Clean Vista install WITH NO ACTIVATION

[orev]

Thanks for the feedback. I updated the guide to make it more clear.

[al13nd]

Can any Vista disk function as an anytime upgrade disk? I have a Vista Business DVD that I have installed on my desktop, will it work for clean installing Vista Home Premium on my lappy (with its serial)?

[orev]

You could boot off the disc, then go as far as the screen after it wants you to enter a serial number (don't enter one). Then you will be able to see the choices you have when installing from that disk. Don't go any further unless you want to reinstall though! My guess is that it will be the same.

I'd be interested to know the results.

[stallen]

You can buy genuine anytime upgrade DVDs for $5 from CompUSA (32-bit Google Page Ranking 64-bit). This is the link for 64-bit: http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...a=&cm_ite=feed

[tinytunes]

Worked like a charm on the new directions for my hp 6000 CTO. Thank you very much!

[al13nd]

You could boot off the disc, then go as far as the screen after it wants you to enter a serial number (don't enter one). Then you will be able to see the choices you have when installing from that disk. Don't go any further unless you want to reinstall though! My guess is that it will be the same.

I'd be interested to know the results.

I just looked at my disk and it actually has "Includes Windows Anytime Upgrade" printed on it. This was from the PowerTogether promotion, but I expect that all Vista disks probably have it.

[knp]

Nice guide, orev. Sorry I couldn't test it out before you released it! I will definitely try it when I get back home and have my DVD's on me.

[rhetor]

Orev, you rock!

Just got in an HP 9500tx . . . tried to install my own programs on top of the bloateware . . . dumbest thing I have ever done! Hours and hourse trying to get little programs like iTunes to work . . .

Printed off your step by step guide . . . followed it step by step . . . shazam!

Fastest machine I have ever owned . . . cut my start up time by 75% . . . and now I can hear my iTunes too!

You noted the only three real nervy "do not forget" steps. . . 1) running the ABR program on a flash drive; 2) saving that swsetup file to a flash drive; and 3) reinstalling the Quick Launch Buttons from the swsetup file saved on the flash drive to get rid of the "unknown driver" issue. I did just as you said and had "0" problems!

I am all activated without a single phone call to activate Vista, without a single call to HP tech support; and without a single e-mail on this forum for help!

My dv9500t feels like a new . . . new machine!

Thanks, Orev!

[rhetor]

How do I run the "windows experience" tool?

Everything else worked great!

Never mind . . . for dummies like me, Vista self-installed it. Looks great!

[knp]

Tested this method on my DV6500T and everything worked out perfectly. All necessary drivers are installed, no more bloatware, and startup times have decreased significantly. Great job on this guide, Orev!