Knowing what you have
Here's a suggestion. Get the detailed information about your PC/Hardware/Software and keep it in a safe place. Then if you need to go to a shop, you will have all your licenses ready. Windows/MS Office, Quicken and all your legit software that was expensive to buy!. This can be done online at Belarc.com Why do I say this? I've noticed since Windows XP is no longer sold on newer computers, the Vista license is nothing more than paper glued to the unit. And is no longer a laminated sticker we've become accustomed to. So the average Vista license sticker lasts about 6 months under casual use, and less for the road warrior making it unreadable. Then that subjects you to the shop's option of possibly of having to buy a new copy of Vista or installing a bootleg copy that won't muster the Authentication agent giving you a pester screen, or limited use/access. Some shops just don't know how to get your licenses, from a dead machine. Solution Run Belarc online, prin...