View Full Version : Using a Vista install disk with an OEM product key - possible?
megamania
July 21st, 2009, 03:07 PM
I recently purchased an Acer laptop with Vista Home Premium. Even if I got rid of windows 5 years ago, I'd like to keep it installed for a while along with Ubuntu.
In order to get rid of the bloated OEM install, can I use a Vista Home Premium install disk (I have a genuine, activated copy) to reinstall a clean version of the OS, and then use/change the product key to the one of the laptop?
Would that work?
HappyFeet
July 21st, 2009, 03:43 PM
Chances are, yes. As long as you are using the right key for the right version, it is legal.
mikewhatever
July 21st, 2009, 03:53 PM
Since your question is not even remotely related to Ubuntu, you should probably ask at a Windows forum. http://www.microsoft.com/communities/forums/default.mspx
forrestcupp
July 21st, 2009, 03:54 PM
You have to use an OEM install disk. An OEM license key won't work with a retail install disk.
But you can legally download an OEM iso through torrents. The software is freely available; it's the license to run it that you pay for. Just don't succumb to the illegal temptations out there.
jespdj
July 21st, 2009, 03:56 PM
The software is freely available; it's the license to run it that you pay for.
Freely available?! If that were the case, Microsoft would offer it for download themselves, and they don't.
calrogman
July 21st, 2009, 04:03 PM
Freely available?! If that were the case, Microsoft would offer it for download themselves, and they don't.
They don't because if people knew they were only buying a license, they would simply uninstall from one computer when the computer "broke" and install on another instead of buy another install disk (and a redundant license along with it).
mamamia88
July 21st, 2009, 04:31 PM
don't bother. on xp your product key only works if it's the same exact version that came with the computer.
forrestcupp
July 21st, 2009, 04:48 PM
Freely available?! If that were the case, Microsoft would offer it for download themselves, and they don't.
Actually, they used to allow you to download the iso's on their web site.
As I'm looking into it more, torrents are an easy way to do it if you have a legit license, but the legality of it is questionable.
HappyFeet
July 21st, 2009, 05:48 PM
don't bother. on xp your product key only works if it's the same exact version that came with the computer.
True. But that's why pc repair shops reinstall windows with the discs they have on hand. As long as the computer has a valid product key on it, they just use the discs they have at the shop, and input the key number found on the computer.
That being said, I have downloaded retail versions of windows for my business, and will reinstall for someone provided they have a valid key. They have already paid for the license and should not have to pay again just because they lost their disc.
bodhi.zazen
July 21st, 2009, 06:26 PM
Since your question is not even remotely related to Ubuntu, you should probably ask at a Windows forum. http://www.microsoft.com/communities/forums/default.mspx
+1
We have a large forums and are encouraging Fedora questiosn => fedora forums, arch => arch forms, gentoo => gentoo,
and in your case windows => windows forums.
The question has been asked and answered and I am closing this now to prevent trolling off topic commentary (plenty of open threads in recurring discussions if you wish to discuss the topic).
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.2 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.