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    Clean installation of Vista possible using OEM key?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by gopikrish, Feb 10, 2011.

  1. gopikrish

    gopikrish Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have Sony VAIO VGN-FW190 with OEM key.

    I know about Recovery disc option but just I am having a doubt with clean installation in case I need to do it in future.

    If I perform a clean install using my friends vista installation disc. Like boot from DVD, format drive and install vista, should I enter my OEM key at the beginning of the installation phase? In the link below,
    Installing Vista Clean, With No Crapware | directedge.us
    it says, Do not enter product key. We will take care of this later.

    So I am wondering if I should do the same even if I have OEM key? Or I can enter the key when it asks at the first time? OR should I only use ABR utility for activation even if I am having OEM key?

    Also, since after clean install all driver software (if any) like ATI Radeon graphics card will get deleted. Is it possible to backup that to flash drive and after clean install put it back?

    Thanks in advance.
     
    gopikrish, Feb 10, 2011
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  2. J&SinKTO

    J&SinKTO Notebook Deity

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    Sony's are particular with Driver order. ABR works nicely, did that with my FW285 when did a clean install of Vista.
    Sony has under their FAQs the generic order for drivers (or just search their page for "clean install Vista OS"). All the drivers you need can be downloaded off the Sony support site: Sony eSupport - VGN-FW190 - Software Updates & Drivers
    I've since upgraded to Win 7, plus the process is still the same
     
    J&SinKTO, Feb 10, 2011
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  3. gopikrish

    gopikrish Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks !

    My system is fully functioning now. If I download ABR and run activation_backup.exe and back up the files to USB pen drive, nothing gets deleted from my system right? I just want to back up so that in future I can use it when something goes wrong and I had to clean install vista.

    why I am worried is, in this page Installing Vista Clean, With No Crapware | directedge.us
    it says , 3.BACK UP YOUR DATA!!! This procedure will cause EVERYTHING ON THE DISK TO BE DELETED!!!
    Are they meaning ABR causes everything to be deleted?
     
    gopikrish, Feb 11, 2011
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  4. J&SinKTO

    J&SinKTO Notebook Deity

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    Not from ABR - but when you clean install you will format your hard drive (wipe everything off of it) - that's why you need to do the back-up.
    BTW - having a back-up anyway is not only a smart idea it is a necessity in case something happens on any given day to your system.
     
    J&SinKTO, Feb 11, 2011
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