Vista install - Will this work?

[David]

My son has a Toshiba laptop that originally came with Vista Home Basic
installed. Even though I encouraged him to create a recovery disk, he did
not do so.

Later, he installed Vista Ultimate, probably from a borrowed DVD, but
doesn't have the funds to purchase a Product Key, and he wants to reinstall
Home Basic.

I downloaded Vista from here:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Windows_Vista_Full_Direct_Download

and created a bootable DVD.

It is my understanding that this contains all Vista 32-bit versions and that
the version actually installed depends on the Product Key entered during
installation. Correct? If so, will we be able to use this DVD and the OEM
Product Key on the back of the computer to install Home Basic?

I know that we will have to download and install additional drivers.

What problems might there be? Activation issues?

Thanks

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Why not contact Toshiba and ask them if they can supply you with recovery
disk?

--
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[David]

We can do that. I just thought I would consider a different option.

 

[PvdG42]

We can do that. I just thought I would consider a different option.

Checking the link you've provided, I don't think your original plan will
work. It appears that the download is the retail version of Vista, while the
key you have from Toshiba is for OEM Home Basic. AFAIK, an OEM key cannot be
used with a retail product. I think you should follow John's advice.

 

[David]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I was afraid of something like that.
David P.

 

[John Barnett MVP]

David, going through the PC manufacturer will probably be less expensive
that buying a product key. Toshiba may or may not charge you for a recovery
disk but at least you know you are getting the right one for your system.

The Vista DVD does contain all versions of Vista and the copy that is
installed will be governed by the product key. However, there are also two
types of Vista DVD; retail and OEM (original equipment manufacturer). A
retail product key will not, as far as I know, work on an OEM copy and visa
versa therefore your product key may not work on the copy you downloaded,
especially as the downloaded copy is a retail version.


--
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <#[email protected]> "PvdG42"

Checking the link you've provided, I don't think your original plan will
work. It appears that the download is the retail version of Vista, while the
key you have from Toshiba is for OEM Home Basic. AFAIK, an OEM key cannot be
used with a retail product. I think you should follow John's advice.

There is no difference between the Microsoft OEM, retail/full and
upgrade media in Vista, the key controls which options are available.

OEM media may customized, but in my own testing, the OEM keys work in
the Microsoft provided DVD image.

I type this message on a Toshiba Vista Ultimate laptop which was
installed from a Microsoft Vista retail disc image using the OEM key
during installation.