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can i use a copy of vista install disk?

  • 28-04-2010 11:53PM
    #1
    foggy_lad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,373 ✭✭✭✭


    not sure about this so thought i would ask here,

    i have a laptop on which i want to reinstall windows vista without all the manufacturer stuff(rubbish) which i find slows the laptop down a lot, so i thought i could get me hands on a copy of a vista installation disk and use that with my legitimate activation key which is on a genuine microsoft sticker under my laptop.

    is this allowed or will it pass the validation procedure? should i even be looking for a copy of the windows disk without the licence key? afaik these disks are available for a fee from microsoft but i have already paid for the software and licence so dont know where i stand with this. can anyone give advice on what i should do?
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    CaraFawn
    Closed Accounts Posts: 314 ✭✭CaraFawn


    Yes of course you can

    The installation key is on the green sticker that has the Microsoft hologram
    It should be under the laptop.

    If not (very unlikely), check the papers that came with the laptop, you should have one certificate of authenticity for Windows, again, green sticker.

    It will ask you to activate again, no problem, do it over internet.


  • #3
    karma403
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 107 ✭✭karma403


    I saw on a thread that using a reinstall disk from another manufacturer might be a problem. I want to reinstall on a sony laptop but I think I'll be able to get my hands on a dell disk.

    Can anyone clarify this?


  • #4
    Wicklowrider
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,029 ✭✭✭Wicklowrider


    karma403 wrote: »
    I saw on a thread that using a reinstall disk from another manufacturer might be a problem. I want to reinstall on a sony laptop but I think I'll be able to get my hands on a dell disk.

    Can anyone clarify this?
    Dell disk is specific to Dell in my experience, as are any other manufacturers disks I've ever used. You won't waste much time trying as it will only do a system check, stop and advise you its not a Dell.


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