Vista upgrade needs old OS already installed
By Donald Melanson 
posted January 29th 2007 1:14PM
posted January 29th 2007 1:14PM
It looks like some folks upgrading to Vista may be in for a bit of surprise when they take a closer look at the installation instructions, with Ars Technica reporting that Microsoft has decided to shake up the upgrade procedure a bit this time around. The main change is that, unlike earlier versions of Windows, you apparently won't be able to simply use a license key from your old OS to install one of the upgrade editions of Vista on your PC, with Vista instead requiring that Windows XP or Windows 2000 already be installed. Those looking for a clean install won't be entirely out of luck, however, with Vista offering the option to back up your old OS and install Vista into a fresh directory. Although that'll no doubt be a small consolation to those looking to start from scratch on a PC without shelling out the big bucks for a full version of Vista, with them now having to go through two complete installations to get up and running.[Via Slashdot]
Cosmos:
I take it you don't realize that Microsoft's OS CDs are not copyprotected, and you can easily make a backup copy.
Right from the Vista License Terms:
10. BACKUP COPY. You may make one backup copy of the media. You may use it only to reinstall
the software.
Just create a backup image of Vista after you install it then if you ever need to redo your machine then use the backup copy. This is what I did and Microsoft cannot stop you from making a backup image of your OS because there are legalities on on creating backups. This is the loophole in this Vista situation. Yes you can probably use that image on another computer since Vista allows hardware changes but be warned Microsoft will disable both instances if detected and your License will be banned and you will be forced to purchase another license.
@Mike
You forgot to add '...shit graphics card' to your spec list.
Actually, you both have shit graphics.
Mac is good for some stuff, Windows is better for other stuff. It really depends on how you use your pc.
The fact that you can upgrade to some versions and not all versions just shows Microsoft is just intentionallyt being a PIA to some of its customers. Its the same with holding on to that slip of paper with the key code - and receipt if you have oem. They can easilly make it so you can just register your copy with them and be able to download the software when you need it. They do this for business users and volume licensing.
But for everyone else if your computer crashes in 3 years you better find that piece of paper with the secret decoder message (along with your reciept if yuou bought oem) or you have to buy the whole new license. Yep you better find that decoder for windows xp as well, and if your xp was an upgrade where is your Win 95 decode to search for! Its marketing not piracy protection. IMO its piracy from them and I am not going to put up with it - at least not for a something that is just Win xp + load of crapware. I'm skipping vista.