As I said in the previous message, I have heard of this before. It's usually with OEM software (ie preinstalled software on new computers) rather than buying the whole package off the shelf. I don't know for certain but wouldn't be surprised if there is a bug in the product activation part.

I know how everyone "hates" Microsoft, but I would contact them about it rather than Dell. Dell will probably ask you to contact Microsoft anyway.

Your hubby didn't try to activate it twice by any chance?