-- Posted by Lauraaaa at 8:19 pm on April 15, 2008 Hey guys. My brother recently downloaded a copy of vista onto my computer for God knows what reason. It's causing all sorts of problems, some of which I mentioned here: http://www.golivewire.com/forums/peer-iatani-support-a.html (and could still use some help with). ALSO, now my computer won't let me access the normal desktop because it says that I need a Vista activation key. I can't find one in the house anywhere. Any idea of where I could get one free online? Anyone that solves any of the problems listed in this topic or the topic I posted above will get 100 points. MODNOTE: No illegal advice in this topic. -- Posted by matto at 8:20 pm on April 15, 2008 take it off vista is crap go with XP if you have it, if not, ubuntu is really easy to use and free -- Posted by JAJABOB92 at 8:21 pm on April 15, 2008 call the # listed, they (the computer on the phone) will give you the code. -- Posted by Lauraaaa at 8:21 pm on April 15, 2008 How do I reformat my computer? I REALLY need help; I'm currently taking online courses. -- Posted by im rockin the etnies at 8:23 pm on April 15, 2008 vista sucks and is a waste of time and money! Bill Gates is just getting richer and richer. -- Posted by Lauraaaa at 8:24 pm on April 15, 2008 Quote: from matto at 8:20 pm on April 15, 2008 take it off vista is crap go with XP if you have it, if not, ubuntu is really easy to use and free I don't know how to get xp back. It was on my computer and my brother just randomly installed a vista disk on MY computer thinking that it would somehow make World of Warcraft better. Little brothers.   -- Posted by andyp363 at 8:51 pm on April 15, 2008 well id install vista service pack 1 and leave it, if u don't know about formating and re installing the OS you may end up with no comp for a while Or if you have 2 HDD's he could have just installed it on the other 1 and told it too bot from their  if you do when you restart your PC it should say Boot Menu F12 (normally yours could be different)  go to HDD then go through them if windows doesn't start and it goes Disk boot failure there's no XP their if not beak out the Mic and muck around with the voice control in vista till you can get your bro also be careful with the activation keys they are usually faked -- Posted by obvious child at 9:32 pm on April 15, 2008 I Hate to say it, but you're screwed. You can't roll that back. You're going to have to reinstall XP over Vista, which in itself can create more problems. What you should do is copy all the files you want to save, format and then install XP. Your brother really screwed you over by installing an illegal copy of Vista. -- Posted by AcidSwordz at 12:24 am on April 16, 2008 Well if it didn't come with a key (illegal copy?) than downloading one would be best to start with ofcoarse. Sorry about your computer problems, I've had too many to count, there not fun. -- Posted by matto at 2:39 am on April 16, 2008 obvious child's right.  Save any files that are important externally somewhere, get that shit off and install your legal copy of XP.  You can either call your computer manufacturer for help with this, or have your brother do it, he apparently knows what he's doing -_- -- Posted by Lepperking at 4:45 am on April 16, 2008 Pirated version of Vista?. Tbh go out n buy it -- Posted by bighead1991 at 6:53 am on April 16, 2008 No illegal advice in this topic. --- To the OP - As others have said you have a pirated version of Vista, which is now asking for a product key (usually asks for it after 30 days). You can either purchase a copy of Vista, a copy of the same type is currently installed, OR:- Backup important files to a portable storage device or some DVDs. You will then have to use the original disk which came with your computer, put it in, follow the instructions on-screen after rebooting. The other problems you were facing were most probably hardware problems, you would need to go to the manufacturers sites and download the latests updates/drivers.