Vista OEM Activation Key - how to use it for a clean install?

[jrichrds]

My Compaq Vista laptop came pre-loaded with a bunch of bloatware, and only came with a system recovery disc that is an image of what comes pre-loaded (unlike many Dells, which seem to come with clean Vista discs)

I tried using that Windows Anytime Upgrade disc to do a clean install, and it wouldn't accept the key. Then, I tried doing the install twice trick (first time clean install, second time an upgrade) that's been talked about on the Internet, and it still wouldn't accept the key.

Is there any way I can do a clean install of Vista with the activation key that is affixed to the bottom of the laptop? Would an OEM disc from a Dell computer work?

 

[gxsaurav]

Only that key will work which is tied to the particular computer hardware.

Just clean install Vista using Windows Vista DVD & then if it still doesn't activates using the pre-supplied key then call the customar support & they will activate it on phone.

 

[Some6uy008]

If you get an OEM version of whatever windows you're using, you can use the activation key on the bottom. It doesn't really have to be Dell, but if you're able to get a Dell, then you won't have to go through the trouble of punching in the keys.

Edit: P.S. I could be wrong, this works for Sony/Compaq/Hp/IBM, but never tried on Dell.

 

[Raduque]

Originally posted by: jrichrds
My Compaq Vista laptop came pre-loaded with a bunch of bloatware, and only came with a system recovery disc that is an image of what comes pre-loaded (unlike many Dells, which seem to come with clean Vista discs)

I tried using that Windows Anytime Upgrade disc to do a clean install, and it wouldn't accept the key. Then, I tried doing the install twice trick (first time clean install, second time an upgrade) that's been talked about on the Internet, and it still wouldn't accept the key.

Is there any way I can do a clean install of Vista with the activation key that is affixed to the bottom of the laptop? Would an OEM disc from a Dell computer work?

It's technically a gray area, but if you can "acquire" an OEM Vista DVD, you should be able to use the double-install method to activate. If it doesn't work, simply install normally and call the MS Activation hotline.


Edit: have you simply tried uninstalling the crap?

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: Some6uy008
If you get an OEM version of whatever windows you're using, you can use the activation key on the bottom. It doesn't really have to be Dell, but if you're able to get a Dell, then you won't have to go through the trouble of punching in the keys.

Edit: P.S. I could be wrong, this works for Sony/Compaq/Hp/IBM, but never tried on Dell.

I know for Dells, the key on the bottom of the laptop isn't the same key that is actually used in the OS. Try using Magic Jelly Bean to dig up the actual key that was used on the OS.

 

[Dahak]

Usually the key on the machine, ie dell, compaq, hp is usually an oem key so if you can get a oem install dvd for vista, you can re-install with that key that is on the machine, but it may fail the internet activation as ms has been getting stingy on those keys so you will have to call and get it activated. Do it all the time at work when the customer cant fine / created the recovery media

As for using a dell install cd on a non dell, it may work it may not, I've seen some of the cds custom built for dell with some of the dell software pre-loading during the setup. Dont know if this has changed on vista

 

[zig3695]

no no, what you do is opt 'do not inset key right now' or whatever it actually is, at the install screen when it asks for the key. it will tell you that you must activate in 30 days. once youre in windows, click 'activate this copy' in the control panel. you enter your key, it says "no im a bitch and i dont like it, call microsoft" and so you do. within 6 min the person on the phone will have your system activated. you dont have to lie to him about anything, just answer his two questions he asks you and say nothing else. they dont care as long as its only on one pc at a time.

ps- and yes, any vista oem disc should work, but they are version specific, so if you need the home premium you need a home premium oem disc. if you dont have one ( the dell ones might have bloatware on them) there are other ways to get the discs, either friends or other itty-'bit'ty ways.