Windows service packs. Improved, or remains the Vista we know?

[Loose rivets]

I'm resisting updates for the moment because of a critical need for my laptop - but, when I get back to my other kit, what would full updating do for my Vista? Would it be more like W7, or only an improved Vista we all love to hate?

I'd intended to scrap it, but my Word 2007 - part of a family trio here in UK - would be lost, as would another program I can't replace in the US.

Is it 'legal' to use part of a trio of Word in another country? It's only on my laptop, which commutes. However, laptop is US with US Vista.

Is there any way to get that licensed copy downloaded to me from MS - "I've lost my copy in the field, can you help?" type of request. If there were, I could load W7, get Word, and forget the other program.

I know could post the Word disc back, but I hate to do anything that might affect kid's business.

Any ideas?

[Mike-Bracknell]

Service Packs are (these days) a good thing generally. However, don't expect a SP to change your Vista to W7. How would MS make any money?

As regards your Office license, you're not allowed to use any OEM licenses on other kit than the kit it was bought with. If you have a boxed or volume license you can (as they cost commensurately more).

[Spurlash2]

Loose,

I know could post the Word disc back,

Are you saying you have a Word 2007 disc, but in the States?

Not sure what you mean by a 'trio of Word'.

You can normally install your copy of Office on 2 personal computers, which I think is what you are asking??? I am not aware of restrictions to the use of Word around the World.

Vista has been fine for me, and I use it alongside XP, Win7 and Win8. It is now at Service Pack 2 (SP2) (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/service-packs).

Office 2007 is also at Service Pack 2 (http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=5).

As M-B says, SP's are a good thing. (Others peoples mileage may vary:ok:)

[Loose rivets]

I left my laptop in the UK last time with the idea family might take it over and I'd get a new one in Texas. They changed their minds - but in the mean time had put on a copy of Word 2007 which I understood was one of three allowable loads to run at the same time.

I can make good use of this copy until I strip the HD and put on W7.

If they are right about 3 machines at the same time, then usually there's no restriction about laptops traveling. I hope! I do kind of commute. But, with MS, one never knows.

The question really was: Is there anything known about MS allowing a download of part of such a trio of loads, in the event one loses their programs/computer while traveling?

[Spurlash2]

Loose,

This LINK (http://office-watch.com/t/n.aspx?a=924) should help.

MS won't let you have a download from themselves, (for free, anyway) but if someone around you has an installation disc, you can use that with your Product Key.

Link HERE (http://pcsupport.about.com/od/productkeysactivation/ht/findof2007key.htm) to get retrieve the Key, if you need to.

[Loose rivets]

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that.

We've got masses of MS soft at son's house, but its from the UNI, and he will need to know everything is correct and proper. I guess if it doesn't care that it's American, and the key works, that will be the answer.