Windows Vista Installation and Upgrading

What are the Differences Between the Full Package and Upgrade Versions?

SUMMARY: Explains the differences between buying an Upgrade version of Windows Vista or the full Retail product.

Most Windows Vista editions are available as either Full Package or Retail versions.

* The full package version is intended for those building their own PC, those that want to clean their PC completely and start with Windows Vista, and those without Windows 2000/XP licenses that want to install a fresh copy of Windows Vista on their machine.

* The upgrade version is available for those with valid Windows 2000/XP licenses that want to upgrade their computer to Windows Vista.

Note that those using the upgrade version MUST have a valid, licensed copy of Windows 2000 or Windows XP already installed. With this version you cannot perform a clean install; you must perform an upgrade from within Windows. If you try to boot from the CD and do a clean install, after entering your license key, you will be told that you must upgrade Vista from within Windows.

However... there are posts on the Internet describing a possible workaround, allowing you to perform a clean install with an Upgrade version. Use this technique as your own risk as doing so may void your license. These links are provided for informational purposes ONLY and the content therein is not recommended by MalekTips:

* Information from Windows IT Pro

* An article mentioning this technique at Cnet's News.Com

Return to the Windows Vista Installation and Upgrading page.

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