Buying a new pc, using old Vista possible ?

I've been using and tweaking my Windows Vista for months now, had a hard time installing some programs because of my 64 bit version, but it works now. Also bought alot of software so going to another Vista isn't really an option.

I do however want to buy a new PC, or atleast motherboard, proc and new memory ...

Is there any _legal_ way to keep my old vista (and also my old HD's ofcourse), using some sort of upgrade/update ? I'm affraid it can't be done but if there is a way you guys here will know about it :thumbsup:

Thnx for any thoughts & ideas in advance!

I don't think there is anyway of updating that stuff without having to reinstall widows. Is that what you were getting at?

Yeah, basicly it's just swapping hardware and keeping the software ... I'm affraid it can't be done, but want to be sure first

If it really can't be done I just go and bye a totally new pc from scratch so I can keep this one the way it is :wacko: . I'm in the need of a good quad core system you see

i know with xp that if you significantly changed hardware that you had to get a new key... I know i did that when i upgraded to a new motherboard and such.. just called and they gave me a new key.

Yeah worked for me too, with this Vista even, but that was just a new proccessor and new memory. Now it's more like a new pc ;)

I'll aks at my local hardware store, they should know it .. Thnx guys :thumbsup:

With regard to the licensing it all depends on the version of Vista you're using.

If it's a 'pure' OEM version, such as come with most branded machines, then it'll be tied to the BIOS of the old PC and will become useless with the upgrade- these are normally the CDs that just offer to reimage the machine rather than properly reinstall though so are quite easy to spot. If it's a reseller's OEM version, which are are used in smaller-scale operations and often sold with assemble-it-yourself hardware then you should be able to get MS to issue you a new key if you explain that this is an upgrade to the machine that the license is bound to. Finally if it's a boxed off-the-shelf version (Nice shiny hard plastic box, many reseller OEM versions come in a duller plastic box more like a standard DVD case) then you'd be allowed to migrate the license to another PC entirely so all'd be well.

Even if the license is able to be upgraded though I'd strongly recommend a clean install for the new hardware. Motherboard drivers tend not to be that well tested for uninstalls and so leave bits of themselves throughout the system. This can quickly lead to issues which at best could cause slowdowns and resource wastage and at worst can just stop the machine booting entirely.

It's the version with no help or service, so OEM for system builders I'd say. Phoned MS before, didn't even had to speak to a real person, just pressed '3' for 'recently added new hardware or replaced broken hardware' and the machine on the other end gave me a new code..

However, this time it's a bit noire then just 1 component..

Got the project on hold for a sec due to work but next month, when nearing lvl 60, I'm gonna need it since Shatt is a nightmare atm for me ;)

thnx for the reply. :thumbsup:

Just went out and bought a new nice imba system, wricked out my old mobo out, trew in the new one and was playing WoW again withing 30 minutes :thumbsup:

Just had to phone Microsoft to re-activate my Vista, and it went like before: type in the Vista code, fill in new one you get from the computer voice on the other end, and done :thumbup:


Got a Q6600 at 2.7 ghz now, with 4gb of mem both on an Asus PK5, Shatt is now a nice city to hang around.

Only problem I have is my main running on a low framerate ... Can't get it to run smooth, whikle my adds run, if I take the limitor off, at 50fps, all 4 of them :huh:


Thnx for the replies!

It is a bit like Trigger's 9 year old broom (Only Fools and Horses)

It is considered the same PC if you replace the CPU but no the Harddrive or you replace the harddrive and not the CPU... this is overly simplistic but you get the idea.

This is how vendor's are able to sell OEM versions of the OS directly to the public provided they are purchased with a significant required piece of hardware e.g. the harddrive.

With XP and before windows got very touchy about chipset changes. I haven't tested this with Vista, your best bet is to pull your HD and plug it into a friends computer and see if it will even boot with it. If it does boot with the changed chipset you can pretty much do phone re-activation and tell them you did a restor from backup and went from raid to normal since a hard drive failed, or some other viable excuse for the key activation dropping without telling them you changed mobo's (they treat that as a seperate computer usually).

Edit: fixed spelling errors that made it unreadable

If you bought the computer from a seperate manufacturer check the case for a windows sticker with the serial number on it. Most of the time you can use it when you change your mobo. Just reinstall and it should activate with no problems and less hassle from MSoft.

I did this multiple times when i swapped MoBos for new ones and i never had any problems.

Thnx guys but it's already working, and how lol ... Been playing for 2 weeksn and it onws .. Everything works :thumbup: