Need retail version of Vista business

Hi all, last week my V1s died and when I went to use the recovery DVD it failed because it dosent recognise the BIOS, I tried rolling back to all previous bios and it still dosent work. I spoke to asus AU and they said I have to bring it in and get a new mobo, its 3 hours drive from me and this is my second mobo as it is. They agreed that a retail version of vista would work as the notebook comes with a vista key on the bottom.

But I dont want to have to fork out ~$400 for an OS I already legally own, any ideas how to get a copy? I do not want to illegally dl via BT as I dont want a pre cracked copy.

 

u could ask asus to send it.hp and dell do if u ask

 

I asked, they said no

 

Just spoke to MS again, They said the only option available to me is to downgrade to XP, they refuse to send me a copy, Asus want me to send it in for repairs (5th trip in under a month!) I dont know why their bothering, they are going to have to replace the mobo which will cost them far more than the postage to send me a DVD.

 

https://na.windowsanytimeupgradestore.com/WAU_DIRECT/Home.aspx

Choose a version, any version cause they all can install off that one disc. It will ask if you have an "Anytime Anywhere" disc, say no. Delete the upgrade license from the cart and you'll be left with the disc ($0) and $7-9 shipping. Presto, Vista media.

*EDIT* I just ordered a 64bit disc before they make it anymore difficult, I already have a 32bit "Anytime Anywhere". This disc will allow you to install any version of Windows Vista (Retail, OEM, Upgrade, Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate).

 

Unfortunately I get this error "Windows Anytime Upgrade is not available in your country/region at this time. You can purchase the edition of Windows Vista you are interested in at a Microsoft authorized merchant."

 

what about getting a new processor and an oem copy of vista? not breaking any laws there

 

This is a valid point but as matt says he owns a valid vista license key and does not want to obtain another but just a clean copy of the software to install and legitmately activate. I do not think it is at all fair to have to spend more cash just to get this redmond rubbish working.

Happy New Year All.

 

Actually the copy you are going to download via BT is not pre-cracked, it is complete copy that you can install using your current vista key. You can also activate it legitmately.

 

+1!

Yes, BitTorrent would be the best solution here since you already legally own Vista Business, all you need is a copy of the installation disk and using your current key. NBR doesn't allow users to post BT links since it sort of promotes piracy, so PM me if you need more guidance.

 

There ARE 2 "official" pre-cracked version of vista (1 32 and 1 64) but there also are ordinary one. You can still get the pre-cracked and then manually change your serial number in the control panel. You will be stuck with the Dell logo everywhere though.

I'm gonna get a WUA disk once they release SP1 DVDs