OEM Vista = Retail Vista?

[TemjinGold]

Not sure if anyone can answer this but figured I'd ask:

I own 2 copies of Vista Ultimate, 1 retail (for my desktop) and 1 OEM (lenovo laptop.) Now the OEM didn't come with discs but I DO have a product key on the bottom of my laptop (dumb place to put it as anyone could swipe it I guess.) If I were to replace the HD, would I be able to install using my retail dvd and plug in the OEM key I have for the laptop or are retail discs different from oem ones completely? I know the different retail versions of Vista use the same exact disc...

Failing that, would I be able to umm... acquire a copy of Vista Ultimate OEM and install with my key? I figure it should be legal since I DO own this copy, Lenovo was just too cheap to provide me with media.

 

[corkyg]

I believe it will work. I received my Lenovo T60 with Vista Business installed. I also have Vista Ultimate with proper keys. I upgraded the Thinkpad to Ultimate using the "retail" Ultimate key with no problem.

 

[TemjinGold]

But you are referring to using a retail key w/ retail software on the laptop. I meant, can I install with my retail Ultimate media onto my laptop using my OEM Ultimate key that came with the laptop (so OEM key w/ retail software).

 

[mechBgon]

Probably not. But see if Lenovo has discs available that you can pick up for cheap. I think they're required to have them available on request.

 

[TemjinGold]

Will give them a call then. Thanks!

 

[corkyg]

My T60 came from Lenovo with a Microsoft DVD that could be used for installing all versions of Vista provided you have a legit key. If the OEM key is for Ultimate it could be OK. I get my keys from Microsoft TechNet subscription.

 

[Err0r404]

can I install with my retail Ultimate media onto my laptop using my OEM Ultimate key that came with the laptop (so OEM key w/ retail software).

1. Yes it will work, however!! you will have harder time finding all your Laptop softwares/drivers manually and it's a battle on its own.

Even if you can get all your drivers; SOMETIME Microsoft have different format for the retail vs. OEM vs. RC (Release Candidate) activation codes. Say something like all retail version have 16digit that idenitify it as "retail" and it may not let you use OEM code to unlock it. (this is to prevent tons of people sharing their OEM code to be used on retail products kinda. I've seen this before with same versions of XP that one required different length of code also. (Strange but i think this is due to regional releases; US vs. EU version that may have different format of code)

*you imagine people can go to local Bestbuy or Circuit city, look under the displayed laptops and copy their code to activate other retail products? Probably not.

2. If it does work, somewhere in their EULA that said it's illegal to install a copy of OS in two different computers so, you do the math.

3. Easiest to call your IBM and get a replacement OEM disc or restore disc. Legal