Help: 'Cloning' an installation disc?

Hello all

Wonder if someone can help me.

I have a legit retail version of windows vista ultimate 32/64 dvd, which i heard it also contains all versions of windows vista actually.

I have a laptop which is pre-loaded with vista business. Is it true that I can use the ultimate 32/64 dvd to clean install vista business, using the license from the laptop (and not the retail cd)?

Also, can I clone the ultimate dvd into another dvd-r so that I can sell away my retail version? Of course I'll not be keeping the retail version license... I just need a working installation disc for future installation of the OS.

 

I believe there is a part in the Vista Ultimate installation where you can choose which edition you want to install. The OEM license on your laptop won't automatically install, you will probably have to call up Microsoft for activation.

 

I have no experience doing what you are trying to do but I think this guide will help you.
link:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783

It is located in the lenovo forum, but the info applies to any computer. Again, I have not tried doing this stuff myself, but I think the answer to both your questions is yes.

The guide I mentioned is very thorough. According to it you won't have to call microsoft.

 

okay, i think it'll work. now, the question is, can i burn a copy of my current vista retail dvd onto another empty dvd? something like cd copy?

this will save me having to download an .iso of the vista installation...

 

You can try; honestly, I think it should copy fine..

 

u can clone it using nero ( copy CD/DVD option ) , BUT i don't think its legal to sell it after cloning it as this will be reselling ,

 

okay... thanks folks. i'm not selling it (it'll be like piracy!). just keeping it as a working installation disc. i'm selling away my original retail copy.

 

I still don't think that will comply with the terms of the retail license.

 

no?

okay then, where can i d/l a vista installation disc/.iso?

 

Nowhere, at least nowhere legal as far as I know.

 

You can use your Vista install DVD on any machine, you just need a license for that machine. If you sell your retail DVD with the key, then you can still use the DVD (copy or original), as long as you have another legit key for that machine. Not only that if you sell your copy with the key and someone else uses it while you are, you may, and will most likely, lose use of your Windows if caught.

Original Windows CD's or DVD's are not copy protected. Many people make ISO's or copy contents to a hard drive for easier installation across multiple PC's. I do that. But I have legit keys for each PC.

 

thanks pal, that's what I need to know.

i'm of course selling the retail dvd WITH the key. i'm not keeping the key for my own usage.

i just need to know if it's possible to clone the dvd so that i can keep a copy of the installation disc for future installations, using LEGIT keys with other machines (e.g. the one that comes with my laptop).

yeah.

 

As long as you have as many keys as copies that are installed, that's fine.

 

Simple answer - yes, absolutely. No point in having ten DVD's if you have ten keys, really.

Every Vista disk has every version of Vista on it from Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate. It just depends which key you use. Also, same key will work with either 32-bit or 64-bit version. So if you decide to switch to 64-bit version, if you can get a 64-bit DVD then just install using that DVD with your 32-bit key and you're fine. It's just that you can't upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit. It requires a clean install.