Running Vista off line

[fred]

I wish to replace the computer I use for valued data. To protect this data I
will not connect it to the internet. From what I read, if I buy a computer
running Windows Vista where Vista is pre-activated by the retailer, then
Vista may still try periodically to re-validate on line. If it fails then the
computer will be made unusable by nag messages or worse. In other words
Vista, including Vista SP1, is not usable on a computer that does not connect
to the internet. Shop assistants have told me otherwise. Please can you
clarify because I can afford neither the time nor money involved in choosing
the wrong operating system.
Many thanks.

 

[David Morgan \(MAMS\)]

I wish to replace the computer I use for valued data. To protect this data I
will not connect it to the internet. From what I read, if I buy a computer
running Windows Vista where Vista is pre-activated by the retailer, then
Vista may still try periodically to re-validate on line. If it fails then the
computer will be made unusable by nag messages or worse. In other words
Vista, including Vista SP1, is not usable on a computer that does not connect
to the internet. Shop assistants have told me otherwise. Please can you
clarify because I can afford neither the time nor money involved in choosing
the wrong operating system.
Many thanks.

VISTA is *not* a secure (private) system if you are on the net (as is *no* OS
quite honestly).

Vista is still not ready for prime if you aren't to be a part of the 'connected'
community; where constant background processes for everything from
your printer to your software, 'connects' to relay information about you and
your PC and even your 'shadow-copied' files... all in the name of staying
updated and being <cough-cough> 'secure'.

Use XP Home or XP Pro, activate it over the net... update it, then disconnect.



--
David Morgan (MAMS)
Morgan Audio Media Service
http://www.m-a-m-s DOT com
Dallas, Texas (214) 662-9901
_____________________________
http://www.januarysound.com

 

[SG]

Hi,

If you ever need to re-validate then simply do it by phone, If necessary
explain to MS you do not use the Net, but I don't think that will be an
issue.

 

[fred]

Thanks for your reply.
--
fred

Hi,

If you ever need to re-validate then simply do it by phone, If necessary
explain to MS you do not use the Net, but I don't think that will be an
issue.

 

[JW]

I think you can try to activate offline. Just go to Help and enter activate
and you can get to the activation screen then when you fail to activate
because you are not connected to the net it should give you the phone number
to call for activation.