Windows Vista Upgrade DVD works without WindowsXP
The licensing requirements for Windows Vista state that users are required to launch a Windows Vista Upgrade from within Windows XP. However, by doing so users invalidate the Windows XP license and the Windows Vista installation process can take place. In simple words, you cannot use your Windows XP serial ever again.
At least that is what Microsoft wants the upgrade users to do. However, a workaround exists that allows users to perform a “clean install.” The process is a bit tedious, but is not hard at all to complete:
1. Boot from the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD and start the setup program.
2. When prompted to enter your product key, DO NOT enter it. Click “Next” and proceed with setup. This will install Windows Vista as a 30-day trial.
3. When prompted, select the edition of Vista which you have purchased and continue with setup.
4. Once setup has been completed and you have been brought to the desktop for the first time, run the install program from within Windows Vista.
5. This time, type in your product key when prompted.
6. When asked whether to perform an Upgrade or Custom (advanced) install, choose Custom (advanced) to perform a clean install of Vista. Yes, this means that you will have to install Vista for a second time.
7. Once setup has completed for the second time, you should be able to activate Windows Vista normally. You can also delete the Windows.old directory which contains information from the first Vista install. – Source
The upgrade versions are much cheaper than the stand alone onces especially in Europe where something went wrong with the currency conversion from dollars to euros for the stand alone packages:
- Business US price: 299$ – EU price: 341€ (452$)
- Home Basic costs US price: 199$ – EU price: 210€ (278$)
- Home Premium US price: 239$ – EU price: 284€ (376$)
- Ultimate US price: 399$ – EU price: 454€ (602$)
Finally, if you are wondering which version you should get then this guide from Paul Thurrott will come handy (my money is on the Home Premium Edition).
Brilliant.
Though it makes you wonder; if they left THAT open, what else did they leave open? That’s a pretty big hole!
I bet they left all your files open for everyone to see.
Hey, it wouldn’t be the first time.