vista activation

jaybd · 18 Dec 2007 at 10:42

installed vista premium from a m8's disc to try it out, works really well very happy so i have bought an oem version can i just use my code on my new disc or do i need to reformat and start from fresh.

cheers

Brian Stuart · 18 Dec 2007 at 10:56

If your mates disk was an OEM copy and you have bought the same version then you can just enter your own product key and activate

jaybd · 18 Dec 2007 at 11:16

m8's disc is retail, so does that mean a reformat and reinstall of my oem disc i would have thought i could just put my activation code in which would register it as oem ?.

Brian Stuart · 18 Dec 2007 at 14:04

The product key is tied to a particular type of Vista ie a retail product key cannot be used with an OEM disk. Format and reinstall I'm afraid.

jaybd · 20 Dec 2007 at 09:37

make or break 1 day left till activation runs out and i dont really wanna have to reformat is it possible just to install my copy as an upgrade whilst in windows as it would then back my old version up so i can then copy setting over or am i just grabbing at straws ?

cheers

Snakedoctor · 20 Dec 2007 at 10:21

No, simply re-install, all you old setting and docs will be put in a folder called "windows.old". You can transfer from there. You will have to reinstall programs though. Its not too hard to do.

Burnsy2023 · 20 Dec 2007 at 11:47

Format and reinstall, saves more hassle in the long run

Burnsy

DanMc07 · 20 Dec 2007 at 12:08

As said, format and reinstall is the best option.

swinnie · 20 Dec 2007 at 13:19

DanMc07 said:
As said, format and reinstall is the best option.

And will give a lot more stability (did I just say that about Vista?? :confused:

)

Snakedoctor · 20 Dec 2007 at 13:26

No need to format, makes no difference to stability. As long as you wipe old install