What version of Vista software do I need to install fresh copy of Vista?

I bought I Toshiba laptop and I am wanting to install a fresh install of Vista to eliminate bloatware, however, when I tried this week with my Desktop's OEM Vista Home Premium DVD, it would not accept the key on the bottom of the laptop.

I know with Windows XP the keys would have to correspond with the type of disc that was being installed. For example if you had an OEM key, you needed to use an OEM disc.

My Toshiba key is an OEM Act type, while the disc I am trying to use is a System Builder's OEM. Will this not work?

 

I don't think it'll work. Use ABR.

 

I can't even install Vista. I have to enter a key during the install and it does not accept it.

This ABR progam only activates Windows after it is install, correct?

 

1) Back-up your activation with ABR on your current install.

2) Format, and start the installation process. I don't think you absolutely have to put a key during install (isn't it?). Don't put a key in there, just press OK/Later/Next, or type sdlfhhslfhsodf or something, and see if it works.

3) If it works, restore your activation using ABR again.

 

I guess I can try that, but it would still seem like the key wouldn't match the type of installation. Remember I am using a Systems Builder OEM rather than a Manufacturer OEM (Dell, HP, Toshiba) to install Vista...

Found this on the ABR site too:

 

Which Windows Vista do you have installed right now? The one that came pre-installed with your notebook? Or have you removed that?

 

I have the one that came pre-installed. I am trying to use a DVD that I bought for my desktop which is a System Builders OEM version to install the clean copy.

 

I think it will work.

Just to be sure, you would be -

1) Backing up the activation of a Toshiba OEM installation
2) Using some other media to install, and the restoring that back-up.

Right? If so, then I think yes, it'll work, provided the disc lets you install without the key.

Just to be sure before formatting, you could post on ABR's webpage, or PM orev, he's the guy who made this tool.

 

Installing an OEM Vista onto another machine sure sounds like piracy to me ...

 

He's just using the media, he'll be using his own key/activation.

 

I installed a copy of a Vista disc from a Dell to my HP with no problems. It does ask to activate it and I used the Dell code on it. Now I have a Dell Vista logo on my HP laptop!

 

I am using a System Builders OEM DVD to install a CLEAN copy of Vista on my laptop b/c manufacturers are too cheap to include them anymore.

I will be using the key for my laptop, but using a different media

 

install without the key during install then i can explain how to add it later to you

 

Care to explain before I get through the install and it doesn't work?

 

The best process is to:
- Use ABR to backup your key
- Reinstall Vista without entering the key during install
- After Vista has been installed, use ABR to restore the activation and key

You are not required to enter a key when you install Vista. If you don't enter a key, you will be given the choice of what version to install. You MUST choose the same version that came with your laptop. You might be tempted to try to "upgrade" yourself, but when you restore with ABR later it won't work (also you don't have a license for it).

If, for some reason, your install disc doesn't give you the chance to enter a key or choose a version, you may need to modify the disc. See my clean vista install guide for some ides on how to do it with a Dell disc.

 

I was first!!!!

 

Yup! But I wanted to add a bit more about what will happen during the install process, as far as entering the key and choosing the version.