OMG i hate this OS - -
i installed a {MS update recommended} nvidia sata driver update and now vista says it needs to be activated!
anybody have any thoughts? (besides switch to a mac)

update- called the activation number and the guy on the other end explained that any hardware or software updates deactivates windows -
yes, "hardware or software updates" - i kid you not...

found something to cheer me up-
http://movies.apple.com/movies/us/ap...rt_480x376.mov

Regardless of previous comments, you should have been able to reactivate a genuine copy 10 times with the same product key. Perhaps you have been uninstalling a few times in between your "upgrades"?

I agree, the advice was unfortunate.

I have added HDD, USB hub card, RAM, software of all kinds on several Vista systems and not one activation needed.

Just googled. Yes. It does seem to be a regular problem! But the MS person you spoke to is still a bit off with his knowledge.

seems to be that particular update - if you google 'sata update reactivate vista' apparently othe people ran into the same mess -

I had the same problem when I replaced my video card and installed more ram. I was told I had to re-activate Vista. When I tried to enter my product key, it said that the key had already been used. I took me several hours over two days to get Microsoft to re-activate vista for me. Will this happen every time I upgrade?