Windows Vista

[smithmr8]

Hi,
I'm planning to buy windows vista for my computer. Probably home premium.

I was wondering..
If I installed it, and activated it ect..
Then, weeks/months later I need to reinstall it [On the same computer] as it screwed up or whatever, am I going to be able to activate it again ?

[Will404]

Yes, mine was fine.

If it dosent work over net, just call them, and they give you a code, the same as xp

[smithmr8]

Ok, Just wanted to check. Thanks

[directhex]

if you buy OEM, then the license only permits you to use it on one computer (motherboard), but you can reactivate as many times as you feel like. if you buy retail, then you can change computer (motherboard) as much as you like, and reactivate as much as you like

in this instance, since you're talking about one PC, then it obviously makes no difference

[smithmr8]

What if, the motherboard had to be changed. Would it still be possible to activate ?

[Will404]

What if, the motherboard had to be changed. Would it still be possible to activate ?

Yes, i think so...How can they tell anyway

[smithmr8]

That's what I was thinking .
But, Im guessing details of your computer are stored with microsoft when you activate the OS.

[smithmr8]

If you buy a retail version, can you activate it on different computers ?

[Agent]

What if, the motherboard had to be changed. Would it still be possible to activate ?

If its Retail yes.
If its OEM, its a bit more complex. Its generally tied to the machine unless it breaks and you replace the parts that have gone kaput!

Yes, i think so...How can they tell anyway

Via the activation hash that is sent to MS.

If you buy a retail version, can you activate it on different computers ?

Yes, but only one machine at a time.

[smithmr8]

What if the mobo died. Would microsoft allow it to be activated if you ring them up / explain ?

[Agent]

Usually yes, but if you're going from a Socket A to a 775 Quadcore machine they could well turn you down. The idea is to allow a reactivation if you replace faulty hardware, not allow a free upgrade

A situation like that is at their discretion though, its not really one I can answer with certainty

[jonh17]

What if the mobo died. Would microsoft allow it to be activated if you ring them up / explain ?

erm yes so far i as i know the key is still valid no matter what happens to the mobo.

[smithmr8]

Alright .

Im sort of considering spending the bit extra and getting the full retail version. Is it worth it ?

[Agent]

erm yes so far i as i know the key is still valid no matter what happens to the mobo.

For OEM, that is not true.
It is tied to the hardware it is installed on.

You can find the EULA links and the quotes here : http://forums.hexus.net/operating-sy...ml#post1463351

[smithmr8]

If I bought this: http://tinyurl.com/58gcs5
The retail upgrade version, not the academic/OEM.. can I:
- Install it via a Clean Install
- Activate it on different computers [not at the same time]
ect.. Like with the normal retail version ?

Edit: I've done some reading up, and evidently you can't do this. Well, you can.. but not as easily as with the normal version.

[directhex]

If I bought this: http://tinyurl.com/58gcs5
The retail upgrade version, not the academic/OEM.. can I:
- Install it via a Clean Install
- Activate it on different computers [not at the same time]
ect.. Like with the normal retail version ?

Edit: I've done some reading up, and evidently you can't do this. Well, you can.. but not as easily as with the normal version.

you can physically, but you're not licensed to do so, unless you have a retail XP license to do the upgrading from