InstantForum.NET v4.1.4Windows Vista Forumhttp://www.vistaforums.com/Forum/Admin@VistaForums.comThu, 08 Jan 2009 00:42:51 GMT20http://www.vistaforums.com/Forum/Topic13786-41-1.aspxThanks for getting back. You'll see that I've already added that as a "pinned" post in this Forum.Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:24:26 GMTWAW8http://www.vistaforums.com/Forum/Topic13786-41-1.aspxSorry it took so long, I ordered an anytime upgrade disc using the link on the clean install site, and the first shipment got lost. They sent another without hesitation, which I received. I used all the procedures to back up my activation and clean install, and it worked beautifully. The only part one might have a problem with is figuring out which programs to run in the SWSetup backup to get back only the drivers you really need. I may have reinstalled some things I really didn't need, but it went so well, I might even do it a few times to try fine tuning the install. I also did a little research and got the suggestion to use device manager to find drivers for each item, which I may try next time. I can now reinstall as often as I like, no calls to activate...very cool, and I give this walkthrough an A++.Sun, 17 Feb 2008 09:51:55 GMTbomber628http://www.vistaforums.com/Forum/Topic13786-41-1.aspxLet me know if this works. If it does, I'll "pin" it so all will see it. <br><br>Thanks.Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:33:51 GMTWAW8http://www.vistaforums.com/Forum/Topic13786-41-1.aspxFound this walkthrough which seems really thorough and well-written. It shows you how to do a clean install on a computer that had Vista factory-installed. The method shows you how to make a backup of the factory activation key that is used to do many computers at the same time at the factory, and is stored on your computer. You get a clean install without the bloatware, plus you don't have to call to activate. Haven't tried it yet, but as soon as I have time in my way-too-busy schedule, I can't wait to give it a try. Here is the link if anyone wants to read it over...</P><P><A href="http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228">http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228</A>Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:24:48 GMTbomber628