecracker007 · · Score: 3, Funny

    below:
    [+] defectivebydesign, haha, windows, slownewsday, bug (tagging beta)
    above:
    'Buy VIsta Today' Ad

    All hail the wonderful world of contextual ads!!!!!!

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    7-8-9-10-0