Windows Anytime Upgrade Installing and Upgrading Vista Discuss Windows Anytime Upgrade in the Windows Vista forums; I have a similar issue. Could I use my free upgrade to go from XP Pro to Ultimate--paying something extra for the upgrade beyond Business. Then, could I buy ...

[Znod]

I have a similar issue. Could I use my free upgrade to go from XP Pro to Ultimate--paying something extra for the upgrade beyond Business. Then, could I buy a full copy of Ultimate and install it cleanly on both my desktop and my laptop.

Alternatively, could I do the upgrade on my laptop--even though the express upgrade coupon applies to my desktop. Then, buy a full copy of Ultimate and install it on my Desktop.

[felix8406]

Do you know if the upgrade that’ll you get with your coupon will be treated as a retail version, or just as an upgrade? The retail version can be installed on different PCs, as long as it’s removed from the original PC, but the upgrade might be a different story. For example, when I purchased my Dell Laptop, Dell sent me a copy of Win XP that could be installed in any computer. However, when my daughters bought me the EMachine PC, the operating system disc could only be installed in that PC only. You may not have a choice as far as deciding which PC to install the upgrade. Your first option, I think, would be to check with Gateway and see exactly what you’ll be getting.

[Znod]

Thanks. I don't think the manufacturers know what all the rules are. I know that my upgrade will be to Business. But, beyond that, I think all paths lead to MS for info on what is possible given the large number of possible computer combinations people could own, etc. Did you agree with what I said in reply to your question?

[felix8406]

Sorry, Z, but please remember that I'm working behind a proxy server, so by the time you post two postings, I'm still working on one.

I'm thinking this the question you referred to: Wouldn't doing so violate the EULA since you would have the same copy installed on two computers at the same time?

I don't know if that would be the case? In my scenario I have a full legit copy of Vista, which can be moved from PC to PC as long as it's removed from each previous PC. If I upgrade of a "better" edition, then the retail version is technically not longer part of that PC. However, I still have a valid key. I'm sure someone has the answer.

[Znod]

Boy, who knows? I think MS is likely to think there is a problem because your base, regardless of which coumputer you upgrade to what (or don't upgrade), is the same on each machine. But, as you say, you would have a valid key for each machine. Maybe you have found a loophole. Isn't there a potential problem if you install the base on a second computer too soon?--i.e., before one would be expected to quit using Vista on the first computer or dispose of the first computer. And, note that Adobe, for example, has a system for tracking installs and uninstalls--although it can get very jumbled and, thus, become ineffective.

[felix8406]

I'm sure if one reinstall Vista retail in another PC, one must call MS to validate the installation and get a new product ID for the new PC. If you have not remove it from the PC, their servers will, I assume, automatically disable your previous installation, which will basically make your PC useless.

But if you had upgraded your previous PC with a better version, that PC will now become a new PC as far as MS servers are concern, because it has a newer OS install.

Again, I'm just making assumptions as it's dificult to know if anyone has a straight answer.

[Snuffy]

At 3:00:15 AM Windows update installed "Validation KB 929391
Just before dinner 11:54:12 AM Windows update Validation KB 929391 installed again...both are noted successful... anybody else have this or is there a BUG in the Validation sequence. ??

[felix8406]

Originally Posted by Snuffy

At 3:00:15 AM Windows update installed "Validation KB 929391
Just before dinner 11:54:12 AM Windows update Validation KB 929391 installed again...both are noted successful... anybody else have this or is there a BUG in the Validation sequence. ??

I don't have that update. What version of Vista are you running?

[Snuffy]

Vista Ultimate (RTM) Evaluation copy. buld 6000

Updates found control panel\windows update\ view history

I found the time of install with System Restore \ choice a different restore point.

[felix8406]

I'm also running Vista Ultimate (RTM) build 6000, but it doesn't say anything about being an Evaluation copy. See list of my updates.