Copy Windows Vista?

danyjr · 29 Jun 2008 at 09:27

Hey there,

I bought a laptop with Vista on it about a year ago, and I want to change my OS to XP (I have a Windows XP CD already). However I intend to install Vista later on in September and I don't want to buy a copy of it, since I already got a CD key of Windows Vista (the one that came with my laptop). One of my mates said I can burn a copy of Vista on CD (or DVD?) using the Vista that I already have. Does anyone know if its true? And If yes, how can I do that?

Thanks in advance.

RJC · 29 Jun 2008 at 09:41

No, you can not legaly make copy copies of Vista, also the key is tied to your laptop so again you can only legaly install Vista on the laptop it was originaly activated.

Rob

eXor · 29 Jun 2008 at 10:44

danyjr said:
Hey there,

I bought a laptop with Vista on it about a year ago, and I want to change my OS to XP (I have a Windows XP CD already). However I intend to install Vista later on in September and I don't want to buy a copy of it, since I already got a CD key of Windows Vista (the one that came with my laptop). One of my mates said I can burn a copy of Vista on CD (or DVD?) using the Vista that I already have. Does anyone know if its true? And If yes, how can I do that?

Thanks in advance.

Ask the vendor for a DVD?

Clone your drive with something like dd or ATI. Make sure that it is an exact copy (MBR, partition table, e.t.c. )

You should have a recovery partition ( or optical disks ) that can be used to restore the laptop to its factory state.

stoofa · 29 Jun 2008 at 12:37

To be certain of legality there are other questions that need to be asked.
You say that you are going to install Windows XP on your laptop as you "already have the XP CD".
Having an XP CD means nothing at all - I've got literally hundreds of WinXP CDs at work, doesn't mean I can do a lot with them.
What is the license situation of this copy of WinXP?
If it is a retail version of WinXP you must make sure it is removed from all other machines before you install it on your laptop.
If it is an OEM copy of WinXP then I'm afraid the license cannot be legally moved from the machine it is currently installed on.
If it is a brand new OEM copy (never before used) then that will be fine.

With regards your copy of Vista.
It is licensed only for use on your laptop.
There is nothing to stop you making a backup copy of Vista and then installing Windows XP on your laptop (see above for license legality).
However the copy of Vista you have can ONLY be installed on your laptop - it cannot be transferred to any other machine.

danyjr · 29 Jun 2008 at 14:14

Ask the vendor for a DVD?

Clone your drive with something like dd or ATI. Make sure that it is an exact copy (MBR, partition table, e.t.c. )

You should have a recovery partition ( or optical disks ) that can be used to restore the laptop to its factory state.

That might be a bit too complicated for me. But thanks for the advice, I will definitely use this as a last resort if I can't find an easier way to do it.

What is the license situation of this copy of WinXP?

Retail version.

There is nothing to stop you making a backup copy of Vista and then installing Windows XP on your laptop (see above for license legality).

How can I make a backup copy of Vista? I don't have any CD or DVD. Could you explain a bit more please?

Your comments are appreciated

eXor · 29 Jun 2008 at 14:29

Laptop make and model?

danyjr · 29 Jun 2008 at 14:53

eXor said:
Laptop make and model?

Acer 5920G.

Dano · 29 Jun 2008 at 15:10

Don't Acer's come with the option to burn recovery media?

eXor · 29 Jun 2008 at 16:18

danyjr said:
Acer 5920G.

From www.acerdirect.co.uk

Gordon: Earlier answer stated "The laptop comes with a restore partition rather than discs as they are faster to use when restoring and can not be lost unlike the old style discs." What happens if hard disc fails outside of warranty and has to be replaced - how is the operating system re-installed without the installation discs?

Easycom: An authorized Acer repair center will replace the operating system and reinstall the recovery partition else the notebook does give you the opportunity to create a recovery disk or if you want a disk can be order from the Acer support directly.

Consult the documentation or call support.

leezer3 · 29 Jun 2008 at 16:28

If it's Vista Business, this gives a backwards licence for XP pro.
Otherwise, IIRC you'll need a legal XP licence.

Cheers

-Leezer-

marmalade · 29 Jun 2008 at 17:47

Its absolutely no probs just use a copy of Vista ( beg borrow a copy and apply copy applicable to your serial) and then insert serial that came with the laptop. Exactly what I have done- mine was OEM Vista premium click suitaby whilst installing and start updating from MS