Vista OEM download (have key). System seems to have changed

[QfanatiQ]

Friend at work has laptop, brought it in. Needs Vista and we have the key on the bottom. Liek last time (not vista i might add but XP) i went to MS as i was confident I could get it.

I cant find it anywhere, or seem to search/navigate my way though to find it..

Am i missing it, i did a google search and found some info, but takes em to sites to get disks sent for £50 (from laptop manufacture).

Have MS removed the ability to download the OS?

it was either home or basic we need the link to.

Cheers.....Q

[stroebs]

I'm sure downloading the image file from an unofficial source is okay as long as you have a key and do not engage in anything that could be seen as piracy (cracking etc.)

[QfanatiQ]

Thats the route i am looking at now. I was hoping it might be buried deep down somewhere in their site as it is then trusted to be exactly what you want.

Worth an ask.

Cheers......Q

[BertRoot]

Don't think you can get it without MSDN or a Connect account with the appropriate access.

[QfanatiQ]

Don't think you can get it without MSDN or a Connect account with the appropriate access.

Not sure what these are, will google and see if it is something attainable with the product key.

Cheers.....Q

[Over Carl]

What you want to do is to find the oem cd for that brand of laptop, should install without any activation.

[QfanatiQ]

Second hand laptop and despite being changed back to original set up guy did NOT make a CD that it ptompts you to on start up.

Managed it in the end. It was third image lucky and he is up and running and has since made a backup, it was the dirvers that almost killed him in the end i think!

Cheers......Q

[Possy_99]

generic oem disks are soo much better I rekon - recovery disks have too much crap bundled with them.. 2 or 3 DVD's when vista is "only" 3.xgb the only slight advantage which has been poitned out is drivers but I tend to find nowerdays microsoft update handles driver downloads quite well, so along with your legit oem key from the COA you will have a genuine vista install with none of the bull it came with originally - therefor BETTER than new!

[Freaky]

i have the same problem now, i dont suppose you can get these OEM disks to buy can ya as i cant find one to download, need one for an asus laptop, has legal licence number at bottom, just cant do the recovery thing as the partition aint there any more.

any help appreciated guys

Cheers

[Welsh Pete]

i have the same problem now, i dont suppose you can get these OEM disks to buy can ya as i cant find one to download, need one for an asus laptop, has legal licence number at bottom, just cant do the recovery thing as the partition aint there any more.

any help appreciated guys

Cheers

What version of windows, exactly?

[Possy_99]

look on your usual download sites, ones labeled OEM will do - just make sure it has the correct version (basic, home, pro etc) availble on the disk

these are the kinda ones I look for, but sometimes they'll strip out all but ultimate so read comments etc.. so long as when you install, you get the option and select the correct version.. install without serial and after install start activation entering your legit key when prompted.. it will pass.

Microsoft Windows Vista ULTIMATE x86 SP2 Integrated December 2009 OEM DVD-BIE
Microsoft Windows 7 ULTIMATE x86 Integrated February 2010 OEM DVD-BIE


..what I've noticed lately though is this technique doesn't work with academic versions aka those from the home access scheme.. nightmare..

[Freaky]

on a sticker on the front it just says vista basic

Possy, ive been lookin on what site si know m8 and cant find nowt

cheers guys

[Welsh Pete]

on a sticker on the front it just says vista basic

Possy, ive been lookin on what site si know m8 and cant find nowt

cheers guys

I have a Vista Basic OEM (dell - not that it matters) DVD image. PM me your addy and I`ll burn it off and chuck it in the post if you like.

[Possy_99]

in true dragon('s den) style, I will match pete's offer

[Freaky]

so even tho its dell can i still install to an asus and then use my legal serial underneath
and this would be legal to do yes, and be able to do all updates etc???

thank you very much guys thats brilliant and i really appreciate it
and possy thanks a lot m8 for the offer, but if they are both the same then i will take petes offer

thanks again guys

Pete ill pm you thanks m8

[Possy_99]

So long as Pete's version is not pre-activated and allows manual input of key during activation you'll be fine yeah.. will report as genuine.. I've done it many times

[Welsh Pete]

So long as Pete's version is not pre-activated and allows manual input of key during activation you'll be fine yeah.. will report as genuine.. I've done it many times

No, its not preactivated. A copy is enroute as of tea time tonight.

[Freaky]

so wot does this mean to me guys, do i need your version possy????
im confunsed now LOL

oh i get it now petes will be fine, nice 1

thanks a lot pete thats brilliant
cheers guys

[Freaky]

sorry i havent posted back m8 ive been busy

got the disk, thank you VERY MUCH m8 i really really appreciate it

so all i have to do now is use it then when it asks for the serial i just put in the legal one from under the laptop????

cheers again guys

[Possy_99]

if/when it asks for serial during the install, just click next without entering a serial.. (it will install without) then when it's up and running, start activation procedure and it will ask for the key again - this is the point where you use your key from your laptop.