Installing Vista Ultimate 64 bit (error at product key entry)

Question：Hey guys,

I've been trying to install Vista Utlimate 64 bit on my new PC that I built, but every time I go to enter the product key it gives me an error that says:

"Windows installation has encountered an error and needs to close/restart."

I'm sure that I'm entering the product key correctly, since I tried entering it with 1 number off and it gave the different error of "The product key you entered is invalid".  It only errors and needs to close when I enter the key correctly.

I've tried both booting from the DVD for a fresh install and running the install in Windows XP 64 bit to try and upgrade, both of which provide me with the same error.

One other thing, I've tried installing on another PC and it gave me the same error when entering the product key, so I don't think it's hardware related.


Here's my system specs:

ASUS M4A79T Deluxe AM3 DDR3
AMD Phenom II X4 955 Deneb 3.2ghz
Mushkin 4gb (2x2gb) DDR3 1600
XFX Radeon 4890 1gb 256-bit
Western Digital 750gb 7200RPM SATA HD
Antec True-Power 750 watt PSU



Any assistance would be appreciated.  Thanks! =)

Answer 1：Anyone have ideas on this?  Searched this forum and did a Google search but I couldn't find any related issues or other posts about a similar error.


I'm going to try removing a stick of the memory and possibly the video card to see if that has something to do with it.

Answer 2：

Hi,
 
Try to follow the steps below and try to install Vista with out using the product key. Follow the steps below to perform a Keyless installation and activate the same later.

Step 1. Boot the PC from the Vista DVD.
Step 2. Select "Install Now," but do not enter the Product Key from the Vista packaging. Leave the input box blank. Also, turn off the option Automatically activate Windows when I'm online. In the next dialog box that appears, confirm that you really do want to install Vista without entering a Product Key.
Step 3. Correctly indicate the version of Vista that you're installing: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate.
Step 4. Select the "Custom (Advanced)" install

Note: Within 30 days, you must "activate" your copy of Vista or it'll lose functionality. To activate Vista, click Show more details in the Welcome Center that automatically displays upon each boot-up, then click Activate Windows now. Enter the product key for Vista Ultimate. 

You may also access the activation window by following the steps below:
1. Click Start
2. In the start Search box type 'SLUI 1' and press enter
3. You will get the activation Windows to activate the copy of Vista.

Try to activate the copy of Vista using Internet.

You may also activate by using automated phone system to activate.

Hope it helps.

Answer 3：Thanks Shumi666.  I got Vista installed without entering the product key, and it turns out it was the product key that was the issue not my hardware/software.

Now all I need to do is activate it.  =)


Your help is much appreciated.