Vista - Do i have to buy a new OS

K so my laptop is pretty much dead, wont be using it ever again. And it has Vista Home Premium 32Bit on it.
I have decided to make a desktop instead, cheaper in my opinion, and I don't really need a laptop anymore. So i was wondering if i can transfer the OS to my desktop. I heard you just have to type in the Key, and if it does not go through you activate it by phone. Is this true? Can i do this. It would in turn save me around 150$. Also if this does work can i really upgrade it to a 64Bit for 10$ or something?
Thanks in advance.

If windows came installed on your laptop from the manufacturer, then it is an OEM copy. If your version of windows is a OEM copy, then you cannot transfer the license to a different computer. If you cannot transfer the license, then you will need a new copy of Vista for your new computer.

Hi Oracle9669, try Window 7; it is free.

The present installation wouldn't even work on a new laptop let alone any desktop you build for the simple reason that not only is that and any recovery disks bonded to the laptop but the installation is wrapped around the laptop itself hardware wise. On a new machine an entirely fresh copy of Window would need to be seen there with all different device and software drivers.

A new machine means just a clean start with a new full install type disk for the version of Windows you plan to run. Windows has it's own hardware profiling process bonding each copy to the set of hardwares present during the installation allowing for some upgrades without reactivation. Video, sound, tuner cards, memory upgrade, other addon devices like printer, etc. there.

Before deciding on whether to stay with a 32bit edition of Vista or go with a 64bit, A Closer Look at Windows Vista, Part III: 32-Bit vs. 64-Bit Windows - Developer Zone - National Instruments

At present if you would be better off with the same 32bit edition anyways while simply moving from laptop to desktop. Next year however many will looking to upgrade into the next version Windows 7 which will also see both 32bit and 64bit editions there to choose from.

For the relatively new user 32bit would be advised presently while advanced user will either choose between or end up dual booting both 32/64 XP/ Vista with some now dual or triple booting XP and/or Vista along with the 7 beta releases.

Problems with 64bit editions range between software incompatibilities due to any limitations seen with the 32bit emulators as well as the lack of drivers/softwares like MS's own Intellipoint optical mice and keyboards! Figure that one out! MS lacks support for their own products?!

And the availability of any 7 releases will be when the next RC1 release becomes publicly available for those who first sign up for testing and evaluation purposes not as a main OS.

thusly completing this advice, dont be silly and spend 200+ on vista, get the oem version retail for a fraction of the price.
compare the prices yourself
64bit Windows vista home premium OEM Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium - Licence and media - 1 PC - OEM - DVD - 64-bit - English - Ebuyer
32bit & 64bit upgrade Windows vista home premium retail Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium w/SP1 - Complete package - 1 PC - DVD - English International - Ebuyer
only difference between the two, no frills with OEM

If you have any MS optical mice or keyboard don't bother to look for any 64bit updates for Vista that will work on 7 later. There are none! No XP 64bit! No Vista 64bit! And that's with MS products while they want to sell 64bit Windows?

With a new build after initial costs plus the next version coming soon OEM would seem to be an effective cost saver. You can save on the retail box and large paperback and put that into a new desktop.