Went in to System Administration Tools and checked option to start up with original boot configuration hoping to get rid of all these programs that are starting up. It comes up saying This Version of Windows has expired please type in your serial no. or be redirected to Microsoft to buy another license etc. etc. I put in my license/serial no. and it restarts and comes back to same screen. I tried it many times. Just a viscious cycle. How do I undo what I did to get windows back up? Thanks.Smwabill.

Hi Smwabill, This issue can occur if some files in the Windows Product Activation feature have been corrupted. Therefore, you may be prompted to re-activate Windows Vista. This issue may also infrequently occur when you install some programs or device drivers. We can activate Windows Vista manually by phone using either of the following methods:Method 1:1. Click the Start button, type "SLUI.EXE" (without the quotation marks) in the search box, and press Enter.2. When prompted for administrative privileges, click on Allow.3. Click on Activate Windows Online Now.4. After the activation fails, select "Show me other ways to activate."5. Choose Phone activation and follow the onscreen steps. Method 2:1. Click the Start button, type "SLUI.EXE 4" (without the quotation marks) in the search box, and press Enter.2. Select the nearest location, and click Next.3. When prompted for administrative privileges, click on Allow.4. Follow the onscreen steps.For more information about Windows Activation issues, please refer to:Microsoft Product Activation<http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation.mspx> Product Activation Facts<http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation_faq.mspx> Hope this helps.

Actually another tech answered my question. I thank you for responding. I appreciate it. I found success with this forum answer tothe samequestion I postedaccidentially when I didn't think this threadgot posted. I normally do not post threads twice. http://forums.microsoft.com/forums/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=3055619&SiteID=1 It just involved booting up with F8 and using safe command prompt for DOS and going into msconfig.exe and changing it back. Worked very well. Thanks again for your response. smwabill

Hi Smwabil, I am glad to hear the problem has been resolved and share experience with us. Thanks.