[jaymuzii]

I've just bought a new computer recently and it is Windows XP genuine. Is it possible to use this CD key for vista? or it can only be run on it's own CD key?

[Advertisements]

No. You will need to get a legit and new Windows Vista Key. You can only use your XP cd key once and you most likely used it to install it on the computer you are using.

[ultimateslacker2]

No. You will need to get a legit and new Windows Vista Key. You can only use your XP cd key once and you most likely used it to install it on the computer you are using.

[jaymuzii]

Ooh thanks, and by once do you mean, if i format my computer and use this CD key again, it won't be genuine anymore?

[dsenette]

by once, yield means once at any given time. I.E. if you've got 2 computers in your house...you can only use the cdkey that came with the os (or computer) on ONE computer at any given time. you are allowed to activate windows 5 times before you have to use the telephone activationi option with microsoft.

[ultimateslacker2]

Wait.. so you can activate windows xp with the same key 5 times via online opition??

[vise]

I believe so. I think he's saying that you can activate any computer with the CD-Key 5 times, be it only one Key per computer, and after the 5th time you need to phone Microsoft to get it activated again.

[ultimateslacker2]

ALRIGHT AWESOME!

I am doing a reformatt tomorrow and I needed to know that! thanks for the info gang.

[andrewmonk]

How does the Windows Vista Operating System differ from Windows XP?

Does it offer any new features, that XP doesn't have?

Thank you,

[Comrade General]

How does the Windows Vista Operating System differ from Windows XP?

Does it offer any new features, that XP doesn't have?

Thank you,

Kind of hijacked a thread that doesn't even relate to your questions, now didn't yah?

[wannabe1]

It's alright, Comrade General...Let me answer this way:

Once you have used Vista for a while, you will find it difficult to go back to XP.

[Optikal]

Yes vista must be bought... In regards to XP key, I've reformatted 'one' of my drives over 500 times, using the same windows key and re-registering with windows online each time.. Did i see the number 5 somewhere?..

[krmooo]

500

[warriorscot]

As a general rule you get 5 times before they pay attention after that itll only work online if you don't change the hardware in any way.

[UV_Power]

Yes vista must be bought...

Not necessarily. Depending on which computer you purchased, as long as it is "Windows Vista Compatible", the company that made the computer should give you a FREE upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista.

HP, Compaq, Sony, and Toshiba are the only four that come to mind, but I am pretty sure most of them do it.

Although there is debate as to whether or not buying Vista would be better than upgrading to it....

Edited by UV_Power, 11 January 2007 - 02:10 AM.

[krmooo]

You will need at the very least the networking drivers (you truly have no idea if Vista will detect your network card during the install).

Upgrading… uh… no. I have tried upgrading from XP 10 times and all 10 times it was not worth the pain. A good 30% of my apps blew up and getting them uninstalled, and then tracking down a Vista version (not a lot available right now) was just a pain in the buttocks. Set aside a couple of hours and have all your Office CD’s ready and start from scratch. Trust me when I tell you upgrading is a very aggravating process right now.

For those who bought their PC’s from OEM’s… my recommendation to you is to call or check out their website and see if they are offering a free Vista upgrade or if they offer an option for you to purchase Vista from them. For those who don’t want to tackle a true "base" upgrade, if you can get Vista on a CD from the company you bought your computer from that CD will have all the Vista drivers you need to get it installed (or upgraded). I would say if you bought your PC in the last year you should have a good shot at getting a Vista CD from your OEM.