HP Laptop with Vista?

Margaret

Margaret

Margaret

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15 Nov 2006
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Guys does anybody know if I can reinstall Vista and simply use the serial on the bottom of my laptop?

Or would I have to use the crappy restore discs? (which, I have to create myself and they apparently require FOUR 4.7Gb discs which I don't have)

Would refer to the manuals but I misplaced them, I'd rather just use the serial on the laptop itself than use a downloaded copy of Vista.

Anybody else got a laptop with this sort of setup? (the serial is just a sticker on the bottom)
 
i think serials only work with certain versions ...so you would need the right one.
im thinking the serial you have will only work with certain versions of vista that ship with company pc's/laptops.

im just guessing though as i did once try and use my laptops serial(xp) on a home built pc but it wouldnt take it.

but it may work on the laptop itself(would like to know myself for sure for when i need to reinstall)
 
memory said:
i think serials only work with certain versions ...so you would need the right one.
im thinking the serial you have will only work with certain versions of vista that ship with company pc's/laptops.

im just guessing though as i did once try and use my laptops serial(xp) on a home built pc but it wouldnt take it.

but it may work on the laptop itself(would like to know myself for sure for when i need to reinstall)
Click to expand...

Bah, humbug!

It's a Home Premium serial though for sure, guess the only way is to try it out in a few days!
 
As long as you:
1) Reinstall exactly what the COA is licensed for (Using a Vista Home Premium media disk with a Vista Home Premium COA.) Please note: From what I've gathered the fact the software is 32bit or 64Bit makes no difference, the keys are the same!
2) use the serial key supplied on the COA on the original computer it was supplied with

you'll be fine :). Generally if you use unbranded, generic media (The unbranded, holographic CDs) to reinstall it'll accept any valid key. However, it's when you start using branded media when they start modifying the disks to accept specific serial keys etc. The advantage of using generic media over branded is you will have a completely clean, unmodified version of Windows installed where as manufactures often customize installations (adding applications, adding their brand name everywhere etc.) So if you can, obtain a generic copy of the installation media for your O/S and reinstall, using the key listed on your COA :).
 
Last edited:
Meatball said:
As long as you:
1) Reinstall exactly what the COA is licensed for (Using a Vista Home Premium media disk with a Vista Home Premium COA.) Please note: From what I've gathered the fact the software is 32bit or 64Bit makes no difference, the keys are the same!
2) use the serial key supplied on the COA on the original computer it was supplied with

you'll be fine :). Generally if you use unbranded, generic media (The unbranded, holographic CDs) to reinstall it'll accept any valid key. However, it's when you start using branded media when they start modifying the disks to accept specific serial keys etc. The advantage of using generic media over branded is you will have a completely clean, unmodified version of Windows installed where as manufactures often customize installations (adding applications, adding their brand name everywhere etc.) So if you can, obtain a generic copy of the installation media for your O/S and reinstall, using the key listed on your COA :).
Click to expand...

Cheers! :)
 
Just for anyone else wondering if you can re-use the serial, I downloaded the MSDN Vista disc (with Ultimate, Business, Home Premium etc) and it activated fine. :)
 
All versions of Vista are on the same media. When you enter the license key that determines what version, HP Basic or Ultimate to install.
The 32bit and 64 bit media use the same serial keys and you can use any OEM media with the serial on the laptop.
 
Brian Stuart said:
All versions of Vista are on the same media. When you enter the license key that determines what version, HP Basic or Ultimate to install.
The 32bit and 64 bit media use the same serial keys and you can use any OEM media with the serial on the laptop.
Click to expand...

Ah didn't know that, the other DVD I have is pre-activated and installs Ultimate regardless so just assumed. :p
 
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