Unable to validate

[MAK]

Hi there folks.

Four years ago I accepted a computer hand-me-down from a friend I've
known only through online chat. He bought a new system back then and
offered me his old one since my system prior to that was on the fritz.

Several months after that when I tried to do updates via Windows Update
is when I realized my copy of XP Pro wouldn't validate. This version I
have on my system may be pirated, I will just assume so anyhow.

When I had tried to do a validation check on Microsoft's website I
obviously failed the check and therefore cannot get certain updates and
add-ons. After I failed the validation I continued clicking through and
found a link by Microsoft saying for $140, I can validate this copy of
XP and they would mail me a new XP disc for backup etc. So good, I know
I can get this taken care of, although I haven't done so yet.

What I would like to know is this:
Most often when you go to a computer store or big box store like Best
Buy, most of the time all you see are "upgrade" versions of Windows
being sold.

Instead of paying for the $140 online via a credit card which I don't
have, will buying an upgrade work for me, will it even install if my
current Win XP Pro doesn't validate? Reason I ask is instead of paying
Microsoft for "the fix" for an older version of Windows OS I'd rather
just give Vista a try instead, and all I see at the stores are "upgrade"
versions being sold. I haven't seen anyone selling a "full version".

If I buy the Vista Home Edition "upgrade" or Ultimate "upgrade" will I
even be able to install it with an illegal copy/unvalidated copy of Win
XP Pro on my system?

Thanks for any help you may offer.

 

[Dave B.]

XP Pro can not be upgraded to any of the Vista Home versions, Business or
Ultimate only, you'd need to do a format and fresh install to use Home. See
here for Vista upgrade info.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradepaths.mspx

 

[MAK]

XP Pro can not be upgraded to any of the Vista Home versions, Business or
Ultimate only, you'd need to do a format and fresh install to use Home. See
here for Vista upgrade info.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradepaths.mspx

Okay thank you for the link but here is how I understand what I saw:

It says for Win XP Pro that I would have to do a "clean install" if I
wanted to go from Win XP Pro to Home Basic or Home Premium. It didn't
say I can't go to those versions. A clean install according to them
requires copying old files and etc to a new hard drive, then INSTALL
Vista, then copy the old files back using a wizard of theirs I assume.

So, can I do this "clean install" with a purchased copy of Vista Home
edition "upgrade" or do I have to scour the planet and find someone who
sells a "full version"?

I don't care the steps I have to take in order to do the Vista
install/upgrade, I just want to know if I can purchase the boxed
"upgrade" from Best Buy for example and do the "clean install" with it.

 

[MAK]

XP Pro can not be upgraded to any of the Vista Home versions, Business or
Ultimate only, you'd need to do a format and fresh install to use Home. See
here for Vista upgrade info.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradepaths.mspx

You had said Win XP Pro CANNOT be upgraded to any of the Home editions
and the chart you gave me a link too clearly shows that it CAN, it just
requires a "clean install" process to do so.

 

[AJR]

Some confusion - you cannot "upgrade" XP Pro to "Home" version. A "Clean
Install" is exactly that "CLEAN" meaning, in fact, that HD is wiped clean
*reformatted)- it is not an "upgrade".

There is one advamtage to using the validation option - you will validate
the current invalid XP installation and receive a XP CD also. Also the
invalid designation prevents downloading updartes "except" for vital
security updates

 

[Cooler Dude]

Hi there folks.

Four years ago I accepted a computer hand-me-down from a friend
I've known only through online chat. He bought a new system
back then and offered me his old one since my system prior to
that was on the fritz.
Several months after that when I tried to do updates via
Windows Update is when I realized my copy of XP Pro wouldn't
validate. This version I have on my system may be pirated, I
will just assume so anyhow.
When I had tried to do a validation check on Microsoft's
website I obviously failed the check and therefore cannot get
certain updates and add-ons. After I failed the validation I
continued clicking through and found a link by Microsoft saying
for $140, I can validate this copy of XP and they would mail me
a new XP disc for backup etc. So good, I know I can get this
taken care of, although I haven't done so yet.
What I would like to know is this:
Most often when you go to a computer store or big box store
like Best Buy, most of the time all you see are "upgrade"
versions of Windows being sold.

Instead of paying for the $140 online via a credit card which I
don't have, will buying an upgrade work for me, will it even
install if my current Win XP Pro doesn't validate? Reason I ask
is instead of paying Microsoft for "the fix" for an older
version of Windows OS I'd rather just give Vista a try instead,
and all I see at the stores are "upgrade" versions being sold.
I haven't seen anyone selling a "full version".
If I buy the Vista Home Edition "upgrade" or Ultimate "upgrade"
will I even be able to install it with an illegal
copy/unvalidated copy of Win XP Pro on my system?

Thanks for any help you may offer.

If your PC was a hand-me-down 4 years ago, I'd be very surprised
if it will run Vista well, if at all. Personally, I think you'd be
better off staying with XP.

Before you spend any money, check out the Vista Upgrade Advisor
here:-
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

 

[Dave B.]

If you want a home version of Vista you will need to perform a clean
install, this is not an upgrade. An upgrade is generally considered to be
installing a newer OS and keeping your files and settings, you cannot do
this if you want to use a home version.

--

 

[Dave B.]

You can do a clean install with the upgrade, you just have to use the
workaround and install it twice.

--

 

[MAK]

You can do a clean install with the upgrade, you just have to use the
workaround and install it twice.

Okay, you said I can go to Best Buy and buy the Vista Home Premium
"upgrade", take it home and open it up and start the "clean install"
process which I am guessing you meant by "workaround" (copying my old
files to another drive; do the install and then copy the old files back)
but why the second install? What is the first install not doing, that I
have to do it over again a second time?

Sorry that I am not following you, I'm trying too.

I just want to know if I can do this with a retail boxed version of
Vista Home Premium "UPGRADE" from Best Buy, since you know many places
have the policy on software that once you open it, no refunds. I don't
want to pay a couple hundred dollars + for something I can't even launch.

 

[Daave]

Okay, you said I can go to Best Buy and buy the Vista Home Premium
"upgrade", take it home and open it up and start the "clean install"
process which I am guessing you meant by "workaround" (copying my old
files to another drive; do the install and then copy the old files
back) but why the second install? What is the first install not
doing, that I have to do it over again a second time?

That's not the workaround. This is:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp

(and *then* copy your old files back)

Weird, but true.

But if you don't have qualifying media (e.g., a *legitimate* copy of
XP), then you are in violation of the EULA.

Sorry that I am not following you, I'm trying too.

I just want to know if I can do this with a retail boxed version of
Vista Home Premium "UPGRADE" from Best Buy, since you know many places
have the policy on software that once you open it, no refunds. I don't
want to pay a couple hundred dollars + for something I can't even
launch.

It can be done, but not within the terms of the EULA (assuming you don't
have a legit XP or 2000). But it can be done.

 

[MAK]

That's not the workaround. This is:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp

(and *then* copy your old files back)

Weird, but true.

But if you don't have qualifying media (e.g., a *legitimate* copy of
XP), then you are in violation of the EULA.


It can be done, but not within the terms of the EULA (assuming you don't
have a legit XP or 2000). But it can be done.

Whoa now, you didn't have to say this. I already know my SYSTEM is
breaking EULA, that's what I am trying to fix here.

Instead if paying the $140 Microsoft fix for an older version of Windows
I was just trying to find out if I can buy an upgrade version of Vista
from the store (which WILL BE LEGIT), install it, then make me legal again.

Please don't mistake my intentions, I am trying to resolve this without
having to pay for two versions of OS one to fix, one to upgrade.

My thinking is if I BUY (read: purchase a legit/legal license) of Vista
since the legit Vista version is legal and overwrites the old version of
XP which is not, I will be fine.

That's what I am trying to figure out by coming here and asking
questions. I am not trying to get away with anything.

/sighs

 

[Daave]

Whoa now, you didn't have to say this. I already know my SYSTEM is
breaking EULA, that's what I am trying to fix here.

Instead if paying the $140 Microsoft fix for an older version of
Windows
I was just trying to find out if I can buy an upgrade version of Vista
from the store (which WILL BE LEGIT), install it, then make me legal
again.

Please don't mistake my intentions, I am trying to resolve this
without having to pay for two versions of OS one to fix, one to
upgrade.

My thinking is if I BUY (read: purchase a legit/legal license) of
Vista since the legit Vista version is legal and overwrites the old
version of XP which is not, I will be fine.

That's what I am trying to figure out by coming here and asking
questions. I am not trying to get away with anything.

I know; I wasn't trying to imply anything. Just relaying the facts.

If you want to be legit, you'll need to purchase the full version of
Vista instead of the upgrade version. The upgrade is less expensive than
the full because it is presumed you already own a legit version of XP or
2000. If you want to have a clear conscience, you'll need to plunk down
more bucks for the full.

I suppose you have a choice between a generic OEM full Vista or a retail
full Vista. The disadvantage of the OEM is that it is forever attached
to the machine you install it on (when the machine dies, your license
ends). A full version (which costs more) can be transferred to another
PC. But it will need to be removed from the old system first.

The other way to be legit is to purchase XP. And unless your PC can
handle Vista, this might actually be the way to go. Have you seen the
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor at:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

Didn't you say your PC was a few years old? I'll bet Vista isn't even a
realistic option, come to think of it!

 

[MAK]

I know; I wasn't trying to imply anything. Just relaying the facts.

If you want to be legit, you'll need to purchase the full version of
Vista instead of the upgrade version. The upgrade is less expensive than
the full because it is presumed you already own a legit version of XP or
2000. If you want to have a clear conscience, you'll need to plunk down
more bucks for the full.

I suppose you have a choice between a generic OEM full Vista or a retail
full Vista. The disadvantage of the OEM is that it is forever attached
to the machine you install it on (when the machine dies, your license
ends). A full version (which costs more) can be transferred to another
PC. But it will need to be removed from the old system first.

The other way to be legit is to purchase XP. And unless your PC can
handle Vista, this might actually be the way to go. Have you seen the
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor at:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

Didn't you say your PC was a few years old? I'll bet Vista isn't even a
realistic option, come to think of it!

In the four years since I've gotten this machine I have updated it a bit
in terms of the hardware. The only thing I have not gotten around to yet
was the OS. I was holding off on doing that until Vista came out. I
believe my system will handle Vista.

That's what I am trying to figure out though, whether I have to scour
the planet and find someone who sells a FULL version of Vista or if I
can just go to Best Buy and do this with an "upgrade" retail box. I have
not seen a FULL version at any retail store, all I see are "upgrades".

I seem to be getting conflicting opinions here to my thread, some say
"Yes, you can do this with "upgrade" box" and you say "No, I need to buy
"full" version." This is why I remain confused on what to do.

Regards,

MAK

 

[Ricky]

In the four years since I've gotten this machine I have updated it a
bit in terms of the hardware. The only thing I have not gotten around
to yet was the OS. I was holding off on doing that until Vista came
out. I believe my system will handle Vista.

That's what I am trying to figure out though, whether I have to scour
the planet and find someone who sells a FULL version of Vista or if I
can just go to Best Buy and do this with an "upgrade" retail box. I
have not seen a FULL version at any retail store, all I see are
"upgrades".

I seem to be getting conflicting opinions here to my thread, some say
"Yes, you can do this with "upgrade" box" and you say "No, I need to
buy "full" version." This is why I remain confused on what to do.

Regards,

MAK

Have a look here..

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

 

[Daave]

Have a look here..

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

Exactly.

And this article contains a link similar to the Paul Thurrott article I
cited earlier:

http://www.windowsitpro.com/mobile/pda/Article.cfm?ArticleID=95011&News=1

I had posted:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp

MAK, there aren't any conflicting opinions at all in this thread. You
can perform a clean install with a Vista upgrade disk. AND you do need
to buy the full version of Vista (assuming you don't have a legit
version of XP or 2000) if you wish to be incompliance with the End User
License Agreement. That is, if you purchase an Upgrade disk (which is
less expensive than the full disk), the license is only for upgrading a
pre-existing, legit version of XP or 2000 to Vista. If you don't have
qualifying media like a legit XP or 2000 OS, then Microsoft wants you to
buy the more expensive full version. But nothing is stopping others from
purchasing the cheaper upgrade disk and using the workaround method
(arguably a flaw!) for the equivalent of a clean install. But you had
indicated you wanted to be above board, so that being the case, you
would need to purchase the more expensive full version.

You'd really be better off posting to
microsoft.public.windows.vista.general. There is more activity there
now, and you'll get more pertinent information.