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    Vista Install Question

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by WSFrazier, May 12, 2008.

  1. WSFrazier

    WSFrazier Notebook Consultant

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    Ok, hopefully I don't confuse anyone with this question.

    I have a legit retail purchased copy of Vista Ultimate x64 Full Version w/ key obviously.

    My buddy has a retail copy of Vista Ultimate x64 Upgrade Version w/ SP1.

    Now I am going to be formatting the drive on my notebook, and to save me a step of installing SP1 after a clean install, I would like to use my friends upgrade disc that has SP1 integrated, but use my Full Version key that I purchased.

    I am assuming that every retail Vista Disc is identical, and its the product key the user enters that determines what version is installed. What you are actually buying at the store is the license more so than the disc.

    So if I install using a Retail Upgrade discs w/ SP1, and use my Retail Full Key, will this work? Or will the fact that my key was for a non SP1 disc prevent this from working?

    I am just trying to a nice clean SP1 install from the start. I will also assume that I might be needing to give MS a call after the install to activate. I guess the only way to know is to try and see if my key will even let me install from the get go with his disc.
     
    WSFrazier, May 12, 2008
    #1
  2. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    It should work - try it out and report back.

    However, MS did differentiate between XP keys and XP SP2 keys such that an XP SP2 key needed the XP SP2 installer to install, and wouldn't install with an old XP only installer. Though I don't think they did this with Vista SP1.
     
    Lithus, May 12, 2008
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  3. ttupa

    ttupa Tech Elitist NBR Reviewer

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    I believe you need to have a prior version of Windows installed for that upgrade disc to work. However, I have heard in the past that people have gotten it to work using non-standard methods. Besides, installing SP1 through WU is much quicker than installing hundreds of individual updates.
     
    ttupa, May 13, 2008
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  4. WSFrazier

    WSFrazier Notebook Consultant

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    See, I thought the key determined what the installer did, and that all discs were infact the same.

    I would think having SP1 already installed with windows would be faster than WU as it is already installed....
     
    WSFrazier, May 13, 2008
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  5. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Yes it will work..

    I suggest using orev's ABR tool (activation backup and restore). It will save you the time and hassle calling up MS. Quite a handy tool
     
    flipfire, May 13, 2008
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  6. WSFrazier

    WSFrazier Notebook Consultant

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    Just posting to let you goes know it does infact work perfectly :D
     
    WSFrazier, May 15, 2008
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