[SaltyBob]

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR A CD KEY WHAT SO EVER!!

Now that is cleared up, time for the question.

I recently purchased *another* laptop with Vista Home Premium, so now 2 computers, practally identical HP DV9000.

Both computers were bought from a big box company (so not from pawn shops second party etc.) brand new (not even refurbs!).

Each has their own unique Vista CD Key. Now If I was to buy a copy of Vista H.P. would these 2 key codes work when I go to reinstall on each of the computers separately AND will they remain legal copies -- after all you are really buying the Key Code / License... Right? Or because the codes came with an HP computer, am I stuck using these stupid recovery disks?

With the third key code, that comes with the purchased copy of windows I would just install on my other box at home..

Thanks for your answers!

SB

[JBeaucaire]

If the version you buy exactly matches the version preinstalled, then the keys you have would work on a reinstall.

In fact, if you want to you can purchase JUST the CDs directly from a Volume License Provider. I believe a media set costs about $25.

Also, if your 2 computers ARE big box PCs, then the recovery disks FOR those PCs should be available, free or extremely cheap, directly from the PC maker. If you didn't get them WITH the computer, they can almost always be acquired. These are good because they often let you reinstall just the OS, or reinstall all the programs (preserving data), or finally a full on factory restore.

[SaltyBob]

Hey thanks for your quick reply.

By volume license provider, do you mean someone like HP?

As for the recovery disks, I can burn them with my comp (they are in a restore partition) I just wanted to avoid all the extra mombo-jumbo that goes with them -- control freak.

Thanks I will look into those tips!

SB

[JBeaucaire]

A Volume License is purchased by companies with LOTS of computers. The per license cost is less, based on how many licenses you are buying, and you only buy a few copies of the disks themselves to have onsite. The disks aren't the license(s), they're just for disk-based installations.

Companies this size also seldom do many disk-based installs, either, mostly everything is done over the company network... way faster.

Anyway, companies that sell volume licenses also sell "media only kits"... which just means official installation disks with no license code... you are presumed to have your own code. Perfect for your original stated need.

Meanwhile, I'd look into the restore disks since all the drivers for your PC would come along for the ride in the case of a full on system restore... but I understand your point about having to take off all the crap BB put on the system hoping to "add value". I delete all that crap myself, too.