Can I change MoBo, CPU, video in Activated Vista

[mkessler]

I have the retail version of vista. The install lasted for a day and a half. I made the mistake of activating it during the install processon the old system. I need to upgrade the motherboard, CPU and video card. Can this be done without having to buy a new license? I will be doing a clean intall after the upgrade.

Thanks

[Dilbert]

I haven't tried Vista myself, but if it's anything like the other Windows operating systems, then you should be able to reinstall and reactivate without any trouble. It's when you try to install on multiple machines that you'll have trouble.

[Neil]

A day and a half?? Sounds like you need a faster harddrive at least.

[mkessler]

A day and a half?? Sounds like you need a faster harddrive at least.

Just a note: Be very careful when you upgrade to Vista. The MS Upgrade advisor tool misses a lot of your software and misleads on some hardware. Research on what you have installed is key. Take a look at what happens to your sound card apps and drivers and other hardware. Also Some software won't run at all. Be sure to check at all your vendor's sites first THEN upgrade. I found out the hard way. To get full functionality of my computer and what i am using it for I formatted and went back to XP and will wait for everyone to catch up.
My drive is a WD SATA drive and is Ok for now.

[Dilbert]

I'm not planning on using Vista.

[ale52]

Take qcpmike's advice and be very careful on an upgrade.  I've read several posts elsewhere that highly recommended doing a clean install after backing up your important data.  Their posts stated that, almost without exception, the upgrade failed or broke something.

I also agree with Dilbert.  I'm going to Vista in the foreseeable future.  I still run Windows 2000 Pro on most of my systems and don't have near the problems other folks do.

Alan <><  

[patio]

Win2K Rules...

[GX1_Man]

Out of curiosity what additional abilities did you hope to attain with Vista? Did it work out that way?

[mkessler]

Out of curiosity what additional abilities did you hope to attain with Vista? Did it work out that way?

After the 3+ hour upgrade process I was in much worse shape. I really din't have time to really explore the new OS. To be honest, I have been following the upgade path of Windows since 3.1. This was the first time since then that I have been disappointed. I think they released the code too soon. Too bad SP1 will be another 6 months away.

Iw will say that Aero works as advertised and the search function is very well thought out.

[Neil]

I have never ever "upgraded" - always clean install, that's the way to go.

[Pensionada]

I am running a dual-boot XP/Vista system. The Vista was installed in a clean partition: it started with Beta2, then upgraded to RC1, finally the retail Ultimate system which was a forced new install; the upgrade from RC1 to RTM was not possible.
I have had very few problems with either one of the versions, just a few driver problems; even now I do not have a complete HP-printer driver; it works somewhat...but that is the only one. Driveragent.com has been helpful finding the correct drivers!

Finally, someone at MS told me that with Vista you can activate one key max. 10 times .... after that you have to buy again.

[patio]

Finally, someone at MS told me that with Vista you can activate one key max. 10 times .... after that you have to buy again.

Source ? ?

[GX1_Man]

Someone at Microsoft? The receptionist? Bill Gates?

[patio]

Actually from what i have read even a retail ver. of Vista will require you to install XP first therefore there is no "clean" upgrade path...

I have successfully fiddled with the workaround however.

[bayern]

After all these years of torment from Windows, there are still suckers going for this Windows Vista craps.
There are many good options out there you know - Mac and Linux. Sign...   Some people just never learn.

B.