vista uninstall, future activation worries

I would like to get rid of a machine that I currently has Vista installed on
it. However, I would like to be able to install Vista again in the future if
I get a new machine. How do I inform microsoft that I want to deactivate this
version of windows? Is there some sort of "Deactivate Windows" button or
option anywhere? Thanks!

There is no way to deactivate. If the license allows you to move it to a new
computer you simply uninstall it from the old computer. Install it on the
new computer. Activate it. You will probably have to phone for activation.

--
Kerry Brown
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User
http://www.vistahelp.ca


"Eliezer Kanal" <Eliezer > wrote in message
news:23123BF9-344E-4070-B8A6-...
>I would like to get rid of a machine that I currently has Vista installed
>on
> it. However, I would like to be able to install Vista again in the future
> if
> I get a new machine. How do I inform microsoft that I want to deactivate
> this
> version of windows? Is there some sort of "Deactivate Windows" button or
> option anywhere? Thanks!

One does not "deactivate" Windows Vista. Once you
remove it from the old computer via reformatting the
hard drive, you can install it on a different computer
and activate it. If internet activation should fail, then
use the alternative method to "activate by phone".

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Eliezer Kanal" wrote:

I would like to get rid of a machine that I currently has Vista installed on
it. However, I would like to be able to install Vista again in the future if
I get a new machine. How do I inform microsoft that I want to deactivate this
version of windows? Is there some sort of "Deactivate Windows" button or
option anywhere? Thanks!

Thanks to both of you!

Eliezer Kanal wrote:
> I would like to get rid of a machine that I currently has Vista installed on
> it. However, I would like to be able to install Vista again in the future if
> I get a new machine. How do I inform microsoft that I want to deactivate this
> version of windows? Is there some sort of "Deactivate Windows" button or
> option anywhere? Thanks!


There is no "de-activation" or "de-registration" process, as such.

Assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not legitimately
transferable), simply remove Vista from the computer it is currently on
and then install it on the new computer. If it's been more than 120
days since you last activated that specific Product Key, the you'll most
likely be able to activate via the Internet without problem. If it's
been less, you might have to make a 5 minute phone call.


--

Bruce Chambers

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