Just a quick Vista version question for an install...

[nOOky]

I bought a new laptop, but it's got all that stupid front end stuff on it. The supplied Vista dvd also has that stuff slipstreamed on it. Can I use another Vista Ultimate dvd I have without all the garbage, and use my Home Premium key with that?

 

[lxskllr]

I'm not sure about Vista. XP was version specific, eg oem key needed oem install media. Give it a try, and see what happens. I have an idea that it'll work, but can't provide proof.

 

[Swampster]

If you give it your Vista Home Premium key during the install process, then what it will install is Home Premium. The DVD is the same, it just installs the appropriate feature set based on the Key.

 

[RebateMonger]

Since your original version of Vista is likely a vendor-specific version (Dell, HP, etc.), then it'll require that you Activate Vista. Online Activation will be refused. You'll need to call Microsoft to Activate it.

Large-OEM versions of Vista (and XP) are linked to the BIOS of the PC and should NEVER require Activation as long as you use the (Dell, HP, etc) motherboard it came with. If you try using a Retail or "generic-OEM" version of Vista, you'll have to Activate.

 

[nOOky]

I'll give it a try then. I have a copy purchased at a Microsoft employee store, and it should go over the Asus install. I'm not sure if the Asus is bios-specific or not. The worst that can happen is I simply reformat I guess either way.
Thanks for the replies.

 

[KeypoX]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
Since your original version of Vista is likely a vendor-specific version (Dell, HP, etc.), then it'll require that you Activate Vista. Online Activation will be refused. You'll need to call Microsoft to Activate it.

Large-OEM versions of Vista (and XP) are linked to the BIOS of the PC and should NEVER require Activation as long as you use the (Dell, HP, etc) motherboard it came with. If you try using a Retail or "generic-OEM" version of Vista, you'll have to Activate.

i only have experience with this on 4 laptops but, using my retail disk on dell, dell, sony and acer all had no problems and didnt need to be activated. All with keys on the back. Home premium and home.

Worse thing is you have to call to activate?