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    Options to install Vista on New (used) laptop

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by linux0009, Jan 5, 2009.

  1. linux0009

    linux0009 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Im thinking of picking up another used laptop in ebay. Most have wided HD. The one im looking at has the vista sticker on the back. Can i use my Vista disk from my computer to load and use the product key from the back of the used laptop?
     
    linux0009, Jan 5, 2009
    #1
  2. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    Yes and sure if:

    1. the Vista disk version is the same as the COA
    AND
    2. the COA has not already been activated again somewhere else and by someone else

    cheers ..
     
    qhn, Jan 5, 2009
    #2
  3. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Provided the key on the back of the laptop is an OEM key tied to that laptop I couldn't see why not if yours is the same version of Vista.
     
    DetlevCM, Jan 5, 2009
    #3
  4. linux0009

    linux0009 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thank you for the answer
     
    linux0009, Jan 5, 2009
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  5. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    On a side note.
    Theoretically 2 should not be possible using an OEM version of Vista.
    (in theory...)
    At least its not legally possible to use it for physically different computer.
     
    DetlevCM, Jan 5, 2009
    #5
  6. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    You’ll be able to install windows on the used notebook using your existing disk and serial of the used notebook, but most probably automatic activation will fail. instead you have to call MS and get an activation code manually. Once activated you have a valid authentic copy of windows.

    As for the legality of this method, I don’t see any violations as long as you use the key as intended (use the serial on the notebook to install Windows on it); using a different disk to install an OEM version can fall in to a gray area, but as long as you use the keys properly (on each PC as intended) which disk you use shouldn’t matter.
     
    PhoenixFx, Jan 5, 2009
    #6
  7. comptonw

    comptonw Newbie

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    You should be able to install your copy of vista. Microsoft does not match the tags and the software versions. They only validate the key. You should be fine. Good luck. [​IMG]
     
    comptonw, Jan 6, 2009
    #7