Clean Vista install WITH NO ACTIVATION

You can get one if you're an MSDN member, so that's probably where.

 

Just bought a compaq c751nr. I have a larger hard drive on the way and plan to use the install guide for clean install of vista premium.
Are you still able to use the Recovery manager?
Is there anyway to make a new set up recovery disks with the clean install?
Since taking the time to do the clean install I just would like to be able to recover or save the clean install.
Only way I know of is to image the Hard drive, is this correct?
Thanks!
I bought this for my daughter on the way to college and want an easy way for her to restore in case of problems.

 

I downloaded the 3 files from the links in the first post and succesfully made a bootable DVD that works absolutely fine. The guide is pretty good as well although I have a few questions.

1) Is the copy of Vista i made with the files from the mydigitallife site a legitimate copy? I dont want something that cracked/hacked that will be a risk to security.

2) My previous trial version downloads which were mostly Beta and RC versions of vista always gave me a disk corrupt error on my desktop. Is there any way of making sure this doesnt happen on my notebook if i try my downloaded copy with my license?

Thank you.

 

1.) Yes it is fully legitimate. It's not cracked, hacked, whatever. It's 100% legal Microsoft.

2.) This is the full version of Vista, not a pre-release, not a trial, but the actual full edition, with drivers included and updates available. If the disk corruption error keeps popping up, then you might want to check and see if the drive is actually malfunctioning or not.

EDIT: Do you have a legitimate key and license for Vista? If so, then you'll have no license problems. However, last I checked, the pre-release and betas had keys which will not work on full retail versions or upgrades.

That might be your problem. I'm guessing your laptop came with XP preinstalled and you want to upgrade to Vista?

 

Hi,

I have a Chinese Original Vista in my laptop, now I want to install an English version. Can I use my recovery disc to install the English Vista? Also, if that is possible, can I use the license key of the Chinese Vista to an English version?

My Vista is genuine, and I still want to keep it that way.

 

I Googled this, and it was on Engadget.
I don't know if this will help you, but here's what the guy has to say:

(courtesy of http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/29/...he-june-30th-cutoff-or-not/comments/10113201/
Engadget)

So it would appear that they do require a different key, or something of that nature. I do not claim that this is accurate or golden truth. the only way to know is to try it and see what happens.

My guess is it won't work. It should, especially after you've paid for it, but I doubt it. That's just the way these things work anymore. =\

 

Hello Autobot,

Thanks very much for the info, so based on that, it's not possible for me to use the recovery disc since it's still in Chinese version. And even if I have an English version Vista, I can't use the license key of my Chinese version.

Geez, I don't have any choice since most laptops have Vista pre-installed already. I bought mine in China so only Chinese version is available.

Microsoft surely is making a lot of money out of this.

 

You will not be able to use a recovery disc to do an install. A recovery disc will reset your computer to the same state as when you first got it out of the box. To do a clean install you will need to get the installation media as listed in the main guide.

As for the activation, as autobot said you may only need to call Microsoft to get a new key that will work with the English version. That doesn't lock you out of using it, all you need is a phone call.

 

The last time i installed vista was on a desktop with the beta and RC keys. However, this time, the vista cam preinstalled on my laptop and i'm preserving the copy to do a clean install if and when i need it.

Thanks for the info.

 

the files i downloaded are a different size to those mentioned in the first page. the difference isn't that big but is this ok?

 

The sizes are different but the checksum check out and they work fine.

 

i do have the right sizes, i was being stupid and not looking at properties.

 

If the size is different but the checksums* are the same, then your checksum program is broken.

* assuming you mean md5 or sha1

 

FYI: Activation with ABR did NOT work for me on my Acer Aspire 5100 when moving from 32-bit to 64-bit. ABR went through the motions, but it won't activate. Tried using the key and it would have required a call to MS, and since I wasn't sure 64-bit would work for me anyway, I'm now trying the 32-bit version. Using the Anytime Upgrade Disks.

 

When you did the ABR backup, did it create 2 files? Did they both have something in them? When you installed, did you type in a key, or did you leave it blank? Did you select the same Vista version (Home premium, ultimate) that you had originally installed?

 

You can open the backup-cert file by right-clicking and opening in notepad. IE won't be able to open it (that's the default).

A few things I can think of:

• It won't work in a virtualized environment, like vmware.
• You must have had Vista installed from the factory by a big OEM. If you installed it yourself, you won't be able to use ABR. Also, if you bought it from a computer shop where they installed it themselves, then it probably won't work either.

 

The file would open in notepad. I got the computer from Walmart. I'd think the OS was installed by Acer..though there were dates for files on the computer later than the original install. I figured that Acer took notebooks and updated files before sending them out.

 

It would or would NOT open in notepad? If it did, you should have seen a bunch of XML in it. It's possible that it is not a true OEM (SLP) installation. That could be why it's not working.

 

I don't know what a "xml" is, but I did see a lot of stuff in written english and characters.

Okay, tried doing the Acer Restore DVD disks thing, and it keep the Vista I just installed, but added some Acer files. Tried the Alt+f10 thing too and it wouldn't even work. Still not registered.

 

did a clean install, was very easy but took me while due to burning all the disks. Boot time is 45sec and shutdown about 5 secs

Installed all the drivers and i think everything works, but i wasn't sure which anit-virus to buy. i want one that does not clog up resources and was wondering if Kapersky is anygood? and should i opt for the version with firewall or is windows firewall good enough?

also what are people's opinions on cyberlink software? this seems to be the only burning software that came with the notebook

 

Download AVG 7.5 Free Edition. Ill guarantee you its better than norton and wont eat up resources. It updates virus definitions nearly everyday. Dont think cause its free its crap. Its the most downloaded @ www.download.com

 

ok thanks, will also download comodo firewall

 

Installed new hard drive and did clean premium install in my new pavilion dv6626. I don't mess with original HD, keep as backup if things go wrong.
Used Abr program to backup oem key. Weird thing was, couldn't find the cert folder after the clean install. Plugged in Usb drive and ran the reinstall activation key and it worked.
Only had to load a couple of drivers, vista loaded 90%. One of the easiest reinstalls I've done. Someone was right in saying it takes as long or longer to remove all the bloatware by uninstalling then to do the clean install.

Thanks for the work on the guide!

 

Glad it worked for you! It's always good to hear about success!

 

OREV! I can't thank you enough for this guide. I've done it once on a Dell desktop and I just finished with an HP desktop. Excellent guide, I just follow all the steps and it was much easier than anyone could imagine. However, MS just threw a wrench in the wheels by releasing SP1. My question is...

After the clean install and activation, in which order should I do the following?

* Update drivers
* Install MS updates
* Install SP1 (through Windows Update)

from my limited knowledge, I can't install SP1 until I install other updates? Please please help. Thank you so much!

 

SP1 is really unrelated to ABR, but when doing a clean install it depends on how you are getting SP1. If you download the full installer (500MB), then you should install that before doing updates, as the full installer contains all of the updates. If you're getting SP1 from Windows Update, just let the software download stuff as it needs it.

The order I would do is:
- clean install
- drivers
- updates/sp1

 

I would suggest the Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic ( http://www.free-av.com/). I have just installed it and it seems to be a light application and it's well recommend by reviewers. My experience with AVG is that it's kind of bloated. And the Comodo firewall is also my choice here.

Yesterday I installed SP1. All went well. The order of my clean install was then 1 - clean install - 2 - drivers and main applications (like True Image agent, Cyberlink DVD, Quickplay...) - 3 - updates - 4 - SP1 (around 70Mb only, thru WU).

 

Question: Since I installed a new hard drive and reactivated Vista Premium with the OEM ABR and had no problems do you think I would be able to do the same with the original HP drive? (do clean install).
I would then keep the "new" one as a backup.
I would think it would be ok since I did it on the "new" drive. I was also thinking of cloning the "new" drive.
I'm new to vista and not sure of all the restrictions with it.
thanks in advance.

 

Have a look at Acronis True Image, this will clone your drive.

 

Read this if you have some problem with the ABR tool.

If you download Windows Vista retail version DVD media image, or download pirate leaked RTM edition of Windows Vista, or have MSDN release, you will need to import and install Microsoft signed OEM certificate for corresponding OEM-made computer with BIOS that supports SLA 2.0 and build with SLIC ACPI table from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, Sony or other manufacturers. OEM cert is a requirement for OEM style permanent Windows Vista activation, where users need not to activate online if they have the correct and valid OEM product key. If you download OEM version of Windows Vista DVD media, the digital certificate is already built-in into the distribution disc.

Download OEM certificates for the brands:

Acer: acer.xml hxxp://depositfiles.com/files/650797
Asus: asus.xrm-ms hxxp://depositfiles.com/files/650802
Dell: dell.xrm-ms hxxp://depositfiles.com/files/650805
Gateway: gateway.xrm-ms hxxp://depositfiles.com/files/711749
HP: hp.xrm-ms hxxp://depositfiles.com/files/650808
Lenovo: lenovo.xrm-ms hxxp://depositfiles.com/files/650813
NEC: nec.xrm-ms hxxp://depositfiles.com/files/711750
Sony: sony.xmr-ms hxxp://depositfiles.com/files/650850

To use, import and install the signed OEM certificates, follow the steps below:

Download and install any of the following Windows Vista edition:

Home Basic
Home Premium
Business
Ultimate

During installation, enter the corresponding edition of OEM product key listed in this file (CD-Key.txt). hxxp://depositfiles.com/files/666920
After installing Windows Vista, open an elevated command prompt with administrator rights and execute the following command to import the correct OEM cert:
slmgr.vbs -ilc <path>oemcert.xrm-ms

For example, to import and install an Dell OEM cert for a Dell computer, execute (assuming the OEM cert is located at C:\ drive:

slmgr.vbs -ilc c:\dell.xrm-ms

Windows Vista should be automatically and permanently activated.
Note: If you purchased and own an OEM desktop or laptop computer, download the latest version of BIOS from the computer’s manufacturers to see if a SLP2.0 supported BIOS has been released or not. If the motherboard’s BIOS does not support SLP 2.0 (SLIC and Windows Marker), try to search for mod BIOS or modify BIOS yourself (high risk).

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purpose only. Please support genuine software.
Source: www.mydigitallife.info

 

Thanks a lot. Did the trick for me. Was going to get the right file tomorrow anyways but still it really is a cool way to get things done. Guys this works a 100%

 

Read this for the 64 bit Vista.

hxxp://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/01/07/make-64-bit-windows-vista-bootable-dvd-from-microsoft-wim-with-vlite-guide/

 

King: thanks for the link. We did talk this through later on in the thread, where that was pointed out, as well as a way to manually extract the files (it's just a self-extracting zip file).

PS: What is the point of disabling automatic linking? (http->hxxp) It's more annoying than useful.

 

I have and used it for clones with xp. I read somewhere that vista will not start on a cloned drive.

 

I have a HP Pavilion dv9575 but i cant find the folder where the installationsfiles are so that i can burn a bootable cd. Anyone else with the same laptop that can help?

 

HP systems do not have that folder. You will need to get the files using one of the other methods.

 

My apologies for delayed reply and for being such a newbie about these stuffs.
Based on you statement orev, I can't use the recovery disc anymore since I need to do a clean install is that correct?

Also, I need to download a new Windows Vista in English and call Microsoft to obtain a new license key. Is this correct? Thanks very much to you and autobot for helping!

 

Thanks for the guide Orev.

The Clean install worked perfectly on my Toshiba A200. I used the the files I got from the links in your guide (the ones for the Vista AU DVD) and ABR. Everything Worked like a charm.

Although, I'm back to a fresh install with my Toshiba Recovery DVD. I really liked the 'crapware' Toshiba provides, except for the Norton Internet security Suite of course. I discovered that my system wasn't much faster after I installed of the Toshiba software subsequent to a clean install anyway.

However, this is probably the last time i'm going to be using the Toshiba recovery DVD because I partition my hard drive to keep a separate partition for my multimedia just in case i need to reinstall the os for some reason.

Backing up 100GB of multimedia is not easy.

Once again, great guide.

 

The recovery disc will return your system to the same state as when you first got it out of the box. If that is not the state you want it in, then you should not use them. If it had the Chinese version, then it will restore the Chinese version.

As for calling Microsoft, all the information I have is what autobot posted. So you could try to do the install with the English version, and if it doesn't work then you would have to try to call Microsoft to get a different key. I don't know for sure that they will give you one, but that's what that information seems to suggest.

 

Hi, I'm planning on attempting this, seems pretty straight forward, backup activation with ABR, then reinstall Vista, then restore activation using ABR. I'm kinda lost on terminology though, with OEM and similar terms. I have a Gateway CX210X, comes with a Vista Home Premium 32-Bit disc, Anytime Disc, and I just obtained a 64-bit edition of Vista.
Anyways I just wanted to clarify that this would work on my laptop because I have a Royalty OEM laptop that came with Vista preinstalled. So, just backup activation with ABR, reinstall the 64-bit, then restore activation, if all goes well, in theory it should work correct?
Another question, since I have a Vista Home Premium Disc from Gateway, it seems when I do clean installs from it, I don't have to activate Vista, and it is preactivated (it isn't a restore disc, it's just a Vista disc that is preactivated by Gateway, when I use it no bloatware is installed and no logo of Gateway is display in System Properties). I saw a few previous posts concerning .xml files, and how they're tied to bios. Is it possible to take it from the Vista Home Premium disc that Gateway supplied me, and integrate that into my 64-bit edition of Vista?
Thanks

 

Yup, it's that simple

There is probably a way to do this, but you would have to figure out which file they were using yourself, then make a new disc and modify it to include. vLite might help you do this, but I'm not sure. IMO, using ABR is the easier option.

 

Alright, thanks for the info. I'm going to go and give it a try right now.
EDIT: Just found out my x64 disc is a dud, doesn't read well in my computer, guess it's a bad burn. I'll give it a try tomorrow night perhaps. Thanks again.
EDIT: Just tried it, and it didn't work, I'm not sure why. It went through all the steps, and told me to check for activation, still nada though, so I ran it a couple more times, as admin and not as admin, still nada. The cert has stuff in it, I checked with notepad. However, I was able to activate using Wh1t3w0lf's guide that you link. I got the cert on my disc, and everything worked out. However, doing it with ABR would have been a lot less cumbersome if it worked.

 

Kingb33 - At this point I'm thinking I had a corrupt "backup-cert". I've since reinstalled using the restore disks. If I should decide to try it again at some future date, I'll give your method a try and see if it helps. Thanks.

 

Thanks very much Orev!

 

First of all, thank you for a top notch guide. I was able to do the clean install with out any troubles. However when istalling the drivers,
I think I might of run into some minor troubles. The "chipset" I donot think that they installed correctly. In the swsetup/drivers/chipset I was
getting an error when running the setup. Missing files, then after hitting the next button it says it has installed. I go to HP and download a driver that is newer.
I install this and it telling it not for my system. How can I tell is I got all the files in the swwetup? Where can I go to uninstall the driver and reload. In device mananger I
thought that previous to the clean install that I saw something labled chipset.. May I was dreamming... I have include a couple of pics...
dv9700 1 month old

 

In the device manager, anything that's not installed correctly would show up with a yellow "!" next to it. It looks like yours is fine. For the chipset driver, just make sure you downloaded the correct one from HP (don't download from elsewhere). Go to the HP site and get all the drivers listed for your system.

 

Ok, this first set that I installed were fr. the swsetup folder that I backed up. Would you be will to look at that folder closely to see if all files are there. The previous screen shot showed the contents. This was the one that I got the missing file erro. Then I went HP's site and downloaded something even newer. When I ran the install it acted up... Any way to delete what I have now and then go back to HP's for the latest and greatest?

Thanks for your time.....

 

If you can give the exact error you are seeing when you try to install, we can give you some better help.

 

orev

I registered just to tell you thanks and that the ABR tool worked great.

I did a clean install with a Vista SP1 disk, still finishing up.

Can you tell me what it was that the tool removed when I restored the Activation, 3 or 4 items?