John said:
I have a valid OEM license for Vista Business. Unfortunately I am unable to
effect a clean install with the OEM provided disks due to the included
(trial) software.
How does the presence of trial software prevent a clean installation?
If the OEM's provided recovery method isn't working, you should contact
the OEM for assistance and warranty support.
Is it possible to use (borrow) a retail Vista DVD and install Vista Business
cleanly and then use my valid Vista Business license from my OEM to validate
the clean install?
No, that wouldn't be doable. Product Keys are bound to the specific
type and language of CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade)
with which they are purchased. For example, a Vista Home OEM Product Key
won't work for any retail version of Vista Home, or for any version of
Vista Business or Ultimate, and vice versa. An upgrade's Product Key
cannot be used with a full version DVD, and vice versa. An OEM Product
Key will not work to install a retail product. An Italian Product Key
will not work with an English DVD. Bottom line: Product Keys and DVD
types cannot be mixed & matched.
You should be able, however, to borrow an unbranded, generic OEM DVD
and use it with your OEM Product Key.
--
Bruce Chambers
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