Need re-install CDs/DVDs. Where to get??

[jjmIII]

Hi everyone...

I fix computers for people, but need some DVDs to get the job done.
I have the legal keys right on the case stickers, but just need the software!

Needed:
Vista Basic
XP Media Center

Any ideas??

Thanks -Jim

 

[MStele]

Well I believe XP Media Center is OEM only so good luck finding that one. As for Vista, every disc has every version on it, and there is no difference between the OEM and retail discs (with the exception being upgrade versions. Your code is what dictates which version is installed, and if you forgo putting the code in till last you can choose which version to install, but keep in mind if you install the wrong version you need your code will not work.

 

[jjmIII]

Thank You Thank You Thank You

Until now, I never knew the power of my Vista HP Upgrade Disk!

 

[Binky]

For the Media Center, I would try posting over at some of the Media Center forums like GreenButton or MissingRemote. Somebody surely has an old set of discs that they would send you for a few bucks. Otherwise, your way to get them might have to be through one of the less legal channels.

 

[ecom]

Some of the keys on stickers do not work. In an attempt to thwart piracy, Microsoft invalidated many of the the keys on the COA stickers you find on branded computers. I have a couple copies of Vista OEM and a sticker to go along with it which is valid. However, if you are talking about something like Dell, HP, or something along those lines the key doesn't work.

The reason is that branded computers come with a disc that does not ask for a key and have automatic activation. The machines have some values embedded in the BIOS that is authenticated during install.

On an additional note, if you use a branded disc from HP or Dell, you can install to any machine with those discs, but you will find that when you go to system properties, it will also have the Dell or HP brand logo in there.