Were you using a softmod or vistaloader activator before? is this the case? Vista Loader V2.1.2 ?? You must remove all activation cracks or programs. Remove all softmods, use clean retail software (32 or 64 bit), install certs and keys... Bios works fine...You should check for mods, if you installed a preactivated version, or maybe fresh install...sorry
Try to add the hewlett-packard string to you bios per the links with dmicfg..SLP1 is not my thing other than this method I apologize, but I KNOW this method works!!
Thanks I never knew there were soft mods on the machine I googled for a tool and have removed them and the pc working great, thanks 911medic for your help
(about the XFX 780i P08 BIOS mod) Actually I didn't even have to reinstall - just fired Vista up and behold - it stayed activated even though I switched the motherboard manufacturer from Asus to XFX and chipset from 680i to 780i. Thanks again!