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    quick help sticker on bottom and clean install disk

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by yuio, Jan 13, 2010.

  1. yuio

    yuio NBR Assistive Tec. Tec.

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    I'm sure this has been asked a 1000 times but I did a quick search and didn't see it.

    OK, I have a T500 thinkpad, but my recovery disks are bad. the key on the bottom of the computer is for Vista Business 32, I have a 32 Vista business disk, can I use the key on the bottom with the disk that works?

    thanks in advance!
     
    yuio, Jan 13, 2010
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  2. Slayer366

    Slayer366 Notebook Consultant

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    It should, but there is only one way to find out, unfortunately. You'll have to install and cross your fingers, but if you have the same version of Vista and the same service pack (if there was one) that came bundled with your lappy then it *should* work.
     
    Slayer366, Jan 13, 2010
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  3. yuio

    yuio NBR Assistive Tec. Tec.

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    success! the key on the bottom of my laptop is a 32bit key. I figured what the *** just try it on the 64bit install that's currently on the computer. it works! activated and everything!
     
    yuio, Jan 14, 2010
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  4. Slayer366

    Slayer366 Notebook Consultant

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    That makes sense. The 32 bit keys won't work with the 64 bit version and vice-versa.
     
    Slayer366, Jan 14, 2010
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  5. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    32bit keys can work with a 64bit install.
     
    flipfire, Jan 14, 2010
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  6. yuio

    yuio NBR Assistive Tec. Tec.

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    yes the can, that's what I was trying to say with the above post I have a 64bit install, and used a 32bit key, it works!
     
    yuio, Jan 14, 2010
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  7. Slayer366

    Slayer366 Notebook Consultant

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    Oh... Somebody informed me incorrectly then. I'll have to give that a try sometime.

    The person who told me that said that depending on the key you use will determine the version (32/64) you get.

    I think I'm a little confused on the subject now.
     
    Slayer366, Jan 14, 2010
    #7
  8. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    Key determines the version between Home/Pro/Ultimate. Also OEM, Retail and Upgrade discs are interchangeable (there's an exception but disc can be altered and reburned).

    Install disc itself determines between x64 or x86 versions. Retail and Upgrade boxes come with 2 discs and OEM (as it's supposed to be preinstalled) is decided when purchased (but the key works both ways, if you obtain another install disc).
     
    KLF, Jan 15, 2010
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  9. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Differences between a 32bit and 64bit install are little to none. Mostly extended addressing and more security. A regular user wont even notice the difference between the two.
     
    flipfire, Jan 15, 2010
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  10. gmoneyphatstyle

    gmoneyphatstyle Notebook Deity

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    Looks like you have it all worked out. Just for your info, there is an excellent guide to doing a clean vista install in the Notebookreview lenovo forums. All the information is in the first post, you don't have to read all the responses people have posted to it.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783
     
    gmoneyphatstyle, Jan 16, 2010
    #10