Install Vista with different key

mact

Distinguished
Jan 24, 2007
65
6
18,565
I'm trying to repair a Vista computer infested with malware.

Format and reinstall seems best choice.

Can I use the Key # for the machine (on a label on the machine) and an install disc for a copy that was already installed on a different computer and activated some years ago (and subsequently replaced with 7)?

Or does the copy on the disc somehow know what the key assigned to that disc is?
 
Solution
It depends on what version of vista it was (OEM or Retail).

OEM is meant for a single machine and retail can be transferred. Read these links to get more info.

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/235074-44-attn-difference-vista-retail-license

http://www.vistax64.com/general-discussion/187565-how-tell-between-oem-retail.html

If, for example, you tried to activate the retail version after installing it and it didnt work, you could just ring up and get a new key.

You might be able to get a new key for oem by ringing up and saying you made minor changes to the computer hardware and it's not letting you activate it.

seogoat

Distinguished
Jan 2, 2009
384
2
18,865
It depends on what version of vista it was (OEM or Retail).

OEM is meant for a single machine and retail can be transferred. Read these links to get more info.

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/235074-44-attn-difference-vista-retail-license

http://www.vistax64.com/general-discussion/187565-how-tell-between-oem-retail.html

If, for example, you tried to activate the retail version after installing it and it didnt work, you could just ring up and get a new key.

You might be able to get a new key for oem by ringing up and saying you made minor changes to the computer hardware and it's not letting you activate it.
 
Solution