I have bought from PC World an windows vista ultimate upgrade pack. Is it possible to install and purchase a clean install vista ultimate with this same upgrade pack. I have rung Microsoft up and they advise on swapping and purchasing a fresh install vista ultimate pack as I might run into problems otherwise. I wished I'd asked what problems I could run into now.

thanks

steve

"I have rung Microsoft up and they advise on swapping and purchasing a fresh install vista ultimate pack as I might run into problems otherwise."

figures!

here's a list of Vista upgrade paths according to MS:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pr...

Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.'

Unlike XP, M$ removed it.

No Clean Installs With Upgrade Versions of Vista

i_XpUser

MS urge customers to get the full version after purchasing the upgrade pack?

This is like making someone throw good money after bad ... ridiculous!

Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.'

steve595,

The reason why you can't use an upgrade key to perform a clean installation of Vista is that the Upgrade installation keys are blocked when you start from the Vista DVD - says THIS new MSKB.

mattie,

MS urge customers to get the full version after purchasing the upgrade pack?

It was never the case. Upgrade pack does not entitle you to get the full version.

i_XpUser

"I have bought from PC World an windows vista ultimate upgrade pack ... I have rung Microsoft up and they advise on swapping and purchasing a fresh install vista ultimate pack as I might run into problems otherwise."

sounds to me like someone bought an upgrade pack from vendor, MS sales rep/help desk is putting the fear of god into the poor soul and then recommends to purchase the full version.

Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.'

Good news .....

You can still get clean installation from Vista Upgrade CD. I've re-read MSKB 930985 again and discovered the exception: If you have compliant version of Windows, such as Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Microsoft Windows 2000 you can select Custom at the installation choice screen to perform a clean installation.

I think M$ defines compliant version as genuine, retail full installation CD.

You also can get full installation by purchasing a Full Product License. This license will let the installation continue after you start from the Windows Vista DVD.

i_XpUser

Thank you all for your help and especially the links.

Xpuser,

The reason for my need to install a clean install after purchasing a upgrade pack is because my computer rejected the 64BIT DVD as I have just learned as I have only Windows XP professional 32BIT and need 64BIT professional for the 64BIT installation DVD upgrade to even run, the 32BIT install DVD works but as I have a 64BIT computer I want 64BIT rather than 32BIT VISTA. Consequently I cannot start the customise installation in windows.

Regards

Steve

you should have mentioned the 64bit-bit in you OP

"I have a 64BIT computer I want 64BIT rather than 32BIT VISTA"

if you're thinking about vista x64, check this website (dedicated to 64-bit computing) and see what's in it for you:

http://www.start64.com/index.php?op...

Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.'

Read this , it works. http://www.neowin.net/index.php?act...

Here's the same thing from a different angle:

http://www.dailytech.com/article.as...

I've done it and it works fine. I am now running a dual boot system (xp/vista) with the UPGRADE disk. My XP is alive, well and intact.