Error Code 0xC004E003

[Cyn]

Well I'm trying to activate my Vista Ultimate 32-bit and I get this error.
Now I've searched around and re-typing my key in doesn't work and other places say to activate over the phone.
However, I can't activate over the phone, as when I click "Activate Windows" I don't get any option "Show me other ways to Activate", it just goes to a screen that gives three options of buying a new key, re-typing my key, or contacting microsoft.
If I re-type my key, it just goes to the screen that gives me an error and if I select the contact option, it just opens the help file, which leads to the MS website and I can't find any contact number.

If it helps, I've built my computer from scratch, I bought all the parts and put it together.
I also have an OEM Vista Ultimate disk and not a retail version.

 

[Antihiatus]

Reinstall vista. Once started. PM me and I'll help you with activation.

 

[Cyn]

This is my 2nd time installing Vista, should I really re-install it once more?
And I have 1 more day till it auto activates, so should I wait till tomorrow and try again?

 

[delphin]

Well I'm trying to activate my Vista Ultimate 32-bit and I get this error.
Now I've searched around and re-typing my key in doesn't work and other places say to activate over the phone.
However, I can't activate over the phone, as when I click "Activate Windows" I don't get any option "Show me other ways to Activate", it just goes to a screen that gives three options of buying a new key, re-typing my key, or contacting microsoft.
If I re-type my key, it just goes to the screen that gives me an error and if I select the contact option, it just opens the help file, which leads to the MS website and I can't find any contact number.

If it helps, I've built my computer from scratch, I bought all the parts and put it together.
I also have an OEM Vista Ultimate disk and not a retail version.

Try these steps,

1. open the elevated command prompt,
2. type in "slmgr.vbs -ipk <insert your product key here>"
3. To activate windows after changing the key, run "slmgr.vbs -ato"

Give a try

 

[Cyn]

Yes I've tried that method too and that doesn't work either :S
Is there any other way of getting that "Show me other ways to activate" window?

 

[Antihiatus]

you can right click on my computer. click properties at the bottom it should say activate windows where you can enter the key

 

[Cyn]

I've already tried that option too.
I've practically tried all the ways to activate my key and I can't get to activating it over the phone.
Tried:
- slmgr -ipk <key>; slmgr -ato
- slui.exe 4
- re-typing my key
- reinstalling vista

Done all of that but still no luck.

The only thing I get is:
- Buy a new product key online
- Type a different product key
- Contact Microsoft to help resolve this problem

Clicking the last option only brings up a help file with links to the MS website, which pretty much tell me the same things I've already tried.

 

[Antihiatus]

Have you tried the vista OS key?

 

[Ardneh]

I'm guessing that the problem is your OEM install disk.
OEM disks are different from retail install disks.

They have the manufacturer's utilities and bloatware.
I believe they also add a bit of code that requires
verification from the OEM motherboard's BIOS.

They flash the key into all their boards' BIOS;
your retail board won't have the key.

 

[Cyn]

So then what do you suggest I do?
Is there a way to find what I need from the BIOS?