[Deathhawk]

Hi all,

I would just like your advice before i proceed

I have bought 2 new 320gb hdd's to replace my 200 ones...one to be a clone....i use the xxclone programme (in xp but will try it in vista)

My question is about the activation key..i have heard a lot about people reinstalling vista and then having a nightmare trying to reinstall it as the activation key doesn't work....is this true?

Would it be better me actually cloning from the 200 gb drive straight to the 320 to save any reinstalling..will there be problems doing this?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[matt_aj]

By design, you can only activate windows so many times in a period of time. If you reinstall, you will obviously have to re activate. If it does not go, you can always call them and get a activation key to type in. They normally are pretty easy to work with. As long as you tell them the situation and that this is the only machine the key is on, they will give you a new key. Even if you ghost over to a new drive, it may ask you to reactivate. Vista is pretty strick on hardware changes and activation now.

[Deathhawk]

Thanks for the reply,

I am actually dreading doing this now...my life seems so peaceful and do i want to upset it?...i never had no problems with my xp!

I can understand the piracy concerns but what right have they got to control how many times you reinstall...what if you are new to computing and make loads of mistakes so decide to keep formatting to save all the headaches...which i used to do as i kept messing my system up when learning!

If you hear a scream within the next 4-5 days you will know it never worked and i have had to phone M/S up!!

Ps....if xxclone does not work with vista can you recommend any others?

Thanks

[Noyb]

I've Cloned Vista to other drives a couple of times ... Always in the same computer.
The clone stays activated .... No need to reactivate.

If XXclone doesn't work ... I'd use Acronis True Image.
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...cts/trueimage/
The Trial DL is fully functional for 14 days.

[Deathhawk]

Thanks,

when my drives arrive i will try cloning to one....then use that clone to clone my 2nd new one as backup...and reformat my old vista drive to be my xp clone...hope that doesnt sound too confusing!!

[matt_aj]

If you haven't changed any other hardware, cloning should work. If you have added a few things here and there, you might be coming close to the threshold of what Vista lets you install without reactivating. I wouldn't worry though. Chances are you won't need to but even if you do you will probably be able to reactivate with no problem.

[JohnWill]

Another point. If you have an issue with automatic activation, you can call the number that pops up and simply explain the issue, I've never had them not activate me again.

[Deathhawk]

Thanks for all the help

If you hear an almighty scream you know i have to phone up!!

Ps.....Have they made vista as user UNFRIENDLY for home users on purpose?

[JohnWill]

I think Gates went a bit "over the top" on anti-piracy protection.