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Dell system Vista re-install question (ISO from internet)

A

AnMig

Golden Member
My dell 420 desktop is FUBARED and I need to re-install the OS.
It did not come with an operating disc just software to re-install an image I presume. (there is a15gb recovery partition.

I wanted to nuke the recovery partition and install mint on it instead.

So simple question
I have a Vista x86 copy retail that I borrowed form the internet for this purpose.

Will this work with my dell legitimate key? (windows home premium)

In the old XP days you actually had to use OEM versions, I suspect this is not the case for Vista but can someone confirm.

I am not a pirate using my dell key for this install.

I rather format the HD to make sure I get rid of whatever virus I picked up that just keeps my computer from rebooting (typing this in safe mode)

Thanks.
 
You still need an OEM version of the operating system (in this case Vista 32 bit) A retail copy will not activate with an OEM key (which your Dell has) .. Also before you decide to nuke the drive, make a recovery cd following the instructions from Dell. If this is a fairly new computer, you can ask Dell to send the OS DVD .. there may be a slight fee for it.
 
bruceb said:
You still need an OEM version of the operating system (in this case Vista 32 bit) A retail copy will not activate with an OEM key (which your Dell has) .. Also before you decide to nuke the drive, make a recovery cd following the instructions from Dell. If this is a fairly new computer, you can ask Dell to send the OS DVD .. there may be a slight fee for it.
Click to expand...

darn I thought I could use the retail copy.

I guess I could try to do the image thing, wanted to avoid having to unsintall all the crap it came with. I already have all my stuff backed up in a external HD.

Thanks
 
If you can boot into Windows, you can download a tool to read the key (not the same as your COA sticker) and the Dell SLIC certificate. I'm can't link to that tool since it's usually associated with "working around" Windows activation.

You can install with any Vista DVD and do the following steps in Command Prompt running as Administrator.

slmgr -ilc filename (where filename is the Dell SLIC certificate)
slmgr -ipk cdkey

Your Windows Vista install should now be activated.
 
Last edited:
WobbleWobble said:
If you can boot into Windows, you can download a tool to read the key (not the same as your COA sticker) and the Dell SLIC certificate. I'm can't link to that tool since it's usually associated with "working around" Windows activation.

You can install with any Vista DVD and do the following steps in Command Prompt running as Administrator.

slmgr -ilc filename (where filename is the Dell SLIC certificate)
slmgr -ipk cdkey

Your Windows Vista install should now be activated.
Click to expand...


I can boot into safe mode thats it.

It may be just easier to find a Dell OEM Vista 32 bit off some torrent site.

I just discovered that I have an ACRONIS image dated 02/11/08 that I created must be around the time I bought this. I guess I can just re-install it this way.
 
Dell has a web page to ask for a free copy of the OS and driver disks for Dell PCs. I don't know if there are age or other limitations, but, so far, all my clients have been able to get free Dell disks shipped to them when they asked for them.
 
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You can use that retail disc without a problem. There are no OEM or retail discs anymore. Use ABR (Activation Backup and Restore) if the current install works well enough to load.
 
tcsenter said:
You can use that retail disc without a problem. There are no OEM or retail discs anymore. Use ABR (Activation Backup and Restore) if the current install works well enough to load.
Click to expand...

this is what I thought, great.

I installed a previous 2 year old image but it has all the crap from dell, instead of cleaning it up I much rather start from a clean install (same amount of work anyway).


Now I have to find the ABR somewhere this is the first time I heard of such a program. I used to be really anal about doing Acronis images (monthly during the XP days) but this stopped after I started Vista, it has been stable for 2 years until I did something stupid.

I think a re-install will work much better for me since I added few things already (GTX 295, X-fi sound card, TV card).

peace
 
tcsenter said:
You can use that retail disc without a problem. There are no OEM or retail discs anymore.
Click to expand...

This is the first time anybody anywhere, has answered this question straight-up. Most people say "well, it worked this way in XP so it should work this way in vista" or "i dunno, maybe, but you shouldn't try it", etc.
 
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