Clean Vista install WITH NO ACTIVATION

here comes the "noob" question (which has already been answered to perhaps) :
Can I extract ABR on an iPod ? Will it work ?

 

I put mine in a cd along with the SWsetup folder.

It should work with an mp3 player aslong as its recognised as a portable storage device

 

Anyone have an answer to this? I want to know that I wasn't flirting with license disaster by doing it this way...Because I am most certainly doing it with my dv5t when I get it....YAY 15 MONTHS OF NORTON...NOT!!!

 

For all of you looking for Vista installation discs, here they are.

Just type in the Product Key on the bottom of your laptop to verify you have a license and you should be good to go.

 

You can use ANY Vista disc to do an install and as long as you use YOUR Product Key you are legal. The 'illegal' comes in when you use a pirated or someone elses Product Key.

 

Yes, this has been posted before, but when you enter your product key in and try to order you get an error. Try it and you will see, I forgot what it says now. It would be good to hear if anyone has recently ordered an Upgrade disc from Microsoft and been able to get one.

 

This works only for US... No chance!!!

 

Right, I do understand that....but I don't understand where the extra steps came in that were listed in the tutorial (it seems much longer than necessary) and why I'd ever need them if I can just use my license key.

 

You can probably get away with this IF, you first use ABR to backup your current activation, run the install, then use ABR to restore your activation. That will overwrite the Gateway activation with the Compaq one.

However, if you didn't use ABR, then you will most likely run into problems at some point, probably 30, 60, or 90 days. You will have loaded the Gateway activation codes onto a Compaq system, and eventually Vista will realize that and deactivate.

I suspect you did not read the whole procedure, because it essentially boils down to:
- Backup data
- Backup activation
- Reinstall Windows
- Restore activation
- Restore data
Most of these steps are identical no matter how you install Vista, as the guide mostly hand-holds through the Vista install process. The only difference is the ABR backup/restore at the beginning and end.

There is no "activation code". There is a product key which is a relatively short string of letters and numbers, and then there is the activation certificate that is a few KB in size. If you want to write it down, that's fine, but you'll be writing for a while.

Consider that if all you needed to do was write down the code, why would I go to all the trouble to write the backup program?

Just make sure ABR can WRITE to the media when you run the backup. You can't put it on a CD before you have done the backup.

Because you can't "just use the license key". You also need the activation certificate.

 

ok...I should have also mentioned that i set my system clock ahead 90 days to test and everything was still fine. So thats why I'm questioning things.

 

uhm, just a small question, do HP need the AHCI or the intel storage manager setup before the vista installation process? with regards to dell it was needed, so what about in hp? it was claimed that it could boost performance quite a bit. thank you.

 

Yes i agree, aslong as youve backed up your activation key first, you can then burn it into the cd. Windows will just need to read from the CD after that.

Its really handy including it along with your SWsetup drivers.

 

Alright I think I have everything ready to go. I burned my recovery disks. Don't really have any data to back up, since it's a new computer and all. I have all of step 5 on my flash drive, after I ran the activation backup it created these files: backup-cert, backup-key, license, and read me. What's the correct way to make sure everything worked correctly? Also, I put all of the c:\SWsetup files on the flash drive, so I think I have that under control.

Just want to make sure I having everything correct before I give the clean install a shot.

 

Sounds like you're in good shape. If you want to make sure the activation was backed up, open each of those backup files in notepad and make sure they contain data. Don't change or save them though.

 

Orev, really appreciate the help. Looks like everything worked correctly, just need to wait until I get the anytime upgrade disc from a friend next week.

EDIT: Looks like my friend only has the 32bit version, so that won't work for me (I have the 64bit version)?

 

Right, you need the 64 bit edition to install if you want 64 bit, but the activation backup will work for either edition.

 

Damn, and I can't seem to find a disc anywhere online. Anybody want to lend me their 64-bit disc? haha or point me in the right direction on where to find one.

 

Will changing my hard drive cause this to not work, or need to reactivate?

 

It should work fine if you only change the hard drive.

 

Orev, is the activation locked the hardware configuration of the system. If I lets say save the activation, then upgrade RAM, or change a faulty DVD drive or do another system hardware change, then the saved activation won't work?? What if I save the activation after upgrading the hardware, would this activate then??

 

i dun think it is coz i have upgraded my ram with no trouble .. i don't think there is any relation between the hardware and the activation ..

but then again i could be be wrong

 

I just received by HP dv5t and I was wondering about whether doing a clean install of vista will mess up my Pick-up & Return Service with ADP registration cuz it says that it needs HP Care Pack must be activated before use. So, if I do a clean install, wouldn't all the HP stuff be deleted, hence preventing me from registering my 3-year warranty.

 

Activation is linked to the BIOS/motherboard in OEM systems like those from HP. You can change pretty much everything else and you'll be fine.

Not sure what restrictions they have on that, but I strongly suspect they cannot invalidate a warranty because you changed the software. You might be able to register first, then to the reinstall. You can probably also download that software and install it after you have done the reinstall.

 

Thanks for the very nice guide.

 

Im stuck on the first four steps how do I burn a recovery cd and backup my data?

 

Ok I just got my dv5t today and I am looking forward to a clean install. I understand the whole process on how to do it, but my problem is with obtaining installation disks.

all the ways to get them seem to not work:
1.You can no longer purchase them from windows market place.
2. Anytime upgrade is not on the hard drive. (I found this out after installing vlite)
3. Everyone I know has vista32bit so borrowing is not an option. (I have 64bit)
4. I followed the links to download the files but they don't work. The guy who posted them said they didn't work. (again only the 64bit ones don't work)

What do I do? Chaz you said you got this to work on your dv5t, but from your posts in the dv5t thread I think you have 32bit. So I'm assuming you did number 4 but you used 32bit files.

So what can I do? Is it possible to downgrade to 32bit? But then is it worth downgrading just to do a clean install. I like ths computer a lot, but I hate all the crap it came with. Please help!!

 

Ptchrs, I am in the same boat you're in. I can easily get my hands on the 32-bit version, but finding the 64-bit version is proving to be a challenge. Personally, I don't want to switch to the 32-bit version because I really like having that 4gigs of RAM.

 

I don't think it matters what cd you use as long as its a Vista disc. If you can get a 32bit cd and use your 64 bit serial key you'll be able to use 64 bit version of vista. Well thats what I got from reading the guide anyways.

 

Disc Definitions
There is no such thing as a "Home Premium Vista" disc, or an "Ultimate Vista" disc!!!! ALL VISTA DISCS CONTAIN ALL VERSIONS OF VISTA. The thing that determines what version of Vista you have is the License Key that you have. You may have a sticker on it that says "Vista Business" or "Vista Home Premium", but IT IS A LIE. Your disc *may* be forced to install a certain version, (see "CUSTOM OEM Vista Disc" below) but it still contains all versions. It is possible to modify this disc so you can use it to install any version (that you have a license for).

There are many types of Vista discs out there, here is the "official" terminology of what they mean (each of these discs come in 2 versions, 32bit and 64bit):

Maybe someone can clarify, but from reading that it seems to me that there are two versions, 32 or 64.

 

Does sound it would work because all the cd's have every version of vista. I'm not sure if my friend has SP1 though because his computer is a little over one year old. Does that even matter? I'll try to get my hands on one tonight and do it and I'll post back later. WyGuy I'll let you know what happens. I would really like to know how Chaz did this though. Hopefully he reads this.

 

I don't think having a regular version of vista matters. You can just upgrade to SP1 with an update.

 

My understanding is that all dvds have every version of vista. (basic, premium, business, and ultimate) But there are two types. One for 32bit and one for 64. So If I wanted to keep it the way it is I would need a 64bit dvd. Off to ebay! Anybody have any suggestions?

 

I was able to do this clean install although I unfortunately had to turn to illegal methods to find an x64 sp1 disc.

One question-on my hp dv5z the WLAN on off touch button no longer works-wireless will always stay on. Will I have to install the HP wireless manager to get the button to work now? I'd personally rather not so if there was a way to make it disable the wireless when touched i'd appreciate the help.

EDIT: Just reinstalled the quickplay buttons and reset and it's working fine.

 

I suppose some of the confusion may be on my part. There are really two dimensions to the "versions" issue, and this is something that many people have not had to deal with before.

When I say "Versions", it means: Home Premium, Ultimate, Business, etc...

but there is another dimension here, called "Architecture". That refers to 32 or 64 bit, because they are different CPU architectures. Since many people have not had to deal with the idea of different architectures, they incorrectly refer to 32 or 64 bit as different "versions" as well. This mistake is understandable, though it does cause a lot of confusion.

 

My HP dv5t should show up on Tuesday. I plan to make the recovery disk HP has and then do a clean install. I have read about 1/3 of this thread and still have a couple of questions:
1. Since I don't get a good Vista disk with the HP, must find one? I assume the recovery disk will not work, nor the stuff that is on the HP hard drive. I do have a Dell Vista disk that came with my desktop.
2. The procedure by" orev "in the beginning of the thread is dated 4-29-07. In reading the thread he said that he upgraded the procedure. Where can I find his upgrade, or does the 4-29-07 upgrade automatically?

Thanks for all the work that went in this thread.

 

The procedure will work fine on your dv5t. I followed the guide to clean my dv5z.

The recovery disks won't work though you will need to make them just to be safe. I am not sure if that dell vista disc will work as it might be modified to dell's standards, meaning it's not really "clean."

 

The main guide is pretty much up to date, as I update it as issues come up in the thread. Reading through the thread might help, but I suggest starting with the last few pages, as those are the most recent. As you've noticed, this has been around for a long time, and certain things have changed, so older messages may not help as much as the newer ones.

 

What did you use for a disc for your clean install? My DV5t arrives later this week, I'm not sure what it will come with for discs, but it is probably the same as what you got in the DV5z.

 

I got a free copy of Vista Ultimate from a Microsoft event, but its only the 32-bit edition (says so on the cd cover: 'This disc contains 32-bit software only'). I have a product key, but I want Vista 64. So could I download the Vista Ultimate x64 upgrade and then put my key in during installation to get the x64 running?

Thanks

 

Don't get the upgrade, it'll be too expensive and you already have Ultimate so why buy the upgrade? Get the 64-bit install disk here: http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx?ctId=444

 

I tried that, but it says the key is not valid - I contacted microsoft, they said that the key was OEM.

 

Can't discuss how I got it here. I would ask friends or people you know if they have a retail Vista disc or an OEM one. If your system is 32 bit you might be able to buy a disc online but I wasn't able to find a legitimate way to get a 64-bit disc other than asking around or buying the OS which you shouldn't do since you already have a license!

 

i did a clean install like 15 days ago...apparently successfully. on the first and 2nd day after the clean install there were lots of windows updates. since then there haven't been any. is that normal? i remember before that i had windows updates like every 2-3 days...

 

Normal, the amount of updates depends on when the disc was manufactured. The newer ones should have SP1 integrated otherwise most discs are RTM versions, so there will be lots of updates. Plus, if you selected to update other Microsoft software & driver updates there will be lots of updates on a fresh install.

 

Yup that's normal. If it's an older disk, then there should be a bunch of updates, then SP1, then a few more, and that's it. As long as you keep checking for updates the first day you should get all of them. If you have SP1 integrated in the disk then it only takes one or two waves of updates for you to get all of them.

EDIT: If you have Windows Defender on WU will come up with a new "update" every few days which will just be a definition update for defender.

 

today i use this Clean vista install, but when i hit step
19. Plugin your USB flash drive from before. Double-click on "activation_restore to run it. Follow the prompts, and hopefully everything was successful.
the activation_restore doesn't work. and anyone know what is the problem?

 

When you did the install, did you choose the same version of Vista that you originally had? Also, were there any error messages when it ran? You may have already tried, but rebooting might help too.

 

Either something went wrong with the exe or you didn't install the correct version of windows. Hopefully if you can't fix it you have the recovery disks or partition accessible..

 

Just completed a clean install today. I used a dell disk and using vlite, upgraded it to sp1 before the install. worked great. the hardest part was loading all the software and drivers. Thanks for the great support on this forum

 

Glad to hear everything worked out. However, I have a question for you. Did you remove any components with vlite or just slipstream SP1?