Ligit online source for Vista install?

[Akaz1976]

My laptop HDD died. I dont have the original documentation or CDs but there is a product key sticker on the laptop.

I am replacing the HDD, and i have two questions:

1. Can i just reinstall vista and use laptop vista product key to authorize?
2. Where can i get a legal install download that i can download to a portable hdd?

 

[RebateMonger]

Brand/model of laptop?

 

[airdata]

You can probably find the media for sale on ebay. would be cheaper than buying a completely new OS.

 

[Akaz1976]

I will have to check for the model once i get back (its a Compaq).

So i could not download a install ISO like i can with Win7?

 

[erikistired]

google it. there are legit places to download the iso that should use your OEM key. i've had to do it before myself. one of the online software vendors had links to it at one point (can't remember the name, it's been awhile).

 

[Akaz1976]

Its crazy that i cant seem to find a legit website for downloading installable vista. Win7 is availble but no vista. I have tried digital river, microsoft but no luck. damn who does CD/DVD installs anymore!!??

I only was able to get a torrent which hopefully wont be cracked (and i wont complete the download for couple of days)

EDIT: Its Compaq presario C700

 

[Steltek]

I think I paid like $20 last time to buy a set of restore CDs directly from HP. You might want to check their website.

I vaguely recall that you need both the model and serial number from the laptop to order the CDs.

 

[Nothinman]

Its crazy that i cant seem to find a legit website for downloading installable vista. Win7 is availble but no vista. I have tried digital river, microsoft but no luck. damn who does CD/DVD installs anymore!!??

I only was able to get a torrent which hopefully wont be cracked (and i wont complete the download for couple of days)

EDIT: Its Compaq presario C700

It's not crazy, you got an OEM version of Windows with the laptop so it's the OEMs responsibility to provide you with media. If you had a retail copy you could get MS to send you a new disc.

 

[RebateMonger]

Most copies of Windows (90% or more) are purchased with new computers from OEM computer builders. Those builders use OEM versions of Windows which are not supported by Microsoft. The PC builder is responsible for support, including disk replacement.

When buying a new PC, I recommend making sure the PC comes with reinstallation media. If it doesn't, I recommend immediately obtaining such media or else building a system backup disk that you can use to restore your PC to its original state. Many PCs come with the ability to create a set of backup disks on your own. Since PC owners would be well-served to have a way to backup and restore their PC in case of malware or disk failure, this is something they should be doing anyway.

HP and Compaq PCs: Looking for Recovery Disks?
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&cc=us&docname=bph07143

Waiting until you actually NEED backup or reinstallation media is a bad idea. Especially since, once the PC's warranty has expired, there seems to be no requirement that the builder even offer you restoration media.

Other than the Microsoft Store, the various Student programs, and the various Microsoft Subscription services (MSDN, Action Pack, TechNet), the only Microsoft-authorized source of downloadable Windows 7 is the Enterprise Trial version hosted at Downloads.Microsoft.com. That version is useless for permanent use unless you have Enterprise Win7 licenses.

Here's the MS UK page describing safely buying digital downloads of Microsoft software.
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/licensing/homeuser/buying-safely-online.mspx

"At the moment there are only two authorised sites in the UK where you can buy digital downloads of Microsoft software. One is Microsoft Store where you can buy Microsoft Windows®, Office® or Expression® software directly from us. The other is the Ultimate Steal site - the software there is only available to students and staff at educational institutions. If you want to buy any Microsoft software as a digital download you should avoid auction sites and peer to peer (P2P) file sharing sites."