Vista Ultimate x64 [Archive]

Feek

03-08-2007, 08:53

Now I know I'm taking the piss, but I'm going to ask anyway.

Does anyone have a real key for Vista Ultimate x64 that's not being used and is available? I bought an OEM of Home Premium x64 when I built my new box (I've never activated it) but as I'm rebuilding on a new motherboard next week I'd rather use Ultimate if I can and having bought one version, I'm not keen on paying out for another.

We've had some systems shipped in with Vista on here and as we're not rolling it out yet we've rebuilt them with XP but they're the wrong version :(

Daz

03-08-2007, 09:56

I'd normally be able to help you but they're not shipping Ultimate with the action packs (which I have easy access to) - only Business. I have convoluted access to MSDN but I cant justify requesting a key so eyebrows would likely be raised :(

Feek

03-08-2007, 10:13

The ones we've had delivered have Business, that's the problem. I don't want Business and I have a similar access to MSDN which would involve someone taking me aside and saying "wtf have you requested that key for?" *slap*

Daz

03-08-2007, 10:16

I actually know a guy who has MSDN access himself - though he protects it quite fiercely. Cant say I blame him, it cost him a ton of money at a charity auction.

If you have a 64bit disc, you could install ultimate without a key, though obviously you can only run until activation stops you.

Feek

03-08-2007, 10:28

I thought you had to enter a key to be able to install, and that's what determines the version which is installed? The disc I have is certainly 64bit as I installed premium from it.

Getting around activation for at least six months isn't a problem.

Daz

03-08-2007, 10:33

To be fair I've only tried it on the 32bit installs, but you dont need a key and I assumed it was the same for 64bit (I'll try later, I do have a 64bit ISO somewhere). If you dont enter a key it asks you what version to install, and just warns you that you'll need a matching key to activate later on.

Feek

03-08-2007, 10:57

Well in that case, I can install, not activate for 30 days then do the command that resets the 30 day counter. That can be done three times and then the registry tweak resets that counter for a further eight times making 330 days of activation-free usage.

Seems like MS have kicked themselves in the nuts wrt activation, especially if it can be installed without even using a key.

Mark

03-08-2007, 12:41

I also haven't tried installation without a key on 64-bit, though I have with 32-bit and don't see any reason for them to not do the same with 64-bit.

I have a Vista Ultimate MSDN key already (installed it on my new work machine - well, why not), but as it's tied to my account I'm also somewhat protective of it.

Feek

20-08-2007, 11:16

Having got a nice stable system now (touches wood, (fnarr)) I've ordered myself an Ultimate OEM key. I just hope I can retro-add it without having to reinstall.

Daz

20-08-2007, 11:19

Having got a nice stable system now (touches wood, (fnarr)) I've ordered myself an Ultimate OEM key. I just hope I can retro-add it without having to reinstall.
If you installed with OEM media, and haven't activated it, then you'll be given the option to add/change a CD-Key when you try and activate :)

Mark

20-08-2007, 11:22

There is a warning on installation that if you enter the key for one product (or select the wrong product), then you will have to reinstall to get the correct product. I've never tried it so don't know if (or how well) that's enforced.

Feek

20-08-2007, 11:36

If you installed with OEM media, and haven't activated it, then you'll be given the option to add/change a CD-Key when you try and activate :)

Aye, I did install from OEM media and am hoping that if I give it an OEM key it'll be good.

There is a warning on installation that if you enter the key for one product (or select the wrong product), then you will have to reinstall to get the correct product. I've never tried it so don't know if (or how well) that's enforced.

Hopefully, having picked Ultimate and having an Ultimate key, I should be OK.

Mark

20-08-2007, 12:39

Absolutely. :)

Feek

22-08-2007, 12:46

Typing in a new key forced activation, which is a bit of a shame but I was going to do it in a couple of weeks once I was happy anyway so I guess it just means it's been done early.

http://www.ukrm.org/feek/activated.gif

Daz

22-08-2007, 13:18

Meh, dont worry about it. You'll always be able to activate, just might have to be by phone if you do it online too much.