Vista reformatting question.

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Guest

I have this penchant for clearing out my hard drive and doing a fresh install
every few months or so, due to overall clutter or just some conflict in the
programs and drivers. I wasn't sure how Vista validates itself, so what I
wonder is this. If I install Vista and register it and whatnot, then a
couple months later, I reformat and try to reinstall again, it should be the
same right? I've heard things like Microsoft ties the registration code to
your processor, to your motherboard, and to whatever else. So, i'm a little
confused now. This is basically the only thing holding me back from buying
it at the moment, so if anyone could clarify it for me, I'd really appreciate
it.
 
Hi Kevin,

It's very similar to XP in that the activation hash is built from
identifiers of the hardware on the system. If you do as you describe, the
hash should be similar and reactivate without issue. Even if it's not, then
all you need to do is phone in the activation.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
Rick Rogers said:
It's very similar to XP in that the activation hash is built from
identifiers of the hardware on the system. If you do as you describe, the
hash should be similar and reactivate without issue. Even if it's not,
then all you need to do is phone in the activation.
Click to expand...

If I understand the various Vista versions correctly you'll need a full (not
upgrade) version of Vista to install from a re-formatted drive. With an
upgrade copy you can do a "clean install", but this leaves some folders
still on the drive, but wipes out folders such as Program Files and Windows.
 
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