Error Code 0x80072F8F when trying to activate Windows Vista

[xcrazyboy1992x]

I've just did a clean install of Windows Vista 32-bit on a new hard drive using an actual Windows Vista disc and installed the drivers first to get internet access. I have set the correct date and time as well as correct time zone (I live in Central Time Zone) and when I tried entering the product key (yes it's the correct product key), I get this error code 0x80072F8F and I clicked More Information and it says "A security error occurred" in the description. I even replaced the CMOS battery with a new battery and synchronized the time after setting it to the correct date and time and still get this same error when I tried to activate it. Phone activation is no longer available for Vista. I can install updates with no problems though. It's just I can't activate it. I changed MediaBootInstall from 1 to 0 with regedit and still no luck. Am I missing something? Any ideas like step by step instructions?

 

[SIW2]

I activated vista by phone a couple of months ago.

What makes you think "phone activation is no longer available" ?
Type slui 4 in the run box to get the free phone number.

Alternatively, if you still have vista installed on the other hard disk, plug it in, boot into it, and back up the activation using something like the second program listed here

Then you can restore that on the new installation - if it the same machine and same edition.

 

[SIW2]

It looks as if we are no longer able to get updates for vista via WU.

 

[xcrazyboy1992x]

It could be the MS servers I think. I checked it on another computer that has Vista activated and still get the same error code when I check for updates.

 

[Vistaar]

It could be the MS servers I think. I checked it on another computer that has Vista activated and still get the same error code when I check for updates.

The recent issue with updates will almost certainly be permanent (Windows Update SHA-1 based endpoints discontinued for older Windows devices). Were you able to activate using one of the methods suggested by SIW2?

 

[xcrazyboy1992x]

That's just sad that we can't check for/install updates anymore, not even on Windows XP!! As soon as I activate it with the phone method, I'll make a backup so I don't have to do it again. What makes Microsoft think someone's going to spoof content perform phishing attacks, or perform man-in-the-middle attacks!?

 

[Vistaar]

Were you able to activate using one of the methods suggested by SIW2?

Updates are only useful if activation is possible.

 

[xcrazyboy1992x]

I just activated Windows Vista by phone method today. All I need to do is backup the activation on to a new installation on another hard drive and I'm all set!