Bezalel

The better the match the more accurate it will be. There are 2 different Gateway sets. The downside to this configuration is that if a BIOS has the string "Gatewa" it will replace the file set but will not activate. Yes, but will also provide a false match for "Acer TravelMate".

The bits are the intelectual property of Microsoft and you cannot sell a CD-R. If you are bound by the SBLA or EULA you cannot transfer the keys without the media. If you are not bound by the SBLA or EULA you can sell the keys but the purchaser would not be licensed to use them. How did you get these keys? What type of keys are they?

No, OEM licenses are tied to the computer that they are origionally installed on and cannot be transferred to another computer.

MGADIAG will tell you if you are using a SLP or COA key.

Acronis Recovery Manager will do what you want. You need to contact their OEM sales division if you just want that component because it is normally not sold by itself.

You need to edit the R2SPLevel entry in R2INTL.INF.

The Volume is managed by the audio drivers and how they store that information varies by device. any manipulation should be done through the multimedia API.

WSIM needs this information to know what options to provide to you while editing the XML file. The installer doesn't use this information.

Be sure to install Update Rollup 2 ASAP after MCE is installed. There are a number of updates (included in UR2) that if installed seperately will cause the instalation of UR2 to fail. http://blogs.msdn.com/astebner/articles/487537.aspx

Google is your friend.

The Hologram CD ensures that you have the rest of the required files and that everyone is starting with the same files. Starting with a different source may or may not work. (Also warez distibutions cannot be discussed on this forum and they often have other illegal cracks that may interfere with the procedure) If you have the Dell CD you don't need this. In setting up this procedure I compared a Dell CD to a hologram CD and wrote a program that would generate the files that were different. OEMScan is an offshoot of this method. The differances are as follows: This method will only work with 1 manufacturer and OEMScan will work with multiple manufacturers This method replaces the files before Windows is installed and OEMScan changes them after Windows is installed This method doesn't require any additional software to be run or configured on the target PC Yes. If you want your CD to work for multiple manufacturers use OEMScan, otherwise use this procedure

They don't serve any purpose when normal activation is being used.

Do you mean you have a copy of the generic CD set? If so you can use the key on the sticker and use Phone Activation method. If you want to use the OEMBIOS method you will have to find a SLP key somewhere else.

What kind of backup do you have? And why do you need to enter a product key?

Only Business and Ultimate can be downgraded and your customer must already have the media and a valid XP product key. Install using your customer's product key and activate by phone. Inform the rep that you are downgrading from Vista.

There are 2 types of Volume Keys. MAKs can be activated a specific number of times. Once a computer is activated with a MAK it does not have to be reactivated. KMS keys are tied to an activation server the activated computer must connect to your KMS server at least once every 6 months. If a computer with a KMS key doesn't contact your KMS server the activation will expire and your server will have 1 more licence to reallocate. The KMS server can be activated online or by phone. Royalty OEMs still don't have to activate.

You will need to purchase new licenses unless the licenses were properly tranferred to you. There is program for schools that receive donated equiptment with COAs attached to get them licensed without purchasing licenses

I think that was just a copy/paste error the wasn't completed. You can use eshell.exe as your shell but if you need to use other programs make sure you can still bring up the task manager.

When I created a configuration set using WSIM it created a folder named "$OEM$ Folders". Should I rename it to "$OEM$" or leave it as is?

CREATOR OWNER: Modify, Subfolders and files only

t3[6] =_T('/0');

Is it possible to use the $OEM$ directory structure directly from a USB flash drive? I want to have all of my cusomization on a USB drive and use an origional Vista DVD to perform my installs.

This project is designed to create an install CD, not modify an image. If you want to modify an existing installation take a look at OEMScan - Automated Multi Manufacture Pre-Activation Utility. You cannot modify an image without having the risk of WFP restoring the origional files.

Setupp.ini should be enough.

You need to start with an OEM CD, not a Retail CD.