I installed Vista to my aging computer only to find that performace wasn't up to par as I had too small a hard drive and a relatively slow CPU. So I ordered components form NewEgg to build a faster computer with a dual core CPU. I am trashing the old computer. But I don't think Microsoft will let me install my Vista copy on the the new machine because I have already installed it once even though I will no longer use the old computer (salvaging it). Am I correct in thinking this? So I used Vista for a week and that money is down the drain and I have to buy a new copy?

Hi Jim,
I would be surprised if that is the case. If you bought a full copy, then when you install on the new computer, you will probably have to call MS for activation, and explain the situation. I understand they are pretty good about that.
Larry Maturo
"Jim"

Jim wrote:

As stated, assuming this is a full retail version of Vista, when prompted to activate, do so. If you are prompted that it cannot activate or that it is already activated on another computer, rerun activation and use the activate by phone option as opposed to the activate over the Internet option.
Michael Solomon

Jim wrote:

No, not at all. Only OEM licenses are permanently bound to the first computer on which they're installed; retail licenses can be transferred from one computer to another, just so long as they're in stalled on only one computer at a time.

No.

Bruce Chambers
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Well, unfortunately Microsoft says that I must buy a new copy of Vista even though I bought the other one just two weeks ago. I was discouraged and I have to say a little angy but then a neighbor told me to try Ubuntu (its Linux program) I installed it from my neighbor's cdrom last night and it is WONDERFUL. And its free. I also installed a program called Open Office so my wife can do her teaching stuff. I am very happy with this workaround for now as I am not rich and just can't afford to buy another copy of Vista.
"Bruce Chambers" wrote:

Jim wrote:

I tried to install Ubuntu on my computer but it would not install. It could not recognize my Matrox P750 video card. I guess that's not too surprising from something that's free. I see a few people here praising unbuntu but if it won't even install then it can't possibly be that good. Frank

Frank, Ubuntu worked for me and thats all I cared about as I was stuck with a computer with Vista installed in the discard pile and my new build with no operating system. (My new computer has a Geforce 7300GT and luckily Ubuntu picked it up) I was disappointed that Microsoft would not allow me to transfer my full Vista from my old computer to my new one as I only built the new one to enhance the operation of Vista. But I realize that piracy is a problem and I guess Microsoft has to consider us all pirates to catch the real crooks. I will probably replace the Ubuntu with Vista when I have more spare money in a few months. The cost of the original copy (which is now useless :-() and the parts for my new computer just has me a little strapped right now on a retirement income.
"Frank" wrote:

Jim wrote:

Jim, as long as Vista was removed from the old computer, there shouldn't have been an issue if this was a full retail version of Vista. Was the call you made to the activation center, the number you are given in the prompt during activation to activate by phone or did you call Microsoft with an inquiry. If you called Microsoft directly, it sounds as though you received bad information since, under normal circumstances, you can move Vista or XP for that matter from an old computer to a new computer assuming it was not an OEM version that came with that original computer.
Michael Solomon