Options
Can I download Vista?
Vinnienet
Posts: 2,100 Forum Member
✭✭✭
Is there anywhere that I can download Windows Vista from? I want to do a clean install of my PC, I assume I can use the key that came with the computer?
I did a quick google search but it didn't seem to give me anything
I did a quick google search but it didn't seem to give me anything
0
Comments
Not legally. Plus, you have an OEM key, so you would need an OEM disk.
Don't you have a recovery partition on the PC? What make/model is it?
Yep - without a legit key you've got a maximum of 90 days in which to get one. If you don't the OS will lock itself down, basically stopping you from creating new files or modifying existing ones.. pretty much rendering your computer useless.
You should be able to use your key existing key with any OEM Vista DVD/installer, or if it was retail licence, then with any retail copy.
I might just treat myself to a new PC
Money > sense ?
Have a look in Disk Management to see if there is a hidden partition.
I'll have a look, cheers
After all, you can install the OS without providing a product key, and you don't need to do so for at least 30 days. What other reason did MS do this for?
Indeed, for Windows 7 at least, MS personally sanction the download and use for trial: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/cc442495
(and if you buy Windows 7 using certain methods, such as MS' "ultimate steal" for students, you have to download the ISO anyway unless you want to pay £10 for a disc)
The problem is with licensing. You will find that downloaded versions will work until MS get wise to the fake license key - then they'll block it, essentially making it useless, and no way of recovering it without a matching disk and key.
The Internet is such an integral part of Windows these days, that you need access to it just so you can start playing many games, installing updates, or creating files you want to share with others.
You even need the Internet to use Office applications these days.
When my brother's Sony laptop HDD packed up, I had to install a new HDD, obviously. Problem was I had no copy of Vista OEM. Sony didn't supply one either. So I downloaded a copy and used the Vista OEM licence key supplied with the laptop. Hey presto!, legit Vista OEM.
SOME things you just have to buy because faffing around with the "alternatives" just isn't worth the hassle.
Which is why, as the OP stated, you download a unmolested image (easier than you think) and use the product key that came with your machine.
It isn't a "fake licence key" then.
an even better way is to buy the upgrade version (cheaper), then there is a registry key you can change so that windows doesn't detect you don't have a previous version.
If you want to buy Windows, you might as well buy OEM.
I am not sure what the current loopholes are regarding buying it from the usual online retailers, but it used to be that including a free mouse or modem or something met MS' rules.
You save a fair chunk of change, and still get a legit copy (or, at least, the chances of MS caring and invalidating your copy are practically nil). One would assume the retailers buy from MS, so they don't mind the fact that they sell OEM copies in this way.
Many recovery partitions are hidden, so it won't be obvious. As said above, either run diskmgmt.msc to see if there is a hidden partition or check Google for you particular model's recovery options.
Errr....no.
Using a legit key with installation media obtained illegitimately does not result in a legit installation of Windows.
Don't confuse 'it passes WGA' with 'legit'.
The current 'rules' are the same as they have been since September 2005 - an OEM purchase only results in a legit installation if it is purchased with a fully assembled computer system.
If it wasn't....well see my comment in the post above.
"Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 64 bit, English, 1 Pack, DSP OEI (DVD) (This OEM software is intended for system builders only)"
"This software is not intended for purchase or installation by consumers. Click (link) for licence details and system builder obligations by manufacturer."
Screw buying windows again just becuase the HD has gone down
And it's never, ever been a problem as far as WGA or activation longevity are concerned.
I'm not saying you're wrong, but a load of websites out there musn't follow the rules then, as amazon seems to sell the OEM version just on it's own ..... thankfully. I want what I want in a desktop without having to pay some middleman to build it for me ..... which I don't need.
As Loobster continually attempts to point out in these threads, installing and getting activated is not the same as being legitimately licenced. He's not trying to be the OEM police but simply highlighting to continuing stream of incorrect assumptions made about OEM and licencing.
As always with MS and OEM software, what you can do in reality bears little to what the licence says you can do.