I have been having problems with geovision capture boards all week, when installed on a vista. Here are the issues I had. I have powered up a brand new Dell computer system, fresh out of the box. Once powered up Windows Activation key was valid and in use.  I have upgraded to the latest updates, and uninstalled the unneeded programs. Windows Activation key was valid and in use I have installed the video card drivers for the installed video card. Windows Activation key was valid and in use I have installed the GeoVision 8.2 software. But did not reboot. Windows Activation key was valid and in use. Once rebooted went directly the control panel location to view the Windows Activation key, it was valid and in use. Once the initial screen of GeoVision Multicam comes onto the screen, and waits for the various passwords and boot opens, Windows Activation Key is no longer Valid, and has a countdown timer engaged, running from 10 to 3 days to activate prior to shutting down the operating system. If you select enter a activation key at this time, you can do so, it will recognize the key as valid and will let windows continue.  If you do not do this and let the countdown timer to run out, you will have to reimage the hard drive from the Dell back up image, then reload all the software needed to operate the system. I have no such issues using a Avermedia DVR card in any Dell Vista system.