Upgrading from the Eval version

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Guest

I installed the full Ultimate eval version, when it was released in October
2006. Though it doesn't "expire" until June, I'd like to consider a lesser
version. Does anyone know if I would be able to "downgrade", or would I have
to do another full format and install of the lesser version (once purchased)?

This is just 2nd computer, used for testing equipment and "show & tell".
So, there is no issues with formatting.

One other observation is that I find it hard to find actual pricing
dependent on my "upgrade" from my licensed version of XP Pro.

Thanks for any suggestions,

Robert
 
Just as in all past MS OS's, downgrading isn't supported, you'll need to do
a fresh install.

--
 
You may perform a custom installation using a full edition of your choice of
Vista to replace your evaluation copy. You cannot use an upgrade edition to
do this since the October release was pre-release software and does not
qualify you for upgrade pricing. You may use an upgrade edition if you are
replacing the XP Pro installation with Vista but that does not sound like
your plan. You cannot use an upgrade edition based on your XP Pro to
qualify to install Vista over the evaluation copy. The upgrade edition must
install Vista over the qualifying OS.

Vista pricing is all over the web. Choose your retailer and order.

To replace the Vista Ultimate evaluation copy with something like VHP, buy a
full edition of VHP, format the Vista evaluation volume with XP Pro, and run
Vista Setup from the XP Pro desktop but select the volume that you formatted
as the target. That way your drive lettering will be the same in Vista as
XP.

While you can never "downgrade" and retain your files, settings, and apps,
you can use the Vista Windows Easy Transfer wizard to save your files and
settings to intermediate storage and restore them after the installation.
You will have to reinstall your apps.
 
Colin, have you heard anymore about WET Companion?

Isn't it suppose to transfer applications from XP, too?

I need some clarification. Can you run WET from within
XP and save the stuff to a DVD? I know you can do this within
Vista. I am under the impression that you can only transfer
settings from an XP computer to a Vista computer via a cable.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=59

That tool, the Windows Easy Transfer Companion, will transfer actual applications from Windows
XP PCs to Vista PCs using a cable or a network connection.

Microsoft is planning to launch an "extended public beta" of the tool at the same time as Vista
launches, according to a blog post by Anthony Clendenen, a Systems Management Server engineer,
on his myitforum site. (Whether this means the tool will become available as of November
business launch or the January consumer launch is not clear.) The tool will be a free download,
but require Windows Genuine Advantage authentication for access, Clendenen blogged.

An earlier post by a member of the Windows Vista Install Fair Team offers more specifics on the
forthcoming tool. According to that post, Microsoft will offer a "triad of solutions to ease
the process of moving all of your e-mail, documents, Internet favorites, photos, music and
programs to your new Windows Vista PC."

The three components of the solution are Windows Easy Transfer, a new feature in Vista that
will scan old XP PCs and gathers up applications, settings, emails, address books and more. The
Windows Easy Transfer Companion moves the applications from XP machines to Vista PCs. And the
Easy Transfer Cable, which will be developed by various USB cable manufacturers and available
at retail locations, will be the physical medium for the transfer.


-Michael
 
Colin - Do you mean to say that because I installed Vista RC2 over XP, I
screwed myself out of upgrade pricing? If so, seems like MS is punishing
beta testers.
 
Reinstall XP.

Use Windows Easy Transfer to save your RC2's settings.

You should've known better than to install a beta over your
primary operating system/primary computer. Microsoft warned
users not to do that.

-Michael
 
I'll try but not sure one can downgrade.

MICHAEL said:
Reinstall XP.

Use Windows Easy Transfer to save your RC2's settings.

You should've known better than to install a beta over your
primary operating system/primary computer. Microsoft warned
users not to do that.

-Michael
Click to expand...
 
Actually, I don't recall MS warning about that particular point. And, I
nearly went blind reading all the caveats. So, my corporate licensed XP Pro
computer, at work, that we use for testing, and evidently can't be
re-formatted back to XP, would need the full (and not an upgrade) version of
Vista.

Gee, how can I voice my next thoughts....... this stinks (a nicer way of
saying it). But, being the eternal optimist, I'm sure there's a way.

Robert
 
So the only way to avoid a clean install in to buy full Vista.

Last question - if I still want to upgrade and my XP is itself an upgrade
version - install 98 first??

thx
 
Robert, with all due respect, there were warnings about not
installing any pre-release on a primary or work production
machine. Also, regardless of any warnings from Microsoft-
you should know this. You said it's a test machine- what's
the big deal?
Simply reinstall WinXP Pro.

-Michael
 
tom said:
So the only way to avoid a clean install in to buy full Vista.
Yes.

Last question - if I still want to upgrade and my XP is itself an upgrade
version - install 98 first??
Yes.


thx
Click to expand...
 
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