SAVE MONEY, Use Vista Update instead of the 'full' version
Hi.
I read, from a most reliable source, that the Vista Update does not take the previous version CD as proof, like the old 95, 98, and millenium updates did.
It needs to be put into a drive with a working kosher version of XP.. OR DOES IT
It seems that you can save upwards of 100$ by buying the upgrade, depending on home, ultimate or what, even if you are putting into a NEW, CLEAN machine. Here's the HOW.
If you have a new clean drive, boot the machine from the DVD. Select Install Now, but DO NOT ENTER the magic numbers. Select the version, Home, Ultimate, or what have you, and check advanced, NOT UPGRADE.
You then let the beast do it's thing, rebooting and all as Windoze does, until finished.
At this point you may think you could just activate it. WRONG. You must run SETUP.EXE from the DVD again.
This time tell it to install, BUT DO NOT get the updates yet.
Enter the Product code, turn off ACTIVATE , and tell it to Upgrade.
When installed enter any passwords and names you used on the first install, and there you are.
As per, you must activate withing 30 days or it pops its clogs again. You can then get all the updates downloaded/installed.
The important thing for people with scruples, this is LEGITIMATE. It just uses a Windoze loophole.
EVEN CHEAPER< find someone who can get the educational discounted version...