Member Avatar for Xlphos

Hello,

I am after restoring a few computers with Vista on and I want to know for certain if I could restore them using a upgrade version of vista.

I am after booting from the upgrade disc and installing vista from scratch and using the key provided with the computer being restored.

Thanks in advance.

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Dani AI

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Short answer up front for : Microsoft’s official guidance says an Upgrade product key will be blocked if you boot the PC from the Vista Upgrade DVD — the supported route is to run Setup from a qualifying Windows installation or use a full (non-upgrade) license. (support.microsoft.com)

There is a long-running community workaround (reported across tech sites) where people perform a keyless, clean install from the Upgrade disc, then run Setup again from inside that new install and apply the upgrade key (or use other activation tricks). That approach is widely described but it is not an official, supported method and can conflict with Microsoft’s licensing intent — treat it as unsupported and potentially a license violation. (arstechnica.com)

Practical notes if restoring multiple OEM PCs: check the machine’s COA sticker for the product key and make sure you use the matching Vista edition and 32/64-bit media; many vendors provide recovery partitions or will supply recovery discs if you contact them (that’s the cleanest, OEM-approved route). Back up any data, collect vendor drivers before wiping, and be prepared to use phone activation if online activation fails. (learn.microsoft.com)

Also note that Windows Vista is end-of-life and unsupported (no security updates after April 11, 2017). For machines that remain in service, replacing Vista with a supported Windows version — or with a lightweight Linux distribution for older hardware — is strongly recommended for security and compatibility reasons. (learn.microsoft.com)

If the goal is a quick, repeatable restore for many machines, obtain official OEM recovery media or a full retail image that matches the COA key rather than relying on unsupported workarounds.

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Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

Did you try it yet? The computer probably must have an installed version of Windows, that's why it's called "upgrade" afterall.

Edited by Ancient Dragon
Member Avatar for Xlphos

No I havent got it yet. I was after booting from the disc as opposed to upgrading from a running windows OS.

I've heard you can install a fresh version(any) from an upgrade disc by skipping product key entry, as I have the keys I can enter this later.

I'm not to interested in the upgrade itself but if the disc can be used to do a fresh install.

Thanks.

Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

You have to enter product keys before it will install, can't do it later.

Member Avatar for Xlphos

Hmm...

Okay then how about the full retail version?

Member Avatar for Xlphos

Nevermind, found a workaround got the installation media for Vista and didnt cost me a penny. Can't complain, sure am glad I didnt go ahead and buy it.

Thanks

Edited by Xlphos
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