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#61
Doesn't the double-install method mean anybody can do an upgrade without a previous qualifying version? Or did I miss anything?
Yes, that is exactly what it means.
Not really the spirit of the thing though, is it?
In theory, the only difference between upgrade and Retail is you either need to show the installer another windows dvd- or do the double install.
If you have Retail version of Vista already - presumably after doing the upgrade , the Retail status remains.
You should be able to move it to another machine if needed.
Since the upgrade does not appear to check the current product key - the same will apply to current oem installs.
Again , this might not be the spirit of the thing - but MS are fully aware of it and have decided to do it that way.
I guess they decided people buying a stand alone o/s are enthusisats and will buy Win 8 in 3yrs anyway - they are not concerned if a mobo needs to be replaced, or a major machine upgrade is done.
Why would anyone bother ordering the full version if just double installing the upgrade does the same thing for less money?
I have a windows XP home OEM disk and was considering upgrading to Windows 7 Pro but it doesn't sound like this was a allowable upgrade path.
I would hate to order the Windows 7 upgrade only to find out MS puts a stop to the double install method because they feel its getting abused by people who haven't previously paid for the disk.
Last edited by Shine; 28 Jun 2009 at 14:54.
I'm in the reverse sitch - I have 2 XP Pro x64 installs and want to turn them to Win 7 Home Premium. I guess I can do that with the double install. Hell, after how many leaked build installs, what's a couple more for the real thang ...
Even without the original vista DVD, as long as you still have your vista partition installed, you can do an in place upgrade from within vista using the upgrade 7 dvd and choose clean install. It will see you have vista installed, and never ask you for the Vista DVD, as it will have already confirmed you are eligible for upgrade key activation