Reformating Windows Vista Ultimate 32bit

Hey guys, i've been getting some problems from my Vista Ultimate 32bit since yesterday. It's the same problem i've been getting when I first had Vista installed, I suspect it might be the version I got from my friend, so I am going to reformat with a Vista Ultimate 32bit Upgrade disc from my university ($15 with student discount).

I was just wondering, could I reformat my laptop with the Upgrade disc? Would I have to input my CD key again?

 

Well lets see...was it legal getting the copy from your friend? Hmmm... If yes...then yes.

 

If it is an upgrade disk i think you will have to install a previous version of windows and then use the upgrade disk to install vista.

 

That I'm not sure. I bought the laptop with no OS installed since my friend said he could do it, and I thought he was using his Ultimate retail version and a spare CD key. Now I believe that's not the case, but i'll have to really ask him.

 

You might as well just use your student copy. If that was a double install key, that might explain some of your troubles as WGA can give people headaches.

 

The upgrade disk won't help you much... If you purchased the laptop with no OS that means you don't have a previous Windows license to upgrade...

If your friend's copy isn't legit you'll be fighting the "Reduced Functionality Mode" that will soon hit you...

 

i'm not having any problems with WGA actually. Everything was going fine up until yesterday (WMP can't play files, dxdiag doesn't show any system info, internet connection still works but the icon on my taskbar has a red X on it, etc) so this is probably a software error. maybe something I installed recently.

should I just buy the retail/OEM version instead? or will the Upgrade disc suffice in reformatting?

thanks for the speedy replies btw

 

currently theres Vista Ultimate 32bit installed. I purchased my laptop back in August with no OS installed.

 

The OEM version is what you should buy if you don't have your OWN key. It's cheaper and best for laptops.

 

Yes but Vista ultimate doesn't have any valid Vista upgrade path and you're not certain the Vista license you're using is legal so it is irrelevant. Your cheapest bet would be buying Vista from an authorized education reseller (full version)...

It should be around the same cost as OEM, but would be full retail and not have the nasty OEM EULA...

 

well thats what i was wondering. because I already have Vista Ultimate and if I used an Upgrade CD, what would it upgrade to?

I wouldn't be able to use an Upgrade cd to reformat, even if my license and CD Key was legal?

 

Yes you can! If you do have a LEGAL key (but to be honest I suspect your friend did not have one). But let's say you do, there is a way to use the Upgrade CD. It is a bit of a kludge but it is legit and even acknowledged by Microsoft as a way for a user who did upgrade from XP to Vista and then latter need to reinstall Vista without having to go back and install XP again just so they could reinstall Vista. Hold on a sec let me find the link...

Ok here it is from Brian Livingston, a well known industry pundit just in case anyone thinks this is some illegal method, Clean Vista Install using an Upgrade DVD.

Gary

 

thanks for the link. i remember a technique that required installing "twice" but this one lists all out step by step. because i want to reformat and delete everything, are the steps he listed for those who just want to upgrade? or will this upgrade automatically reformat everything?

 

It is recommended that you reformat for all the upgrades you perform. So back up your data.

 

i've borrowed one of my friends external HDD's so definately going to back up everything.

basically the instructions on that site are for an "upgrade" and not a clean reformat? Because I do want to start out on a clean slate. If so, how will i go about with a reformat?

I haven't really seen the setup screen for Vista so if it's similar to XP (where you see a partition, delete it, and format over it) then I think i'll know what to do.

 

If you've done this before with XP, Vista will be a little different but you should have no trouble.

 

i've reformatted with XP before, but i've never done a Vista reformat, especially with the Upgrade discs.

I just bought them today, the Vista Ultimate Upgrade disc comes with a CD Key. Is this the key I can use to activate Windows Vista or will my original key on my current Vista Ultimate work?

thanks

 

Wasn't the point that the original key on your current Vista was suspect and might not be legal? Assume that the version you got from your friend is not a valid key, which is why you needed the new one, so use the new one you just bought.

If the one you bought is an "Upgrade" version, then you won't be able to do a direct clean install, but there is information on getting around that here: http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/31/clean-install-workaround-for-vista-upgrade-discovered/

 

guys and gals,

who cares if the vista dvd is legit or not? you can get an anytime upgrade dvd shipped for $5...it is the license key that is of value

 

For what it's worth. I'm don't think it has been made clear that the "Anytime Upgrade Disk" is basically just an installation disk. It comes in a 32-bit or 64-bit variety. It contain every version of Vista. It can also be used to switch from 32-bit to 64-bit as long as you have a legit product key.

See the clean install guide in my sig (or Orev's sig) to see how to do it step by step.

I followed the guide to go from my factory 32-bit install to a clean 64-bit install. Lots of other people have done the same thing. It can also be used to just clean install 32-bit. It isn't necessary to install twice.

 

alright guys i've successfully reformatted. thanks for the links by the way for the step by step instructionals. I guess the CD key on the Upgrade disc was just to use the the disc. I'll try to get a legit CD key before the end my 30 day activation time.

thanks again.