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Workaround Discovered For "Clean Install" With Vista Upgrade DVDs

dailytech.com — "Just when everyone thought that all hope was lost when it comes to performing a clean install with a Windows Vista Upgrade DVD, a gleam of light can now be seen at the end of the tunnel. A new workaround proposed by Paul Thurrott (via Microsoft internal documents) has been confirmed to work by DailyTech."

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  • weekender, on 10/12/2007, -9/+52WOOT!
    This means I can go buy Vista Ultimate upgrade for $200 instead of the Full version at $400.
    $400 is way overpriced anyway...
    • clokwise, on 10/12/2007, -73/+20Yes, perhaps you can, but that's against the license terms and still, technically, piracy. If you are going down that road why do you want to pay for it at all?
    • weekender, on 10/12/2007, -35/+5Getting a pirated Windows is such a pain with all their genuine checks.
      Besides, I don't even think there's an activation crack for Vista yet...
    • Bartboy919, on 10/12/2007, -17/+12@clokwise

      Like anyone is gonna know, and besides, This does not invalidate your XP key and does not actually require XP. And considering most of the public has XP already, why not just use this?
    • Sarki, on 10/12/2007, -20/+5This has nothing to do with that, and this is not a workaround. This is a stupid waste of time.
    • simpleid, on 10/12/2007, -2/+51Actually, the full version of Vista Ultimate is ALREADY $200 if you know about newegg (Home Premium being $120ish, Business is around $150.) and don't mind buying it OEM.

      :)
    • chiklit, on 10/12/2007, -1/+27I just clean-installed Vista Ultimate Upgrade on my computer and it didn't even ask for the XP disk. Plus when I called the Microsoft support they said that even if there wasn't an OS already on the computer that so long as I had an XP disk I could still install it.

      http://www.digg.com/tech_news/From_Microsoft_Vista_Clean_Install_Still_Possible_with_XP_CD
    • sancho, on 10/12/2007, -0/+16Piracy is roughly equated with copyright infringement. The license of Vista only allows you to install/use it if you abide by their terms. Therefore, if the license is valid, installing/using outside of those terms triggers the "license terminated" clause of the license, making your use copyright infringement.

      That said, I think we'll eventually see the courts rule that this is all bollucks. EULAs are an attempt to get the public to adhere to the same stipulations that corporations use with each other. It's absolutely absurd to need a lawyer to install or use a computer.
    • Netmindstorm, on 10/12/2007, -3/+8Has anyone tried to create a dual boot XP-Vista(upgrade) system this way?
    • LordSpam, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7Simpleid

      The problem from what I've read is that if you buy an OEM copy of Vista and every change your hardware to the point that it needs to activate again you're stuck. It won't work. I went with the upgrade copy just in case my mobo dies or I feel like upgrading and don't want to buy Vista all over again. Maybe they'll fix this or already have, but the OEMs of Vista scare me right now. (not that Vista on a whole isn't a bit frightening)
    • vhold, on 10/12/2007, -9/+4Uh. Clokwise makes a potentially good point. If you continue to use your original XP license after doing this, which should have been invalidated, what state does that put you in? You now have two pieces of software which you paid for but are violating license agreements?

      Either that or you never had XP in the first place.. meaning you're in violation..

      Either way, you've paid for software that you are now using illegitimately, unless you simply never use that old XP license again? Seems like a strange place to put yourself. I wouldn't be surprised to see Microsoft detect this down the road and do something to you ala "Windows Genuine Advantage"
    • DiddyWolf, on 10/12/2007, -9/+11Wait, you mean we're supposed to pay money for microsoft's products? O.o
    • chatmasta, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8I don't think microsoft cares how you install it provided you paid for it and don't sell your XP or anything.
    • GruntboyX, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1If i am not mistaken why do you need to install it twice? In windows xp you can backup a file that stores your activation and if i am not mistaken your key. Why not just install it once and restore that information ...thus advoiding a second install and thus a subsequent activation?

      Thats the real value in this loop hole. If you can backup files holding your serial and product activation..then there is no reason to do the second install..
    • GruntboyX, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1In fact...you should be able to enter your serial into the registry manually...and then just restore your product activation by going into c:windowssystem32 and looking for wpa.dbl and wpa.bak

      At least that is what you did in windows xp...there should be no reason to do another install
    • Elranzer, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I don't think Microsoft cares (using this upgrade hack, upgrading a pirated Win2000, or even pirating Vista altogether) as long as Vista gets on as many machines as possible.
    • fyre2012, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1FTA: "Yes, this means that you will have to install Vista for a second time."

      Wow... I am completely amazed that you have to go to this extent to use something you've purchased.
    • S1ngular1ty1, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2You CAN do a CLEAN INSTALL with a Vista UPGRADE disc without using this workaround. The only difference between installing XP and Vista is that with Vista you CAN NOT boot from an UPGRADE VERSION disc. However, you do have an option of a CLEAN INSTALL or IN PLACE UPGRADE with an upgrade version of Vista.

      You must launch the Vista upgrade installer from inside a functioning windows OS in order to install it but, again, you can do either do a "Clean Install" or an "In Place Upgrade."

      I've looked online and several people have confirmed exactly this.

      http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winvista_5308_02.asp
      http://www.winsupersite.com/images/showcase/vista_install_05.jpg
      http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Unveils-Plan-for-Windows-Vista-Upgrade-30525.shtml
      http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2007/01/upgrade_or_clean_install_evolved_thinking.html
      http://www.pcuser.com.au/pcuser/hs2.nsf/web/D4B3E602B1B4C190CA2572680075C948


    • BuckyDent, on 10/11/2007, -0/+1$200 is ridiculous
  • ArcCoyote, on 10/12/2007, -1/+61Yup. Vista will "in-place upgrade" a trial install of Vista.

    Here's another fun fact: When that 30-day trial is about to run out, you can open an admin shell and do a "slmgr -rearm" to get another 30 days. You can reset the timer 3 times to get a total of 120 days to purchase a license and activate. Once that's up, you can do the "in-place upgrade" and skip entering the key again for a new 30 day trial and ANOTHER 3 rearms!

    You never have to activate, as long as you don't mind a little downtime every 120 days. Oh, and there more ways to reset things...

    These workarounds are easy, intentional, and documented for MS tech support. Vista could have required the old OS product key during setup/activation, just to make sure the upgrade is genuine. Sheesh, even some $20 shareware does that! Honestly, I get the feeling the upgrade is all MS really expects to sell at retail. The Best Buy near me had tons of upgrades but maybe THREE full copies. Given these tricks, academic editions, and OEM licensing... I'm convinced the "Full Versions" exist only to drain the wallets of the clueless.
    • hemo, on 10/12/2007, -5/+4Thank you!
      Microsoft might release a WGA-fix for this, yes?
    • raynar, on 10/12/2007, -8/+2So you have to install it over and over? Whats that going to do to my settings?
    • dasilva333, on 10/12/2007, -3/+10so a total of 240 days can be used with that trick? im sure by that time so fancy hacker would've come up with a solution
    • TonyCubed, on 10/12/2007, -11/+3You reinstall every 120 days, which isn't bad since I reinstall every 90 or days..
    • sancho, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4If you are in the trial period, can you still get Windows Updates?

      Honestly, how long before the WGA check disallows trial versions?
    • Namco, on 10/12/2007, -5/+3@hemo how do you "WGA-fix" several million already-pressed DVDs?
    • vhold, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I would say this is potentially good marketing? I'm apprehensive to make the Vista jump for tons of reasons, I really just mostly want to try it out and keep it on the sidelines for awhile as driver and software issues are worked out.. As soon as I actually got involved with it I wouldn't want to have to keep reinstalling it, the money spent would be worth it by then because I can afford it.

      For people who can't afford it or are just too cheap, it's probably better to give them a relatively straightforward inconvenience to deal with then to encourage them to go find ways to fully pirate it. Once a person has gone fully illegitimate, they basically become an entirely lost costumer.
    • nogami, on 10/12/2007, -5/+3I played-around with Vista on a spare PC of mine - but I really have no desire at all to upgrade my main PC:

      -99.9% of Vista drivers currently suck (and some devices will likely never have Vista drivers)
      -Other than some eye-candy, it doesn't add anything compelling to my system

      Why would I bother "upgrading" to a heavily DRM'ed platform that offers me little-to-no benefit. I doubt I'd even bother upgrading to play new games (as much as I'd want to play Alan Wake, I'm not moving my main platform to Vista for that - I might install it on a separate partition or something in trial mode to play it, but that's it).

      N.
    • WetSplatter, on 10/12/2007, -5/+0Nogami:

      You're a tool! You don't NEED Vista drives you need DIGITALY SIGNED DRIVERS. Blam your hardware manufacturer for not wanting to apply for the validated driver signature not the operating system!


      RE: WGAfix?

      This is a feature, it has been around since the pre XP. It allows a manufacturer to install the OS, set it up, install more software, and relock it as if it was new, UP TO 3 TIMES. You guys act like a bunch of chickens with your heads cut off running around spreading BS!


    • Blandyman, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2WetSplatter:

      Actually, no. The drivers you need are Vista drivers. Vista is a revamped codebase. All kernel-level function calls (well, not all, but a few that'll probably ***** with drivers) are changed, and as such, make old drivers harder to use.

      Digitally signed drivers is just a way for Microsoft to look over the driver, say it's 100% tested, and not let people complain about its compatibility.

      Also, what the other replier meant by "WGA fix", is probably if Microsoft will release a WGA update to catch people doing that trick.
    • zoom1928, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1> Blam your hardware manufacturer...
      Why blame them for the actions of Microsoft?
  • amandaw33, on 10/12/2007, -0/+45Now, however, this workaround allows users to perform a “clean install.” The process is a bit tedious, but is not hard at all to complete. Users have to perform these simple steps to perform a clean install of Vista without a previous version of Windows installed with an upgrade DVD:

    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.

    • Bartboy919, on 10/12/2007, -11/+3You are rockin'
    • vernsan, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9Thank you for the step by step, works like a charm!
    • BobbyOnions, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5If only the article had said that!
    • DuckFOO, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Maybe it is just me but that is not what I would consider to be a clean install, because a format doesn't occur. To me, a clean install starts with a virgin filesystem.
    • lexbaby, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2Err, I think a "clean" system is assumed. Formatting the hard drive would be "Step 0" in this case.

      Edit: Or do you mean the 2nd or final install isn't "clean" because you're installing on a drive with data on it? OK, I can see your point there.
    • DuckFOO, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"Edit: Or do you mean the 2nd or final install isn't "clean" because you're installing on a drive with data on it?"

      That's exactly what I mean. I know that only the truly geeky will care but I like to start out with a totally unused file system when I install an OS.
  • Miso117, on 10/12/2007, -33/+5Too bad it is HORRIBLE for gamers.
    I reverted back to XP in a second when I saw how laggy CS:S was.
    I have a good NVID card and 3 GB or Crossair in my machine.
    Hyper-threaded P4 3.4 Extreme...

    Vista ran like trash for games.
    Aero was cool, but all in all not worth the hype.
    Dreamlinux, now that is a sweet OS, dumped my XP Media Center OS for that a month ago...
    Not easy to configure, but once it was up, AMAZING performance.
    • SpacemanSpiff, on 10/12/2007, -4/+21So tell us, how's your lag in CS:S in Dreamlinux?
    • TonyCubed, on 10/12/2007, -5/+18Yeah, but Dreamlinux won't run your CS:S, so that whole argument is now invalid.

      Anyways, It's not entirely Vista's fault the games are slow. Drivers need to be greatly improved. Look ATi's latest driver compared to last months update.
    • Miso117, on 10/12/2007, -9/+6I use Dreamlinux for a HTPC, not for gaming.
      I said I switched right back to XP, good job reading!
    • simpleid, on 10/12/2007, -5/+11Are you stupid? Did you just read that digg I saw earlier and believe it?

      I get 120+fps -min- on CS:S alone (x1950pro). You didn't even TRY did you? I play HL2 Lost Coast and tried Far Cry so far as well, every thing's just fine. Certainly not "HORRIBLE."

      Or maybe I subconsciously entered the secret password for better performance. In that case, I feel sorry for everyone who convinces themselves they're having problems.
    • Miso117, on 10/12/2007, -8/+4You have an ATI card... maybe I should switch...
  • udubnate, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2nice work on that work around
  • bels, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0Has anyone asked about the transferability of the upgrade versions? Are they the same as the oem versions: ie tied to one computer? Or can they be moved like the retail versions?
    • MonkeyFit, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1I would imagine it would be like the OEM versions, tied to one computer. After all, an upgrade is only supposed to be an upgrade on 1 computer, and that computer must have been running a version of windows. That would be my guess anyways.
    • SEMW, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Really? I thought it was the latter: aren't the licences for the retail versions, whether full or upgrade, all essentially the same?
    • OddTSi, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1As far as I can tell from reading the EULA on MS' website there are no restrictions on transfers for the Upgrade version.
    • kodek, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Technically, the old version of xp will be tied to the Vista upgrade, not a piece of hardware. If you use OEMs, your motherboard is tied to the license.
  • voxel, on 10/12/2007, -8/+1Personally, I plan to "workaround" Vista in its entirety... The only thing that impresses me about Vista is DX10 *drool*
  • diggsIt, on 10/12/2007, -14/+3Here's another work around. Install Linux (20 min.). It will coexist nicely with XP and there's no need for any hassle from MS.
    • Namco, on 10/12/2007, -4/+3Been trying to install Ubuntu 6.1. I know a monkey could install it, but the fuggin' partitioner keeps failing when formatting the newly created partitions. Driving me nuts. Windows never errored-out when preparing a drive.
    • diggsIt, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Clean up and Defrag Windows? If the installer can't do the partitioning, use GParted and do it manually.
    • Namco, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3External USB 2.0 hard drive enclosure (200GB) connected directly to the computer. (sdb) nothing else on it. I'm not touching my Windows disk. Will install the OS and boot loader to sdb. BIOS is set to boot USB first, so whenever that USB drive is switched on, I'll be bootin' Linux baby! ...if I ever get the damn thing installed.

      SCSI Disk A is my SATA MP3 hard drive.
    • UxPx, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0Get a new box for a singleboot linux or dont try to dualboot onto an external USB drive. Sounds like you have no idea what you are doing to begin with, so dont try and do something difficult.
    • Namco, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1I build computers and install networks for a living and have hacked several tivos (which run linux), but yeah you're right. I should give up on the difficult task of installing Ubuntu.... ass
  • Namco, on 10/12/2007, -6/+1Whoops
  • TheIguana, on 10/12/2007, -8/+2I just wish Microsoft would not even have pulled this complete and utter bull on people. The last fracking thing I need is more headaches when I am upgrading Windows. Thanks Microsoft. Thanks a fracking lot.
    • WetSplatter, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Upgrading or Fresh Install? You're missing the concept here, it allows you to do a fresh install on to a machine that does not already have Windows 2000 or XP.

      Thanks for being an idot
    • dezman2003, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0@WetSplatter

      Judging by your comments I rank you at the "knows just enough to be dangerous" level. kindly stfu and stop posting smartass replies that impress nobody.

      Regards

      Dez
  • DeepDoo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3why not just buy OEM and get that for the same price as the upgrade versions?
    It is smarter to backup all your crap and format and re-install Vista instead of upgrading from XP anyways.
    Sure it takes more time, but your PC will run better and be more stable.
    • OMGWTFROFLMAO, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3OEM only allows you to install on one configuration. I think you can do multiple installs with the Upgrade
    • Namco, on 10/12/2007, -5/+1@OMGWTFROFLMAO, I've been reading your comment over and over for the last few minutes and I just can't figure it out. The OEM version is exactly the same disc as the retail full version.
    • ebob9, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4@Namco: I believe the problem is with the activation of the key. With XP, if you change hardware and need to reactivate, 99% of the time you have to end up calling Microsoft because the online activation will fail. When you call Microsoft, if your key is labeled as OEM, they won't let you easily reactivate (it can be done, but they *really* try and prevent it). With Retail Upgrade/Full, they just ask if the software is installed on more than one machine, and if you say 'no', they activate it for you with no hassle.

      I think people are assuming that Vista will work the same way.
    • OMGWTFROFLMAO, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9@namco
      supposedly it isn't
      http://digg.com/software/Buying_OEM_versions_of_Windows_Vista_the_facts

      The article basically says (thanks to kyjl)
      1) OEM copies don't come in pretty boxes, nor do they include manuals.
      2) Cannot be returned once opened.
      3) Tied to the motherboard it is first installed on. Everything else is fair game.
      4) You get either 32-bit OR 64-bit. You cannot get both on one DVD, unlike the retail version.
      5) You're your own support. If it breaks, you gotta fix it yourself, unless you want to cough up for paid support.
    • leobaby, on 10/12/2007, -2/+173) Tied to the motherboard it is first installed on.
      3) Tied to the motherboard it is first installed on.
      3) Tied to the motherboard it is first installed on.
      3) Tied to the motherboard it is first installed on.
    • Namco, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1ebob9, I read that when you call, you just explain that the motherboard broke and they'll happily activate your key.
    • Namco, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1OMGWTFROFLMAO go to that article and read the second comment. Same goes for you leobaby. Microsoft WILL let you install on a replacement motherboard.
    • leobaby, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"This OEM software is intended for system builders only and cannot be transferred to another PC once it is installed. The purchaser of this software is required to comply with the terms of the System Builder license, including the responsibility of providing all end user support for the software."
    • DeepDoo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2In the end, I wont care since both business versions will likely be on my next action pack anyway.
    • cquinnd, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1" 4) You get either 32-bit OR 64-bit. You cannot get both on one DVD, unlike the retail version."

      AFAIK the 32 and 64 bit versions each come on a seperate DVD. But I have not checked the retail packaging yet after launch.
    • WetSplatter, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0IF you purchase Ultimate you have access to the Windows Backup software which is capable of making a backup of the OS that can be used to do a bare metal restore onto another machine. This is your bypass for needing to activate it on a second machine.


      Per the x32 or x64, all of the sites and material only shows that the 32 bit is avaliable, but I use the x64 Ultimate from my MSDN. Not sure if 64 hasn't come out yet or not.
    • wbradney, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2@DeepDoo: TechNet has Ultimate ;-)
      It's amusing how much trouble some people will go to to avoid spending a couple of hundred bucks to basically get 10 licences of everything MS makes. For the 6 or 7 computers I have here I can't begin to calculate the savings of the subscription over buying everything in individual licenses. But, then again, I'm a developer and consultant and I like to get paid for my work -- I don't see why Microsoft shouldn't get paid for theirs.
    • Jethris, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0@DeepDoo,

      The Action Pack has 10 upgrade licenses of Vista Business. Considering if you were a subscriber last year, you also got 10 licenses of XP Pro, then it won't make a difference. However, you will still need this workaround if you want to dual-boot.
  • wolvyne, on 10/12/2007, -6/+1Anyone have a good link for Vista OEM Upgrades? Newegg has the OEM Ultimate version for $200 so I'm assuming an OEM upgrade should be cheaper.
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116215
    • hyperfocal, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9There isn't an "OEM upgrade." OEM copies are supposed to be sold to system builders for installation on a new PC.

      Upgrades are entirely designed for retail sale to computer owners.

    • wolvyne, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1DOH! I knew that OEM versions where for system builders but I was hoping for an OEM upgrade as well. Guess I'll eventually just get the OEM Ultimate version then.
  • Xizer, on 10/12/2007, -10/+7Of all the things to pirate, I simply can't understand why someone would want to pirate their OPERATING SYSTEM. It's the most critical part of the computer when it comes to software. If there's any software not to pirate, it's that.
    • totorototoro, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7Of course, this DIGG article isn't about pirating an OS at all, but rather working around having to reinstall XP before doing a clean install of Vista (and inadvertently leaving a loophole to allow users to buy and install an upgrade version, not a full version of Vista, for that 5% of users who don't already have XP :p )
    • zongamin, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2You must mean because there are much better FREE alternatives that you don't have to pirate?
    • leobaby, on 10/12/2007, -3/+2"If there's any software not to pirate, it's that."

      Virus scanner maybe? I could swear I saw one on a torrent once. How dumb would you have to be.
    • nogami, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8"You must mean because there are much better FREE alternatives that you don't have to pirate?"

      The only "much better" alternative that I know is OS-X, and it's not free (well, unless you buy a Mac).

      If you're talking about Linux, it still fails my "acid test" for a fully mature operating system - namely that it must be able to be fully configured/installed/maintained without using a command prompt or text editor.
    • Maasneotek, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Well said nogami, I feel the same way. Also, all my games are on Windows so until I can play THEM without having to worry about what text file to edit, Ill stick with Windows. That doesn't mean I'm particularly HAPPY with MS, But i don't seem to have the resources to tweak each WINE profile to work with each game.

  • qbyte, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Where there is a will...
  • ropers, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1From the article:
    "There's no telling why Microsoft left this loophole wide open with Windows Vista Upgrade DVDs, but this means that any retail upgrade DVD can be used as a fully functioning full retail copy of Vista."

    Well, to quote (from memory) Robert Steele (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_David_Steele):
    "Given a choice between incompetence and conspiracy, always go for incompetence, because incompetence is vastly more likely."
  • Haohmaru, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2It would be easier and quicker to keep a base ghost image of XP on a DVD handy and reghost the machine before doing a clean install.
  • Synner, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Again, from the OEM article -

    "http://digg.com/software/Buying_OEM_versions_of_Windows_Vista_the_facts
    1) OEM copies don't come in pretty boxes, nor do they include manuals."

    Actually, the retail version doesn't come with a manual either.

    "4) You get either 32-bit OR 64-bit. You cannot get both on one DVD, unlike the retail version."

    I've seen this posted all over the place - take it from someone who HAS a retail version - you DO NOT get the 32 bit and 64 bit version - you only get the 32 bit version, and a piece of paper directing you to a webpage where you order the 64 bit install disc - the URL for which, by the way, is www.windowsvista.com/1033/ordermedia

    I believe the Ultimate version includes the 32 and 64 bit installers, all other versions include 32 bit only (it's in REALLY small print on the bottom of the case!)
  • kmac1048, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0figures there's some stupid workaround. Thanks for the heads up Synner on the little tidbit, was wondering that myself.
  • ggiDigg, on 10/12/2007, -5/+1http://WindowsVista.justgotowned.com/
  • UxPx, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Why do i have to call them to upgrade (or replace a bad Mobo)? I get open package returns of Mobos all the time from my work and constanly am upgrading my boxes to whatever I want. Does this mean I cannot run Vista. I'm sure Microsoft will redflag me after the 3rd time I call in 4 months.
    • cquinnd, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I think you might be confusing OEM with upgrade, as some others have done in this thread.

  • newfoundnoise82, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1or you can just do what i did and get vista business for free through your school/work. also got visual studio 2005 as well.
  • warlord, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Can anyone tell me if its possible to just do the clean install by not entering the serial and then once its loaded into the 30 day trial just goto change product key and enter the upgrade serial key to make it legit? without having to install it again
    • SomeManbeapig, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Yeah but thats not the point. you could use your key to activate it but the second install is needed to do a "clean install" of vista.
    • CoolWind, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"Yeah but thats not the point. you could use your key to activate it but the second install is needed to do a "clean install" of vista."
      Huh? You've started with a formatted drive, and you've clean installed Vista, but you won't be able to activate it unless you re-install it using the directions given.
    • S1ngular1ty1, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1@ SomeManbeapig

      The trial install is a clean install. So he asked a valid question. I bet there is a way to do that.
  • m1ss1ontomars, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1well, that was dumb.
  • emehrkay, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1does the enterprise/corporate edition require activation? xp didnt
  • aggrocrag, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0After doing some quick research on newegg, it's cheaper to buy the OEM than buy the upgrade.
    Upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate is $249.99
    Stand alone Windows Vista 64-Bit Ultimate OEM is $199.99
  • sdpdt, on 10/12/2007, -2/+0Dugg. Anything that screws M$ is a plus for me ;)
  • toshman, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Check my profile for some more articles which explore in greater depth the option of using Vista upgrade media. (Is it permissible to promote your own Dugg stuff in this fashion, by the way?)

    I'm also the author of the 'confirmation' from PCUser mentioned above.
  • dmitriyvoz, on 10/11/2007, -0/+0why not just buy OEM and get that for the same price as the upgrade versions?
    It is smarter to backup all your crap and format and re-install Vista instead of upgrading from XP anyways.
    Sure it takes more time, but your PC will run better and be more stable. The same theme on Russian sites: http://pivo.in.ua http://www.alcogol.kiev.ua
  • rawaccess, on 02/09/2008, -0/+0does this workaround still work?
  •  

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