Gateway laptop question with Vista

[SoundTheSurrender]

I want to reformat my Gateway laptop. I don't want to use the recovery disc. I have a Vista DVD. Can I use the serial number that's on my Gateway laptop with my Vista DVD?

Thanks

 

[pukemon]

Yes, but since your notebook came OEM preactivated, it might be better to use this tool called ABR (Activation Backup and Restore).

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: SoundTheSurrender I have a Vista DVD. Can I use the serial number that's on my Gateway laptop with my Vista DVD? Thanks

Yes, provided the Key ID on the bottom of your Gateway is for Vista. And, the Key ID is version specific if it is for Vista. Many Vista DVDs come with several versions, but only the one that matches your key is valid.

Also, be sure to download and have on hand all of the Gateway drivers for the built-in systems. Those will not normally be on your Vista DVD.

 

[teddyv]

I recently bought a Gateway (the ridiculously low-priced Best Buy one) and it came with Vista 64, it was a bit funky so I did a complete reinstall to the 32-bit with the disc that came with it. It was pretty easy - I just did a recovery disk (you can only do this once, why I don't know), installed the 32-bit, then reinstalled drivers and some programs with the recovery disk. The side benefit is that when you do this you can elect to skip all the extraneous crap that Gateway puts on there (some of which I couldn't uninstall in 64.) It does take time with lots of re-boots, but in the end I am quite pleased.

 

[amazed53]

Originally posted by: teddyv
I recently bought a Gateway (the ridiculously low-priced Best Buy one) and it came with Vista 64, it was a bit funky so I did a complete reinstall to the 32-bit with the disc that came with it. It was pretty easy - I just did a recovery disk (you can only do this once, why I don't know), installed the 32-bit, then reinstalled drivers and some programs with the recovery disk. The side benefit is that when you do this you can elect to skip all the extraneous crap that Gateway puts on there (some of which I couldn't uninstall in 64.) It does take time with lots of re-boots, but in the end I am quite pleased.

Hmmm, which model did you get? I have the P-7811 FX and it allowed me to make 2 restore DVDs and APPS dvds sessions ( 6 DVDs in all). I didn't try to make any more since I figured that was enough in case the first set got scratched.

I then installed another 200GB matched hdd and setup RAID 64bit with the included Vista OEM DVD and used the APPs/Drivers DVD I made to get all the hardware working. Was very clean and simple to do too. It never asked me for a Key for Vista; I suppose it recognized the sytem it was made for; dunno'.

 

[boomhower]

I also have a 7811 and just did a plain old fashion reformat and reinstall. No backup partitions etc. I just downloaded all the drivers to a flash drive beforehand and wiped it clean. Then reinstalled 64bit, installed the drivers, and everything was good to go in under an hour. I have never got restore DVD's. Oversized, outdated drivers, etc.

 

[Chrono]

Any of you guys have your fx7811 die on you? Had mine for a month and it's dead now. I've hardly gamed on it. Mostly surfing. Now it doesn't even post. Only thing I've done is reformat to the 64bit vista they provide. I'm pissed!!!!!!!