Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Found this info on a site and thought I'd pass it to you lot!

Quote:

For example, when performing a clean install of Windows XP Professional using an upgrade CD, users would run through the normal setup routine until prompted to insert a previous version of Windows. A user could pop in a Windows 98 or Windows 2000 CD for upgrade compliance and then the setup routine would move along as usual. Microsoft has cut out this process for Windows Vista and forces users who buy an upgrade CD to actually have a valid install of Windows XP Home or Professional on their machines before upgrading.

Click here to read the full article!

Yes - sorry - it does go to my site! (Plug plug!!)

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

In that case, I won't be buying the upgrade version.

Thanks for sharing.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

I see so they've designed an upgrade CD so that it can only be used to upgrade. Well done Microsoft. Surely the point of an upgrade is that you must have a previous version installed, so i'm not sure why this loophole existed before.

Anyhow, until i can afford an Intel Mac i won't be installing any windows systems anyway so doesn't concern me too much.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

The thing is, its essentially the same software that goes out on every DVD isnt it?

Its just the key that determines the type of OS installed / activated. IIRC a simple hack could change an XP Home CD to an XP Pro CD assuming you have the correct key.

So why not just ask for a valid XP key as well at the start of the "upgrade" if you boot from CD and dont try to install via the Windows Interface?

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

So... Installing Vista from clean, instead of just popping a CD in and verifying in a couple of seconds that you have a legit previous version.... You now have to spend the best part of 30 mins+ to install an OS you don't want, just so you can spend another God-knows-how-long installing Vista?

What geniuses.

The best thing that comes to mind is to have an image of a minimal XP install that can be auto-extracted from a bootable CD, which can then be authenticated with the Win32.Windows.Geniune.Advantage.A virus, so you can actually install the OS you really want. It'll save time, but still be a massive pain in the bum. Of course, this needs to be updated after every major hardware upgrade, unless you want to waste ages going through the Add New Hardware wizard every time.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

or just get yourself a proper Vista DVD.... but even then if you say change your hd you have to install again :S.... no easy way around it.

or what you could do...is have a 10gb hd spare where you dump xp on, install vista on a new partition and take out the XP...but then knowing Mickeysoft they want files from the xp as well...so no go again.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

But nasty though... We're talking about 50-100 quid.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

So the installation will take an extra hour or less - am I the only one who fails to see what the fuss is about?

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

If you only install Vista once every 2 years, its nothing to make a fuss about. If you are a system builder who has to do it several times a day then it is something to make a fuss about.

At the end of the day its a big step backwards and not really (IMO) necessary. The system worked just as well before. You can run the WGA authentication direct from the installer so you can verify the original copy is legit. The cynic in me says they are doing it to force people to buy full licenses instead of upgrade ones... Unless they exempt any special licenses from it.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

So for your average home-user, other than the inconvenience of wasting 30 minutes installing an initial OS, there's nothing really wrong with doing this, surely?

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Correct, except that its not just your average home-user that installs OSes, like the article said..

Also, there are other problems... Like what if you can't install XP for some error? You get Vista. You can't buy the upgrade version you are entitled to, you have to spend an extra 100 quid for the full version.

Microsoft offer no reason for this, so its quite probably about money. Digging around, it seems the Ultimate version is exempt, although its cheaper to buy a full home version and an upgrade Ultimate version.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

there is a very simple solution. if you have the original xp disc or 2000 then reinstall that back on your pc so its a clean install then put windows over that

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

System builders shouldn't be using an upgrade CD though. Larger system builders will have a ghosted image that they just plonk on HDDs. Smaller system builders should get OEM copies of Vista (which are actually cheaper than the Upgrade versions anyway).

The OEM version doesn't require you to have Windows already installed, and if it find it will only install fresh (old version is moved to another location or HDD is reformatted).

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

And even then it won't concern you as you can't install an upgrade version of XP on the Intel Mac (yet). You need a proper disk.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Well - yes - but the fact remains that you still have to install a previous version in order to upgrade...

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

It gets better....

Upgrading to Vista invalidates your XP key....

http://www.neowin.net/index.php?act=view&id=37676

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

FFS. Totally daft. Do they want anyone to buy the upgrades?

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

I guess it makes sense in the 'ideal' scenario. I.e. a one day upgrade, no need to reformat in the future.

Legitimate business will be using volume license full versions.

The only annoyance will be for power users who like to reformat the box 'occasionally'. Or want a dual boot.

I am curious, if it invalidates the previous xp key, how do you recover from a reformat?

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

There is no evidence to say that it physically invalidates the key...I think it's more of a "hey Windows users, if you upgrade to Vista using <insert previous version of Windows here> then that copy won't be licensed anymore..."

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

So let me get this straight, if you upgrade to Vista from XP, your key for XP wont work anymore correct? So what if you then decide to reformat, your going to have to reload XP first but cant due to your XP key being invalid.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Your key will still work as far as installation goes but it wont be valid for WGA stuff I would assume Like windows update (Not automatic updates), IE7, MP11 etc. Thats what I assume they mean anyway.
Though what happens If you just dont like vista or it is just too much of a hog for your system and you are planning to roll back to XP? Remembering the good old days of Windows ME, It would normaly go something along the lines of this.... Install Windows ME --> Computer trashed --> Hours Of misery --> Find 98SE CD --> reformat and reinstall.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Errrr - let me repeat my post -

There is no evidence to say that it physically invalidates the key...

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

The link provided in salu's post says

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

ERm...

I am running xp home. I stuck in Vista business which offered me the option of upgrading xp or putting a fresh install on another partion which was the option I chose.

Both versions of MS OS update fine. I have every belief that should I remove the xp partion it would all work as well.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Yes - invalidated in the sense that it's not valid for you copy of your previous OS...

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

I'm really not surprised:rofl:

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Its utter tosh, I'm updating my xp install as we speak.

I'll reboot and update the vista copy in time to edit this post.

oops had a quick shower but back here on Vista and thats updating also.

Funny thing with vista is it picked up my bluetooth dongle and it works now without putting in the driver disk. 1st time I have got activ sync working on it also. :-)

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

;)

Do you believe me now?? :D

And to add some comments from Salu's thread:

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

How to use vista update without xp:

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/pcs/how-t...ive-232770.php

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

So with the OEM version, if you install that from scratch, you can't then reinstall at a later date or on an upgraded pc, is that correct?

I'm not entirely sure on the OEM stuff.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Probably not automatically. a simple call to Ms and entering a 1 millions digit number and explaining that you have upgraded or are re-installing as you have virus problems results in them giving you a activation code. Not once have they ever questioned it and I do all the work ones.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

I was about to post this also - but see you have already done so!

Text instructions here: http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5932


...and that link is a link in Gizmodo article as well!

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Yeah I know. But I like spreading the word of Gizmodo , It's a really good tech blog.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Well just got my Vista Ultimate set up as a dual boot, haven't much time to play today :( nothing worse than having a new toy and not being able to play with it :( :( :D

First looks and impressions CoooooooooooooooooooooooooooL :D

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Bet you've used your XP key - ohhh how illegal!

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Actually there is apparently a way around this upgrade issue if you still have a qualifying OS. What you do is clean install of vista without using a CD Key and unticking 'activate immediately'. Then you can perform an upgrade to vista as per normal and choose clean install...

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Hmm, can you do that with stuff like getting Ultimate installed off a Home Basic disk - until you activate your HB key - as all the versions of Vista have the files on the DVD and your key is what determines what you get?

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

No its not just a key, if its anything like XP there is a file on the disk that contains another "key" for want of a better word which determines the type of CD it is.

It may not be the same for Vista as it was for XP though, i have no idea.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

My machine has done my head in just installed ultimate for the 4th time and this time the res worked straight away woohoo

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Simple but clever.

Its going to get fixed though, because that loophole allows everyone to use the upgrade version, whether they own a previous copy of Windows or not.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Cough..

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...4&postcount=36

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Ha! Just completed the same thing Bop! Decided to install dual boot on my main PC to see what it gripes about...

Edit - Interesting - I think I have Windows Aero - I thought I would need to upgrade my graphics adapter...oh well - nice feature I suppose...

Edit - Grip about my scanner - and audio card....grrrrrr

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

I managed to get audio working on my Vista install last night - it's via Virtual PC, the sound does break up a lot, but it's a beta version of VPC anyway, so it's known and expected. Better than no sound. VPC doesn't support Aero though.

I also put the Vista cursors in XP as well - sweet.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

I know you said it, but Handyman said it first, hence why I replied to him.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

What makes you think I have a key :dozey: :D :angel:

Just in from a job, off to work proper in a while :( play later :tu:

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Ahh - trial mode! Just like me! :D

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

But of course, what else :D

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

What else, could be using a pucker version like me ;)

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Are you saying trial mode is not pucker then? ;)

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

BTW - For all those that dont know - you can get the full Home Premium edition of Vista for about 70 quid IF you get the OEM version which is available from sites such as Tekheads, Overclockers, Aria, dabs (spit, spit)..

The main difference between OEM and the Retail version is that you cant phone Microsoft for support.

Whoopie sh*t! Save yourself 100 quid...

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

...and you don't get a nice plastic box - very eco friendly way....

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Some things to consider about OEMs

source

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

I've bought a full OEM version which should be here next week.

Will it install on a completely blank hard drive or will I need to format first? :confused:

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

The DVD will manage all the partitioning / formatting to your tastes.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Indeed nffc....

It's just like XP - yo can delete /create partitons as you wish - just remember to backup anything you want to keep...

Don't forget desktop items and if you have Office, the default path for PST's are in Docs & Settings. Also - favorites.

You could try FSTW and importing that back into Vista - not tried that!

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Hmm, Well spotted mate, slightly concerning now i've spent my hard earned cash and plan a mobo upgrade in the near future.

Going to have to keep an eye on this one to see what Microdoft does.

In the mean time - its an activation hack or time trial for me. Anybody know of a valid activation hack?

PM me the details, i own the software but dont want any of those nasty pirates getting their hands on it - LOL..

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

So what if you hard drive was to crash - you lose your OS and apps...

You re-install your OS and ooops you can't activate...

You phone MS and tell them -would they say "oh dear what a shame never mind - and tough - buy a new copy.."

I think they would re-activate otherwise loads of unhappy customers...

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Some feedback on this, looks like its just like XP:-

http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid...e=expert&pid=4

Also, as backup who's to say that your Motherboards didn't die and was replaced by the manufacturer? If you catch my drift...

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Well from whats being said its no different to XP so a hdd failure or reformat wouldnt be a problem. On the other hand, if your motherboard died, you replaced it with a different model and tried to reinstall you might be in for more problems. Wheras with XP at the moment you just ring them up and they give you a new code, well thats how its always worked for me anyway.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Can you buy the OEM version on its own, or do you need to buy it with something?

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Virtually on it's own mate - apparently an IDE cable is a qualifying part so you can buy Vista and get a free cable!

---------- Post added at 20:38 ---------- Previous post was at 20:35 ----------


...and if I did decide to replace my system board and it didn't activate, then a quick call to Microsoft saying my hard disk died and I had to replace gets the same result - activation.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

LOL, that's good to know. If I do get round to moving to Vista, there's no way I'd shell out for a normal version if it's possible to get an OEM copy so cheap.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

I bought it a couple of days ago with nothing else.

Re: Install Vista from an upgrade version...
 

Well yes. The exact legal rights and what you can convince the representative on the phone are, in my experience, not always consistent.