Solved My "friend" has Ultimate not so legal

[strido]

Got the ol' SL08-010 "activation exploit" message and now "he" is horrified.

However "he" also has a legit copy of Premium, albeit just an "upgrade" version. So is it possible for (eh hem...) HIM to install an upgrade version of premium over a copy of Ultimate? Or am I (oops) is HE going to have to get a full-boat version of an actual legit copy of something besides what "he" has on his PC?

 

[lemur]

re: My "friend" has Ultimate not so legal

He needs to have all legitimate software including the operating system.

 

[Brink]

re: My "friend" has Ultimate not so legal

Hello Strido, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Your friend is going to need to format the illegal copy. If he continues to use an illegal copy, then he will continue to have this problem.

He will not be able to install the upgrade Home Premium in Ultimate since it is not a upgrade to Ultimate from Home Premium, and that Ultimate is an illegal copy.

He can do a clean install with a legally purchased upgrade Home Premium using the instructions in the tutorial below.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/68767-clean-install-upgrade-vista.html

 

[strido]

re: My "friend" has Ultimate not so legal

You don't suppose this is going to just be an annoying thing until March when Windows 7 comes out, and I..er... "he" buys a legit copy of that, do you? Or am (eh who am I kidding) am I going to wake up one morning with a useless PC?

 

[ripbox]

re: My "friend" has Ultimate not so legal

I don't disagree with the fresh install but aren't you just able to change the serial key thus resulting to a downgrade (relocking the Ultimate features)

I say this because all legitimate versions that i know of actually hold data for Ultimate and the key you are supplied with just unlocks the paid for features..... well so im lead to believe

i must say though a fresh install is always best but just thinking about this guy and extending his ease of time to make a full hassle free backup

 

[strido]

re: My "friend" has Ultimate not so legal

I'm just starting graphic design school and rebuilt the PC for that use Got all the Adobe products (legit) - I'm trying to figure out a way to get a nice legit (for once) copy of Windows without the hassle of a complete wipe-out. Basically I want no illegal copies of anything on here, but I don't feel like starting from scratch.

 

[ripbox]

re: My "friend" has Ultimate not so legal

Dont quote me on this but im sure if you have a legitimate key then you can go to Control Panel\System and scroll down to change product key, enter your/his so called legitimate key and re-register it to a somewhat legitimate standard, or if you/he dont have a key then you can buy one direct from Microsoft.

the only problem you have here with ether of the 2 is you just don't know how the crack used to validate your/his copied version works, you just wont know if its a key logger and sending you valid key to the crackers of even if the legit key will register, so if you do have a legit copy and key then it is recommended to make a fresh install

 

[Brink]

re: My "friend" has Ultimate not so legal

I'm just starting graphic design school and rebuilt the PC for that use Got all the Adobe products (legit) - I'm trying to figure out a way to get a nice legit (for once) copy of Windows without the hassle of a complete wipe-out. Basically I want no illegal copies of anything on here, but I don't feel like starting from scratch.

When you play with fire using an illegal copy, then you always get burned in the end by having to do a clean install.

 

[strido]

re: My "friend" has Ultimate not so legal

Indeed you do. Lesson learned. I can install the premium, but it won't be an upgrade. I'll have to blow everything away and start from scratch.
Oh well. I have only myself to blame. Thanks for the help!
Time to idiot check .pst files, and all my graphic design stuff.

later!

 

[lemur]

re: My "friend" has Ultimate not so legal

I wonder if you qualify for an educational discount since you are in graphic design school?

 

[strido]

re: My "friend" has Ultimate not so legal

I did for Adobe CS4 - but certainly not for windows. It's not a big deal. I have premium right in front of me - legit. Should have used it to begin with but the word "ultimate" seemed so cool. I'll just keep premium there till Windows 7 comes out which is getting good reviews.