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General discussion

Vista Upgrade

Oct 28, 2010 5:42AM PDT

My laptop (Acer Aspire 5516) came preloaded with the Windows Vista Basic operating system. I've been using it without any problems for 8-9 months. Recently, I discovered that I have a Dell Reinstallation DVD of Windows Vista Home Premium 32Bit from another laptop computer. Can I use this DVD to upgrade my Acer O/S? If so, will I lose any data in the process? Is it difficult to do and is it worth the effort? HKA

Discussion is locked

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No.
Oct 28, 2010 5:47AM PDT

But often I find this a great way to show that the answer is no. We do this at the office and invite staff that need to see it fail.
Bob

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Why not?
Oct 28, 2010 6:12AM PDT

Thank you for your direct and concise response. I asked a few questions in my post--is the answer "no" to all of them? Are you saying I shouldn't do it (i.e. that it's legally improper), that it won't work for a technical reason(s), or something else?

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I apologise.
Oct 28, 2010 6:34AM PDT

Let me get each ? in here.

Can I use this DVD to upgrade my Acer O/S?

You could try but there are many reasons it will fail. OEM versions are locked or modified and yes you might find an occasional success story, the chances are slim to none plus all the other troubles mean the answer has to remain -> No.

If so, will I lose any data in the process?

Let me share what the Cnet Moderators all say -> "We only lose what we don't backup." With what's been presented, anything on that machine would be put at risk.

Is it difficult to do and is it worth the effort?

In my opinion no. I'd much rather see a move to Windows 7 and read that if your hardware was wiped you wouldn't sweat it.
Bob

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Thanks.
Oct 28, 2010 6:40AM PDT

I guess you enjoy tweaking others in your office--sounds like fun. Thanks again.

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It's more of "what would happen?".
Oct 28, 2010 6:50AM PDT

It's a simple "what would happen?" demonstration. The office is thankfully full of machines that were crashed for this or other reasons. This gives us in the office a chance to try what others don't have the opportunity to do.

Hope this helps,
bob