Win XP OEM to Vista

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Nikos

We suppose that I possess the OEM version of Windows XP. This version is
"locked" with the harware of the machine. I can't do any major changes
(motheboard).
I am eligible to the upgrade edition of Windows Vista. I run this upgrade
version from the desktop of my legacy OS. I activate it.
I decide then to make major changes to the harware of the computer as it is
not contrary to the Vista's EULA. I reactivate the Windows Vista.
What will happen in this case, if I need to reinstall Windows Vista? I own
the OEM version of Windows XP, but I can't activate it since I' ve changed
my motherboard, but I also own the upgrade version of Windows Vista wich
allows me to do so. TIA
Nikos
 
You are in trouble, as you have already guessed. If you think you're going
to do something to your PC that may invalidate your ability to re-load your
OEM software then you should probably purchase a full edition instead of an
upgrade and avoid problems.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
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Nikos said:
We suppose that I possess the OEM version of Windows XP. This
version is
"locked" with the harware of the machine. I can't do any major
changes
(motheboard).
I am eligible to the upgrade edition of Windows Vista. I run this
upgrade
version from the desktop of my legacy OS. I activate it.
I decide then to make major changes to the harware of the computer
as it is
not contrary to the Vista's EULA. I reactivate the Windows Vista.
What will happen in this case, if I need to reinstall Windows
Vista? I own
the OEM version of Windows XP, but I can't activate it since I' ve
changed
my motherboard, but I also own the upgrade version of Windows Vista
wich
allows me to do so. TIA
Nikos
Click to expand...

If the upgrade version you have requires that you have an installed
version prior to upgrade and by making a change to your device you
cannot reinstall that previous version then you will have an issue.
From a strictly licensing perspective the license that exists on your
machine after you do the upgrade is a combination of the previous OEM
license and the upgrade license (hence the reduced cost of the Vista
license). So if you invalidate the OEM license then technically you no
longer have a compliant previous version to allow you to legitimately
use an upgrade license.
So from your perspective you should work with your OEM now to see if
they will provide a none SLP - BIOS locked XP product for you to use
as the basis for your machine - otherwise if you are considering
invalidating your OEM license (which makes up part of the complete
license post upgrade) you should consider buying a full product
instead.
 
The problem is that an upgrade license requires that the updated OS's
license becomes part of it, and that part of your license to use Vista is
tied to one machine. If at some point in the future you needed to start from
scratch, then you have a big problem as you won't be able to install and
activate that part of your upgrade license. While there may be some way
around it eventually, save yourself the heartache and get a full version if
you anticipate major hardware changes.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
Richard said:
You are in trouble, as you have already guessed. If you think you're
going to do something to your PC that may invalidate your ability to
re-load your OEM software then you should probably purchase a full
edition instead of an upgrade and avoid problems.
Click to expand...

Possibly not. The OP is posting from Greece, which is part of the EU
and is therefore subject to EU law... which differs greatly from US law
when it comes down to what constitutes a valid EULA and what doesn't.

Microsoft may apply it's EULA in the USA, but the EU decides what is
acceptable over here in Europe and what constitutes an unfair and
therefore a non-enforceable condition.
 
Consult the manufacturer of your computer for advice. If they will not
support such an upgrade path then consider buying a full edition of Vista.
For applicability of the EULA in your region, contact your regional
Microsoft office.
 
It would be up to you to get an installed, and legal, version of Windows XP
on your computer anyway you can. Then you can reload the Vista upgrade.

Not want you want to hear but you are the one posting this improbable
scenario.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!
 
In your particular case, I would suggest that you purchase
a complete "Full Version" of Windows Vista if you anticipate
a future motherboard upgrade.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

We suppose that I possess the OEM version of Windows XP. This version is
"locked" with the harware of the machine. I can't do any major changes
(motheboard).
I am eligible to the upgrade edition of Windows Vista. I run this upgrade
version from the desktop of my legacy OS. I activate it.
I decide then to make major changes to the harware of the computer as it is
not contrary to the Vista's EULA. I reactivate the Windows Vista.
What will happen in this case, if I need to reinstall Windows Vista? I own
the OEM version of Windows XP, but I can't activate it since I' ve changed
my motherboard, but I also own the upgrade version of Windows Vista wich
allows me to do so. TIA
Nikos
 
Does the installed copy of xp have to be activated to qualify for a vista
upgrade install?
Stevek
 
Yes, and it must be also have a "genuine" Windows XP license.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

Does the installed copy of xp have to be activated to qualify for a vista
upgrade install?
Stevek
 
I'm with you.

It depends on your tolerance for having to keep track of how you installed
Vista. I just want a single dvd that I can easily keep track of without
legacy cd's stored in a closet. I am not comfortable with two-tiered
installations, imaging, or starting out with one upgrade edition dvd of
Vista and an Anytime Upgrade certificate kept somewhere in the cloud.
 
In message <[email protected]> "Colin Barnhorst"
I'm with you.

It depends on your tolerance for having to keep track of how you installed
Vista. I just want a single dvd that I can easily keep track of without
legacy cd's stored in a closet. I am not comfortable with two-tiered
installations, imaging, or starting out with one upgrade edition dvd of
Vista and an Anytime Upgrade certificate kept somewhere in the cloud.
Click to expand...

I don't even mind keeping legacy CDs in the closet (I still have my 98
and 98SE CDs Microsoft gifted at the end of their respective betas.
Oddly enough they didn't send me ME after I resigned from that beta in
disgust and suggested they mothball the project)

I just don't like the concept of two-tiered installations.
 
DevilsPGD spake thusly on 1/16/2007 11:12 AM:
In message <[email protected]> Scott


How do you figure? It means I'm more likely to leave machines running
on XP rather then upgrade to Vista.
Click to expand...

Good point. I was reading it as paying for full versions of Vista.
 
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