I have back up file cds?

Question

If I used my moms back up files from windows vista will it work....and then could I make another back up copy just in case?

Answer 1

If you're installing it on a different computer then no, because each copy of windows has a different registration number. Windows copyright makes it illegal to have the same copy of windows on more than one computer.

Answer 2

You are allowed to make one backup copy in case you ever need to reinstall.

It will not work on another computer:

Microsoft Corp. Thursday released an update to Windows Vista that will shut down unauthorized versions of the OS that allow users to skip the product's activation system.

The move comes as pirated copies of Vista are already making the rounds, mere weeks after the product was released to business customers.
The update, which Microsoft has dubbed "frankenbuild," detects tampering of Windows Vista code that would allow users of the OS to work around the product's built-in activation system, which requires users to validate their copy of Vista with a product activation key to use the full version of the product after 30 days.