Activating Vista Clean Install?

After a hard drive failure debacle I decided to do a clean install of Vista Ultimate 32bit (which is the version that came with my Thinkpad). I used the key on the bottom of my thinkpad and after several days I am now getting a message saying the product key I entered is invalid for activation and asks me if I want to activate via their automated phone system. Can I do this to activate it? I AM using a legitimate Ultimate key after all.

Also, I didn't use the activator from the thread about doing Vista clean installs on a Thinkpad because I just borrowed my room-mates copy of Vista Ultimate for the install, rather than download the Upgrade Anytime DVD. I assumed the activator was just for the UA DVD.

 

I'm sorry but this is not a good assumption.

I'm over simplifying this but pretend there are three classes distributions and keys to match them.

1.) The individual user product you go to the store and buy.

2.) The OEM product you used to have and that matches the label on the bottom of your PC

3.) MSDN distributions and matching MSDN Keys.

You can't mix and match. if you had reinstalled with a lenovo disk you would have been fine.

I did a clean install with an MSDN distribution and my lenovo key was no good. I was really lucky to have access to an MSDN key or I would have been totally out of luck.

Keys have to match the distribution source.

 

Hmm, I'm a little confused. I have a new x61 and am about to do a Vista clean install. I'm planning to use Orev's ABR utility and an OEM Vista installation disk, but Stallen's guide implies that all Vista installation disks are the same, and any should work with the key on the bottom of the PC (if you're willing to call Microsoft), as well as ABR--am I missing something?

 

Well, all non-vendor-specific keys are the same. Sadly, Lenovo keys are only valid for that laptop, not even another Lenovo. You're rather locked in, unfortunately.

But for retail or OEM-purchased keys, they are completely interoperable. For instance, an OEM Vista Business key purchased from Newegg will allow you to install Vista Business on a Vista Home DVD you purchased from Best Buy. But that Lenovo Vista key that came with your computer will work with neither disc.

Confusing, I know.

 

They have different internal parameter files to describe what kind to disk it is. XP also had this as there were retail, OEM and MSDN releases.

So, I think the ABR utility should work with any system AS LONG as the the key matches the distribution type.

When I did a Vista clean install, i used the ABR utitlity and an MSDN distribution and was i ever sorry. It never validated and I had to get a new Key from my MSDN subscription.

It would be my guess that a retail disk will not work with an OEM Key and i know that an ABR of an OEM system will not work with an MSDN disk.

 

Whoa, thats a bummer... it sounds like Stallen's guide needs to be corrected. He doesn't mention MSDN but he clearly says that any retail or OEM disks will work for a clean install.

 

I am not totally sure that Stallen is wrong about the other two.

Stallen, was very kind to me when I lost that license Key.

 

Im not sold completely on the MSDN having a different key either. I just used a non OEM Vista Ultimate from MS with the Lenovo key file. Technet claims that one download will cover every and all versions of Vista. The ABR utility did NOT work for me but the command line registration did work. I instead used the Whitewolf method. I copied this from his post.
* first turn off User Account Control*
*

Download this file and place it on the C: drive or root. (google search)
lenovo.oemcert.100036.xrm-ms

Run this code from the command line.
Code:
slmgr –ilc path/to/licence/file/lenovo.oemcert.100036.xrm-ms
(a message should pop after a while telling you that it installed correctly)

Code:
slmgr –ato
(another message should pop which says that vista is now activated!)"

 

Hi techboydino,

Whether Wh1t3w0lf method will work for R61e with Stallen's Mydigitallife Vista DVD?

OR

Wh1t3w0lf method will work only with Retail/MSDN Vista DVD?

Also, Can I use the oemcert file created by ABR or one downloaded from Internet?

Thanks a lot
Sandy

 

I Used my normal oem vista disk with my ibm lenvo key file use abr works fine

you just need to phone and acvatied as long the key your use ment be use on right latop you shound be fine

i asume you try use oem disk or retail disk with you key on bottom you coa?

if so all you need do activated b phone

 

dont see why not. i would just download the file and give it a shot. ABR's utility would not work for me. it only takes a few minutes.

 

Thanks techboydino.

Please let me know how it went.

I want to try it on my new R61e.

 

"you just need to phone and acvatied as long the key your use ment be use on right latop you shound be fine "

That was the rumor I heard and I tried it. I was honest and up front it got me nowhere with Microsoft.

Microsoft said this was a Lenovo problem and Lenovo said they didn't have anyway to activate. It left me exactly nowhere.

 

"Wh1t3w0lf method will work only with Retail/MSDN Vista DVD?"

An MSDN dvd is not the same as a retail disk.