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Confused Buying Vista

The system builders pack is basically a OEM copy of Vista. OEM copies are tied to the computer itself (Motherboard specifically) and are non-transferable even if removed from the original computer.

The retail version is transferable to another computer once it is removed from the original PC. You are allowed to tranfer it as many times as you like, but it can only be installed on one PC at a time.

Unless you are going to be building a complete new system every few months like some enthusiats do, you are better served by saving money and buying the system builders pack. You can still update all of the other components in the PC with a OEM copy so it makes no sense to buy retail unless you are scrapping motherboards frequently.
 
With system builders it lets you do a clean install. No prev windows required.
I have one system builders version and have installed on a few different motherboards, after the old board died or MB features became outdated. I never had a problem re-installing on a different MB from the original install. Once I had to call MS to activate. Just said the old MB died and got a new one. No problem. They are more concerned you only have it installed on one PC system at a time. I get the impression MS is getting a lot less picky with vista avtivation issues. Maybe they are sick of vista issues too??? And are looking ahead to Windows 7. I reinstall both owned copies of vista often, for hardware issues/changes or system performance issues. I have not had to call in to MS for activation for a long long (long) time. it just activates itself without issue.
 
Originally posted by: JackSpadesSI
That's the upgrade version of Vista. Being a newly-built system, I wouldn't have anything to upgrade from.
Click to expand...

1. Install vista without key the first time.
2. Upgrade Vista this time with key.

It's just that easy.
 
Thanks for the advice. It does sound like the System Builders version is the way to go. What I meant was that the link that 13Gigatons provided was for the Upgrade version, not the System Builders version (and it is more expensive than the System Builders version, too).
 
I posted that without seeing 13Gigatons' latest post. Anyway, I guess I just don't understand. How do you install Vista without a key... does it really let you do that?

If the $99 Windows Vista Home Premium for System Builders works for re-installs (as sportage says) then I think I'll stick with that to save money. Thanks for everyone's replies, though.
 
Originally posted by: sportage
I get the impression MS is getting a lot less picky with vista avtivation issues. Maybe they are sick of vista issues too??? And are looking ahead to Windows 7. I reinstall both owned copies of vista often, for hardware issues/changes or system performance issues. I have not had to call in to MS for activation for a long long (long) time. it just activates itself without issue.
Click to expand...

They have slacked off tremendously on activations. I have activated this OEM copy of Vista at least 12 times since I purchased it in 2007. With XP if you activated more than three times in a six month period, you would have to phone Microsoft for activation. I have never had to activate this copy of Vista over the phone once, ever.

With that said, Microsoft tweaked WGA after the server fiasco because it had caused a serious consumer backlash, and did nothing to prevent or even slow piracy. Microsoft understands that WGA and activation needs to be essentially unseen by the vast majority of it's legit customer base if they are to continue to try to sell it to customers. It is much like the tweaking Microsoft is doing with UAC. It is still there, but much less in your face.
 

First install:
With the update clean install trick, I install with out the key first time.
It asks ARE YOU SURE, click ok or yes.
Then it lists all versions of vista. All are actually on the disk.
You select the version you paid for. Basic, prem, ulti, whatever.
I also under disk options, do a format of the drive I will install to.

Second install:
Load the vista disk into the drive.
Run setup from with in vista (vista you just finished installing without the key).
This time chose UPDATE and put in the code key.
Thats it.
 
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