Can I use my another windows vista CD from laptop A to install in laptop B?

tlgoh1

I have two laptops from Dell one the OS is windows vista Basic and another is windows vista home premium. The one with the vista basic have its windows corrupted. The problem is I lost the installation CDs, Can I ask whether can i use the CD of windows home premium to install in my corrupted laptop? THANKS ALOT

pipemanid

One License per disk.... One computer per disk...
Contact Dell and have them replace the missing disks...

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cholla

I think with Vista it's just a matter of putting in the correct Product key .
So my opinion is as long as you use the correct Product key for the Vista Basic it should work.
It may require a call to Microsoft to reactivate but it is a toll frre number & it will come up if it is required.
If my understanding of Vista is correct all 4 versions are already on your OS you just have to pay for the upgrade & you get a new Product key to activate that version.

mciahel

Hi and Welcome!I guess, not.
With a normal (retail or system builder) Vista install disc, you could do that since the features (Premium, Basic, Ultimate) are determined by the product key during installation. The Dell OEM disc might install Home Premium without asking. If you can enter your home basic key after installation, then all is okay.

Apart from ordering a new set of discs from Dell, you may have a look into your manual if there is a recovery partition which will restore the factory preinstallation.

Michael

@pipemanid: Most laptops and brand name computers come without any Windows install disc, so the one disc - one license claim is IMHO not justified.

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pipemanid

Good point, but the OP specifically said they lost the original installation disks...
In addition, my interpretation is that they wished to use one installation disk for 2 separate computers, which is not allowed unless they somehow have the original key...

__________________
Main System
Intel D865GBF P4 3.2E 4GB DDR400 2x Maxtor 250GB BenQ 1650 BenQ 1620 Matrox P650
InWin Q500/Antec True550 Dual 19"LCD
Backup System
Intel D865GLC P4 3.0E 4GB DDR400 2x Maxtor 250GB BenQ 1620 BenQ 1650 Matrox P650
InWin Q500/Antec True550 Dual 17"LCD
Workhorse System
SuperMicro P6DBS P3 850MHz x 2 1GB SDRAM 4x Seagate UW 9.1GB LiteOn 1633S Pioneer A-305S Matrox G450
InWin Q500/PC Power & Cooling 510 ATX Dual 15"LCD
Play System
AOpen AX4SG P4 2.8E 2GB DDR400 2x Maxtor 160GB BenQ 1620 BenQ 822A Matrox G550
Antec CS600/Antec True550 Dual 17"LCD
Server/Firewall
Biostar P4TDK P4 2.4GHz 2GB DDR400 2x Seagate 160GB BenQ 1620 LiteOn SOHD 167T
Matrox G450 Antec CS600/Antec True550 19" CRT
All Computers Use TB SantaCruz Sound Cards & RealMagic Hollywood+ DVD Decoder cards

cholla

If there is a Recovery partition you may be able to make a setting in your BIOS so it will be an option at boot.I have deleted the one that came on my computer but I think either F2 or F 10 was the option button to access the recovery partition on my computer.
mciahel is correct most computers now come with no Windows discs.
@pipemanid ,I don't have a laptop but on my desktop there is a key sticker on the case.

bean55

F11 for some HP , E machines for Recovery

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cholla

You might want to give this article a read :http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/recover.htm
These are the ptedit.exe fro the article:
ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/englis...ies/ptedit.zip
ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/englis...s/PTEDIT32.zip
This is a useful tool to show if you have a hidden partition in a working Windows too.

mciahel

No problem with Dell laptops. The key is on a sticker located on the bottom of the unit.

From the manual of my Dell Vostro 1500:

1. Press F8 key several times to show the "Advanced Start Options" screen of Vista.
2. Select "Repair Options"
3. Select keyboard layout
4. Log in as user "Administrator" (no password normally)
5. Klick "Dell Factory Image Restore"

The procedure should be similar for many Dell laptops, but reading the manual before is highly recommended.

Michael

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