Vista Installation-Key Code Related Question

Okay so here's the deal. I am currently in the process of buying myself a laptop but with the current exchange rate, my 1500 CAD $$ budget isnt satisfying me. So i thought about just buying a laptop without any OS or Disks with it. It would reduce the cost by about 120+ ish american dollars no?


Now my question is: My father is working for a certain company, and he has 2 laptops theyre providing him at home + one staying at work. Both laptops at home(i am writing this on the older one) are DELLS and have under them, XP Professional Product key and the newest has a Vista Business Premium Product-Key. BUT NONE OF THEM USES EITHER XP OR VISTA. For some reason, the company downgraded both computers to windows 2000, probably program compatibility or they just dont like it. My question is, if one of my friends lend me vista CDs or something, couldnt i just use the key from the newest laptop and get myself the OS? Anyone see anything that could go wrong? If you think this is a stupid question keep it to yourself im not an expert with these things unfortunately lol.

 

No (legally , if it works )

AFAIK the keys provided in the laptops are OEM keys so its meant for that particular system ... and they wont work on other systems

 

SO basically there is no way im using that vista key under his dell (he is NOT using vista) to install it on my laptop from another brand?? How come then if a friend buys xp professionnal he installs it then installs it on my desktop , it works on both with same key?

 

of course it will work, but is it legal? you can try it out but the right thing to do is purchase a legal key.

 

Are you a college student? If so, you can get Vista Ultimate from Microsoft for about 70 dollars Canadian-

http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-ca/default.aspx

 

I am and my college is listed in the eligibility list. Hmm, does that 64,00$ Only include Office or vista and the other thing too because when i click on additionnal products, it says: windows vista SP1 for 70,00 but i cant click on it or buy or anything lol.

Now can someone explain to me why the **** the canadian dollar is so low atm i wouldnt be bragging about all this bull**** if there wasnt a 300 dollars diff if i buy a 1400$ USD laptop (1700$ cad) -_-. (had to share).

 

the link is for office ultimate not vista.

 

i noticed that too, altho when you do : additionnal products, there is windows vista sp1 for 70$ canadian dollars....but i cant click it or buy it or anything so im wondering if its included in the whole package or what not.

 

After you verify with your .edu email address, or upload a scan of your class schedule, you'll be able to access the store, there you can pick your products

Note that if you had to provide a scan of your documents, verification could take up to 2 weeks. Providing your .edu email address gives you immediate access.

 

An OEM license will not work with the retail version of an Operating System. The licenses that come with laptops will usually only work for that particular version of the OS (for example Dell's Windows Vista OEM edition).

 

I think this post also applies to this one...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=320193

Yes you can use that serial for an install on another cpu but i think it is against the terms of service

 

It WILL work. The Vista-disks are all the same. The keys will work with any disk. Only the preinstalled OS comes with a special OEM-key.

If it is legal depends on
1. Your local laws: Here in Germany for example was a court decision, making it legal to sell OEM-Software without a computer.
(Microsoft wouldn't allow it, but they have to respect the laws.)

2. Does this Vista license belong to your father or still to his company? If first, he can give it to you, if second, you would steal the license from the company.