What to do when Microsoft sells you an invalid Product Key?

No seriously, I’m asking what department I’m supposed to go to.

Here’s the deal. I purchased two Windows Vista Home Premium product keys way back when Vista was shipping. They were $50/each, under their Family Upgrade Discount deal. I purchased the keys from a special Windows e-store that is since defunct.

Fast forward to 2009. I only wound up using one of the keys (which, was still a good deal, considering Home Premium ran $119 at the time). The other key went unused.

Well, now I want to use that second key. And, unfortunately, I didn’t know many Family Upgrade Discount keys were invalid. There’s no support number to call, and no department that appears to field these invalid keys.

Any better suggestions than to get pass the buck treatment at 800-MICROSOFT?

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