srunni

That's because the OEM copy of Vista you bought was not previously installed on any computer. You can directly purchase OEM copies (from Newegg, for example), but they are only installable on one hardware configuration. If you even change the motherboard on a computer running an OEM copy of Vistaster, you will have to buy a new copy. For this reason, an OEM copy of Vistaster that comes with a computer can only be used with that computer. Here is proof of that: Buying OEM versions of Windows Vista: the facts. Some of the other downsides of the OEM versions (as the article says) are that you don't get a pretty box, a manual, can't return it, only include either 32-bit or 64-bit, and have no free support for 90 days. The cheapest OEM version of Vistaster is $99.

You should also keep in mind that XP doesn't follow this policy, so your experiences with XP do not reflect the new policies regarding OEM copies that Microsoft has for Vista.

nysmile

srunni, the copy of windows that I have (from dell) has never been opened and is still sealed. Do you think that it will be able to be installed on another machine if it's sealed and never been used? Vista Business came pre-installed but they included a full sealed disc of Vista Business with our xps laptop (this is the laptop that had to have the motherboard replaced by Dell because of the defective nvidia).

srunni

I doubt that you will be able to use it, as the disc is tied to the laptop, but you might as well give it a shot.

nysmile

Thanks srunni. I'm not sure what we'll do. We have options. I do have a gift card to an Big electronics store and I could use that towards a new copy of Windows Vista. Or S could bring the Dell laptop with him to use for the class. Or, S could just try borrowing his roommate's laptop for assignments for this one class or he can use one of the computers available at the school. We won't have to decide until next semester so we'll figure something out during the winter break.

If anyone else can confirm as BP the Guy that they've had experience using a VISTA Operating disc from the purchase of a previous computer, feel free to let me know. As I said, it came pre-install yet they included the Vista Business installation (OEM) disc that is still sealed in shrinkwrap.

BP-TheGuy88

srunni is right on the Vista OEM issue. I tested it out myself tonight. The installation works fine regardless of the version. The issue comes with the activation of Windows as srunni said.

Here's what you can do. I tried this in the office I work at a few months back. The computer is still running Vista today. I had a Dell machine that came with XP originally. A guy at work was testing Vista out on the newer Dell models coming into the department. The Dell Vista CD that came with the new machines worked fine with the new Dells of course. When I attempted to install it on the machine that came with XP originally there were problems with activation. In order to get rid of that issue, the product key (a label on all computers with Windows) was used from the new Dell machines on the old Dell machines. The activation worked fine and went through. The reason it didn't work originally was because as srunni said, the OEM version was tied to the hardware it was designed for. The reason it worked once the new product key was used is because the product key was valid. Therefore my suggestion would be to setup Vista on Bootcamp using that DVD. And when you load Vista, and it tells you to activate, do so by entering the product key from your Dell laptop.

By the way instructions on setting up Vista are simple in BootCamp.

1. Create partition using Boot Camp utility in Mac OS X. Look for it by just typing Boot Camp in the Finder (the search bar in all windows).
2. Reboot computer and load Windows Vista DVD. To make sure you enter the Vista DVD be sure to hold onto the OPTION key when starting up. Select the Vista DVD.
3. When Vista asks you what partition you want to install it on, select the one that says Boot Camp but do not click next. Then click where it says Advanced (or More Options). It should give you the option to FORMAT. Format that partition. Once that is done, you can click next to begin installation. Once installation is complete Windows will restart.
4. Activate Windows using the method described above.

The entire process should take about 30 minutes to do.

Good luck.

nysmile

I never heard about that "format" step. We haven't attempted to install Windows yet. S doesn't need it until next semester and this will give him some time to find out exactly if/why this one particular class requests it.

Thanks for all of the info. If he finds out that he truly does need windows installed on his MacBook, we'll buy a full new copy of Vista (I think MacBook recommends 32 bit version only).

nysmile

I have 2 macs. If I buy one new Microsoft Vista Home Premium with Service Pack (not the OEM but full version) can I install the operating system on both computers?

nysmile

Microsoft probably only allows one installation--right?

nysmile

ignore my previous question--I found the answer.