T61 Vista Business install problems

[Hans Gruber]

I put in the Vista COA key of this 14" T61. I got the message "generic windows key cannot be used for activation." I have installed Windows Vista Business on 3 or 4 other T61 models without issue. I am using a SP2 Vista Business 64 bit iso disc. It took the key on install but failed to activate through the online activation. I didn't have Middleton on this T61 and thought maybe putting Middleton on with the SLIC 2.1 tables would help but got the same message on activation.

Does anybody here have any experience with this issue or a work around for it? I only bought this machine for the T9300 CPU in it. I got it really cheap and it's a junker, not in bad shape but a junker. Wobbly hinges, low res screen, integrated graphics, no fingerprint reader, 08/08 manufacture date. I have a T8300 in it and it sat on my workbench in pieces for probably 5 months before I decided that I should put it back together and get it up and running.

Any suggestions as to how to remedy this situation without calling Microsoft.

[RealBlackStuff]

Middleton's BIOS should do it.

[Hans Gruber]

I finally had my first success cloning an entire OS and system from one drive to another. This was my solution for my inability to get windows update to work in a timely fashion. I have a SYBA CL-ENC50038 2.5" & 3.5" White SATA I/II/III USB 3.0 Dual Mode SATA III HDD Duplicator + Docking Station. Identical T61 models (both with T8300 CPU's) with integrated graphics, both Vista Business 64 bit and 14.1" widescreen models.

No software, a hardware based push button operation. Anyway, problem solved.