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Thread ID: 76378	2007-01-30 11:20:00	I really don't understand how installation of Windows OS works...	qazwsxokmijn (102)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
520655	2007-01-30 11:20:00	Can anyone enlighten me? In these four years of using Windows XP and the 3 times it had to be reinstalled, I had a family friend to do it. So, I absolutely have no idea how reactivation/registration/whatever code thing works. Now that the family friend has gone to Europe, I cannot really use his free service to install my Vista for me. Now, I may be buying an OEM Vista. But after reading some things on the internet, I read that OEM Vista would be harder to reinstall. Eg. I have a virus that makes me need to reformat the HDD. How do I reinstall Vista now? So, before installing OEM Vista for the first time, I have to put in the registration code given with the disc, right? And this first registration code cannot be used again for a second time? So what are exactly the difference between OEM and retail? Could someone PLEASE explain in DETAILS??	qazwsxokmijn (102)
520656	2007-01-30 11:36:00	Differences between OEM & retail: OEM does not come in a nice fancy box. OEM usually doesn't have a manual / install guide. OEM support is usually done by the place of purchase and not the manufacturer of the software. OEM will come already installed on the machine you buy. Probably more but can't think of any right now...should be in bed :D To install an OEM operating system, like OEM Vista, you usually have to format the hard drive, losing any data so BACKUP any data you want to keep!	CYaBro (73)
520657	2007-01-30 11:43:00	Can anyone enlighten me? In these four years of using Windows XP and the 3 times it had to be reinstalled, I had a family friend to do it . So, I absolutely have no idea how reactivation/registration/whatever code thing Activation is so it doesn't run out and lock you out . Registration isnt mandatory, activation is . The registration code is the CD / Product key . Which can only be used on 1 PC . (normally) . Now, I may be buying an OEM Vista . But after reading some things on the internet, I read that OEM Vista would be harder to reinstall . Eg . I have a virus that makes me need to reformat the HDD . How do I reinstall Vista now? You can either get the upgrade, depending on what version of XP is installed . However, u cant upgrade from previous versions of Windows, unless u get the full version of Vista . Hopefully, its a bootable DVD, and its bootable like XP . And hopefully, you've got a DVD on your system . So, before installing OEM Vista for the first time, I have to put in the registration code given with the disc, right? And this first registration code cannot be used again for a second time? The reg code is the key, yup . Thats right it usually cant be used or activated on a separate computer, apart from the first PC u installed it on . So what are exactly the difference between OEM and retail? Could someone PLEASE explain in DETAILS?? OEM means ( . wikipedia . org/wiki/Original_Equipment_Manufacturer" target="_blank">en . wikipedia . org) which is usually cheaper than a retail version . And a retail is usually more than an OEM version .	Speedy Gonzales (78)
520658	2007-01-30 12:08:00	But how will the OEM DVD know that it is being installed on the same HDD for the second time? How will I get the second activation code? How can I convince the guy I have a legal OEM copy?	qazwsxokmijn (102)
520659	2007-01-30 12:18:00	But how will the OEM DVD know that it is being installed on the same HDD for the second time? If its like XP, it depends on whether u change any hardware or not, if not it'll know. And if it notices changes it'll ask u to activate it again. Well you'll have to activate again anyway, if you reformat. How will I get the second registration code? How can I convince the guy I have a legal OEM copy? If u mean after u format u use the same key, coz you're formatting the same PC (if this is what u mean). If u mean a 2nd key for another computer for one copy of Vista, you don't. You have to buy 2 separate versions of Vista, to install it on 2 computers.	Speedy Gonzales (78)
520660	2007-01-30 13:00:00	and no I dont see why you should format yoru drive to install vista......just partition it and install it to the second partition.....then you'll have dual boot.....	drcspy (146)
520661	2007-01-30 19:25:00	You shouldn't have to reinstall the O/S as often as you seem to think. You should have a good anti-virus program and a fire wall installed. Vista looks like it will do all of these. If you have a problem, always check back here with you problem and ask the PressF1 team for help. There is plenty of it. So before you even consider having to reinstall, check here first.	Bryan (147)
520662	2007-01-30 20:10:00	But how will the OEM DVD know that it is being installed on the same HDD for the second time? How will I get the second activation code? How can I convince the guy I have a legal OEM copy? You're missing the point. You can reinstall it if need be. What they say you can't do is if you change enough hardware then in effect you have a new PC - and OEM is meant to stay with the old one, or if the old one no longer exists you throw the O/S away and buy another. Ridiculous. And of course the sensible thing to do is install Windows, set up everything how you want it and then Ghost it.	pctek (84)
520663	2007-01-30 22:07:00	Change the PC....what component of the PC exactly does it take for the first code to become useless?	qazwsxokmijn (102)
520664	2007-01-31 05:45:00	Change the PC....what component of the PC exactly does it take for the first code to become useless? i hear it has a points system, so when you reach x amount of points it's considered a new pc for some reason network cards are awarded a large number of points, up in the ranks of the motherboard:illogical i'm sure this information is hidden on their site somewhere	motorbyclist (188)
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