InstantForum.NET v4.1.4Windows Vista Forumhttp://www.vistaforums.com/Forum/Admin@VistaForums.comThu, 08 Jan 2009 00:41:08 GMT20http://www.vistaforums.com/Forum/Topic12117-41-1.aspxOddly enough, the Vista supplied preinstalled with Dells is already activated. So, unlike with other OEM copies, you should be able to switch out almost anything on the Dell without having to reactivate. That's why you aren't prompted for activation.<br><br>Would check to confirm that it is still activated, though.Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:37:09 GMTWAW8http://www.vistaforums.com/Forum/Topic12117-41-1.aspxI just want to check that I'm OK. I got me a new HDD (for brand new Dell Inspiron 531 w/ Vista Home Premium pre-loaded). I wanted the cleanest install possible with out Dell's junk. (I'll use the supplied HDD for HDD1) <br><br>I shoved in the supplied reinstallation DVD, partitioned the new HD and loaded Vista. NO WHERE was I asked to supply ANY numbers nor advised to activate. <br><br>I found this on another thread (Vista on Dells), written by Vista Goddess<br><br>[quote][b]WAW8 (11/20/2007)[/b][hr]The reason you can install Vista on Dells "without codes" is that the Dell version is pre-activated. It uses something known as SLIC table activation, meaning that the activation is embedded into the BIOS on the motherboard, thus, it is motherboard-specific and BIOS version-specific. In theory, this allows you to change out everything on your system except for the mobo and your activation will still be good. This is the standard approach MS has established with large-scale system builders.<br><br>[/quote]<br><br>This means I am absolutely good to go, right?<br><br>I don't even need to register with M$ ??<br><br>BTW, Vista was the F-ing EASIEST OS I have ever loaded. Partitoning was a snap, formating the partitions was QUICK, no other hassles. If nothing else, loading proves its worth.Sat, 01 Dec 2007 11:50:46 GMTdaArch