Clean Vista Install

Hi,

I'm new on the forums here and I'm just getting into the whole maintaining and upgrading PCs thing. I need some advice about a clean install of Vista.

I am going to have to replace my existing motherboard/processor/memory because of faulty hardware.
I have been told that I may have to reinstall the OS as part of the process.
It has also been pointed out that the type/version of Vista I have will make a difference to this (ie. is it OEM, etc.).
The version I have came preinstalled on the PC, but I have a slim (DVD style) Vista package which came along with the system (and the other drivers).
The authentication sticker is stuck to the back of the base unit.

I have looked around and all the indications are that I should be able to use this version for a clean install after I reformat the HDD, but I am not sure

So I'd like some guidance about identifying which version I have (if it's possible) and how to go about doing this should I have to format the HDD and reinstall from scratch.

Regards,

Rich

Hello Rich, and welcome to Vista Forums.

A Vista that came preinstalled on a store bought computer is going to be a OEM Vista. Unlike a retail copy of Vista, the product key number for a OEM Vista is permanently tied to the motherboard and first computer it is used to activate that OEM Vista with. You will not be able to use the same product key number to activate your OEM Vista if installed on any other computer than the one it was first activated on, or the same computer with a different motherboard.

You would have to purchase a new copy of Vista and use the product key that came with it instead.

A retail copy of Vista can have it's product key number activated on any computer as long as it's unistalled from any other computer first.