«

Hello, I have two questions but the first affects the second so I thought I
would put them all in one post.

1) What is the difference between buying "windows vista ultimate upgrade"
and "windows vista ultimate"?

2)I have windows vista ultimate 32-bit edition, can I buy the windows vista
ultimate 64-bit edition upgrade? Or do I have to buy the whole pack?

1. In order to use the upgrade license you must own another license for
Windows that is eligible for upgrade to Vista, which you do. Ultimate is
eligible for upgrade to Ultimate, odd as that may sound.

2. You can buy an upgrade license for Ultimate to do what you want. You do
not need a standard edition.

Keep in mind that, unlike XP, there are no retail "upgrade" media. All
retail x86 dvds are the same and all retail x64 dvds are the same. The
"upgrade" and edition is controlled entirely by the product key.

I take it by your question that your x86 Ultimate came preinstalled (OEM) on
your computer and that is why you do not have an x64 dvd. If so, you do
need to buy a retail copy of Ultimate, but it can be the upgrade edition.
The product key you got with your computer is only good for the x86 Ultimate
OEM that was preinstalled.

When you buy an Ultimate upgrade edition you will get both the x86 and x64
dvds and one product key. You may use the upgrade product key when
upgrading from an OEM copy of x86 Ultimate to the retail x64 Ultimate just
the same as if you were upgrading any other OEM or retail Windows.

You will have to do a migration rather than an upgrade in place because an
upgrade in place cannot be done from any x86 version of Windows to any x64
version of Windows. A migration means a clean install of x64. You can
transfer your files and settings with the Windows Easy Transfer wizard but
you will have to reinstall your apps. An upgrade product key permits a
clean installation of x64 Windows as long as the x86 product is on there at
the time you start Setup.

You need to download x64 drivers and utilities for your computer and have
them on hand before starting.

"Spartan117" <> wrote in message
news:E1F86FC0-4183-4D4F-BA28-...
> Hello, I have two questions but the first affects the second so I thought
> I
> would put them all in one post.
>
> 1) What is the difference between buying "windows vista ultimate upgrade"
> and "windows vista ultimate"?
>
> 2)I have windows vista ultimate 32-bit edition, can I buy the windows
> vista
> ultimate 64-bit edition upgrade? Or do I have to buy the whole pack?

On May 22, 6:10*pm, "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnho...@comcast.net> wrote:

> Keep in mind that, unlike XP, there are no retail "upgrade" media. *All
> retail x86 dvds are the same and all retail x64 dvds are the same. *The
> "upgrade" and edition is controlled entirely by the product key.

Colin,

Are you certain you are correct here? I distinctly--but perhaps
incorrectly--remember that I read on my Windows Ultimate Upgrade
paperwork--that the upgrade will *only* install from an existing
installation of Windows. The Upgrade DVD will *not* boot the machine
cold, rather the Setup.exe must be run from within Windows. (That did
not *sound* correct to me, but I do remember reading it.)

I was able to boot my machine into x64 and then to run the Ultimate
Vista 64-bit installation from it, but I never reformatted my drive
and I never started "totally clean." I am using the new version of
the Retail Vista Ultimate Upgrade 64-bit with SP1 installed.

I am particularly interested in this question, because I have wondered
what would happen were my entire operating system to fail. Would I
then have to reinstall x64 before I could reinstall Vista?

I would like to believe you are correct here, and I hope I am wrong;
but my reading suggests that one must have a working version of an
eligible version is necessary for the Upgrade DVD to work.

Please tell me I am wrong. <g>

Jim

On Fri, 23 May 2008 04:20:26 -0700 (PDT), Jim
<> wrote:

>On May 22, 6:10*pm, "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnho...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> Keep in mind that, unlike XP, there are no retail "upgrade" media. *All
>> retail x86 dvds are the same and all retail x64 dvds are the same. *The
>> "upgrade" and edition is controlled entirely by the product key.
>
>Colin,
>
>Are you certain you are correct here? I distinctly--but perhaps
>incorrectly--remember that I read on my Windows Ultimate Upgrade
>paperwork--that the upgrade will *only* install from an existing
>installation of Windows. The Upgrade DVD will *not* boot the machine
>cold, rather the Setup.exe must be run from within Windows. (That did
>not *sound* correct to me, but I do remember reading it.)
>
>I was able to boot my machine into x64 and then to run the Ultimate
>Vista 64-bit installation from it, but I never reformatted my drive
>and I never started "totally clean." I am using the new version of
>the Retail Vista Ultimate Upgrade 64-bit with SP1 installed.
>
>I am particularly interested in this question, because I have wondered
>what would happen were my entire operating system to fail. Would I
>then have to reinstall x64 before I could reinstall Vista?
>
>I would like to believe you are correct here, and I hope I am wrong;
>but my reading suggests that one must have a working version of an
>eligible version is necessary for the Upgrade DVD to work.
>
>Please tell me I am wrong. <g>
>
>Jim

I believe, though I haven't personally tested it, that the
"double-install" method still works. Starting with a blank HD,
install Vista, but don't enter the serial number. Then, run setup
from within Vista to "upgrade". This is the only way one can upgrade
from any x86 windows to x64 Vista.

Mach

Time out.

Forget everything you ever knew about Vista x86 Setup. It does not apply to
Vista x64 Setup. They just don't work the same way. DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT
work the same way. A quiz follows, so pay attention!

This is how Vista x64 Setup works with an upgrade edition product key:

On a computer with a 32bit Windows installed:

You must boot the computer with the x64 dvd. You enter your upgrade edition
product key. Setup then searches the computer for an existing Windows that
is eligible for upgrade to Vista, which is any edition of Windows in the
Vista Upgrade Matrix. When it finds an existing Windows then Setup simply
proceeds. There is no message that you must run Setup from existing Windows
like there is with x86 Setup.

On a computer already running a 64bit Windows:

The user may boot with the x64 dvd or may run Setup from the desktop of the
existing Windows. A custom installation of Vista may be required, depending
on the existing Windows.

Details:

There is no requirement to run x64 Setup from within an existing Windows
like there is with x86 Setup for the simple reason that x64 Setup is a 64bit
program and cannot run within an x86 desktop. MS assumes that users
electing to install x64 Vista with an upgrade edition product key will be
replacing an x86 edition of Windows (probably XP) or installing in parallel.

As to doing a clean installation, keep the following in mind. Vista's disk
tools are not available when you start Setup from a desktop because Setup is
starting at Stage 2 of install. The disk tools are only available when you
start Setup with Stage 1. That means to use the disk tools to manipulate
partitions, format, and so on you must boot with the dvd to start Setup.
Since you can run x64 Setup by booting with the dvd, even when using an
upgrade edition product key, the disk tools are in fact available.

Here is the key point. Once x64 Setup verifies the existing Windows on the
computer the user is perfectly free to wipe out that existing Windows using
the disk tools and perform a clean installation.

It is not necessary to use an initial keyless installation in order to do a
clean installation of Vista x64 with an upgrade edition product key. Just
boot with the dvd.


"Jim" <> wrote in message
news:9df1daf2-d8d1-4b47-b496-...
On May 22, 6:10 pm, "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnho...@comcast.net> wrote:

> Keep in mind that, unlike XP, there are no retail "upgrade" media. All
> retail x86 dvds are the same and all retail x64 dvds are the same. The
> "upgrade" and edition is controlled entirely by the product key.

Colin,

Are you certain you are correct here? I distinctly--but perhaps
incorrectly--remember that I read on my Windows Ultimate Upgrade
paperwork--that the upgrade will *only* install from an existing
installation of Windows. The Upgrade DVD will *not* boot the machine
cold, rather the Setup.exe must be run from within Windows. (That did
not *sound* correct to me, but I do remember reading it.)

I was able to boot my machine into x64 and then to run the Ultimate
Vista 64-bit installation from it, but I never reformatted my drive
and I never started "totally clean." I am using the new version of
the Retail Vista Ultimate Upgrade 64-bit with SP1 installed.

I am particularly interested in this question, because I have wondered
what would happen were my entire operating system to fail. Would I
then have to reinstall x64 before I could reinstall Vista?

I would like to believe you are correct here, and I hope I am wrong;
but my reading suggests that one must have a working version of an
eligible version is necessary for the Upgrade DVD to work.

Please tell me I am wrong. <g>

Jim

You are, fortunately, completely incorrect.

There are two ways to migrate from 32bit Windows to 64bit Vista using an
upgrade edition product key.

1. Boot with the x64 dvd, enter the upgrade edition product key, then
perform a custom installation of Vista in the partition containing the
existing x86 Windows. Setup will roll up the existing Windows files into
windows.old folders.

2. Boot with the x64 dvd, enter the upgrade edition product key, then
perform a custom installation of Vista in a different partition from
existing Windows (parallel installation). This will set up a multi-boot
configuration. You must have another Windows license eligible for upgrade
to Vista in order remain in compliance with the Vista upgrade license. For
example, you might have an old retail Windows 2000 sitting on a shelf that
you haven't been using. As long as you never used it in another upgrade and
it is not running on any computer this can be the license that is superceded
by the Vista upgrade license. The W2k does not even have to be installed on
the computer on which you are installing Vista in order for you to do this.
This is an attractive option if your existing Windows came preinstalled on
the computer and you want to continue to use it. If you didn't have such a
license you can always buy one on eBay.

"Mach58" <machiavelli58.spam.@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:...
> On Fri, 23 May 2008 04:20:26 -0700 (PDT), Jim
> <> wrote:
>
>>On May 22, 6:10 pm, "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnho...@comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>>> Keep in mind that, unlike XP, there are no retail "upgrade" media. All
>>> retail x86 dvds are the same and all retail x64 dvds are the same. The
>>> "upgrade" and edition is controlled entirely by the product key.
>>
>>Colin,
>>
>>Are you certain you are correct here? I distinctly--but perhaps
>>incorrectly--remember that I read on my Windows Ultimate Upgrade
>>paperwork--that the upgrade will *only* install from an existing
>>installation of Windows. The Upgrade DVD will *not* boot the machine
>>cold, rather the Setup.exe must be run from within Windows. (That did
>>not *sound* correct to me, but I do remember reading it.)
>>
>>I was able to boot my machine into x64 and then to run the Ultimate
>>Vista 64-bit installation from it, but I never reformatted my drive
>>and I never started "totally clean." I am using the new version of
>>the Retail Vista Ultimate Upgrade 64-bit with SP1 installed.
>>
>>I am particularly interested in this question, because I have wondered
>>what would happen were my entire operating system to fail. Would I
>>then have to reinstall x64 before I could reinstall Vista?
>>
>>I would like to believe you are correct here, and I hope I am wrong;
>>but my reading suggests that one must have a working version of an
>>eligible version is necessary for the Upgrade DVD to work.
>>
>>Please tell me I am wrong. <g>
>>
>>Jim
>
> I believe, though I haven't personally tested it, that the
> "double-install" method still works. Starting with a blank HD,
> install Vista, but don't enter the serial number. Then, run setup
> from within Vista to "upgrade". This is the only way one can upgrade
> from any x86 windows to x64 Vista.
>
> Mach

On 23/05/2008 in message
<8938DC6E-DC9A-4435-8D50-> Colin Barnhorst wrote:

>On a computer already running a 64bit Windows:
>
>The user may boot with the x64 dvd or may run Setup from the desktop of
>the existing Windows. A custom installation of Vista may be required,
>depending on the existing Windows.

That is of particular interest.

I run XP Pro x64 and I'm considering a move to Vista 64. Normally I would
just do a clean install but I have MSFT Office and Access which have been
activated, and would have to be activated again on a clean install. So it
seems I could run Vista 64 from within XP x64 and my activation would be
carried forward?

--
Jeff Gaines
Damerham Hampshire UK

On May 23, 5:55*pm, "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnho...@comcast.net> wrote:
> Time out.
>
> Forget everything you ever knew about Vista x86 Setup. *It does not apply to
> Vista x64 Setup. *They just don't work the same way. *DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT
> work the same way. *A quiz follows, so pay attention! *
>
> This is how Vista x64 Setup works with an upgrade edition product key:
>
> On a computer with a 32bit Windows installed:
>
> You must boot the computer with the x64 dvd. *You enter your upgrade edition
> product key. *Setup then searches the computer for an existing Windows that
> is eligible for upgrade to Vista, which is any edition of Windows in the
> Vista Upgrade Matrix. *When it finds an existing Windows then Setup simply
> proceeds. *There is no message that you must run Setup from existing Windows
> like there is with x86 Setup.
>
> On a computer already running a 64bit Windows:
>
> The user may boot with the x64 dvd or may run Setup from the desktop of the
> existing Windows. *A custom installation of Vista may be required, depending
> on the existing Windows.
>
> Details:
>
> There is no requirement to run x64 Setup from within an existing Windows
> like there is with x86 Setup for the simple reason that x64 Setup is a 64bit
> program and cannot run within an x86 desktop. *MS assumes that users
> electing to install x64 Vista with an upgrade edition product key will be
> replacing an x86 edition of Windows (probably XP) or installing in parallel.
>
> As to doing a clean installation, keep the following in mind. *Vista's disk
> tools are not available when you start Setup from a desktop because Setup is
> starting at Stage 2 of install. *The disk tools are only available when you
> start Setup with Stage 1. *That means to use the disk tools to manipulate
> partitions, format, and so on you must boot with the dvd to start Setup.
> Since you can run x64 Setup by booting with the dvd, even when using an
> upgrade edition product key, the disk tools are in fact available.
>
> Here is the key point. *Once x64 Setup verifies the existing Windows on the
> computer the user is perfectly free to wipe out that existing Windows using
> the disk tools and perform a clean installation.
>
> It is not necessary to use an initial keyless installation in order to do a
> clean installation of Vista x64 with an upgrade edition product key. *Just
> boot with the dvd.
>
Hi Colin,

Thank you for the thorough and complete installation instructions. I
wish I had known that *before* I insalled the product. This is one
case where RTFM actually *hurt* me. <g>

I wanted to do a completely "clean" install, and to reformat my array
with the new install. I was not given that opportunity. Instead I
ended up with a bunch of junk directories I did no want. At least a
couple of them can not be deleted. Next time I will do it your way.

I guess Microsoft just lies when they say the upgrade DVD is *not*
bootable. I did no test it. I booted from the computer and then ran
Setup.exe as they said.

Thank you again!

Jim

No. You will have to perform a custom installation. XP Pro x64 is in the
upgrade matrix to Vista but an upgrade in place is not supported. See the
Upgrade Options table at
https://www.microsoft.com/windows/pr...radepaths.mspx

The yellow dots in the XP Pro x64 line mean that a custom install is
required for upgrade to all editions of Vista, both x86 or x64. I think you
will find that even when you start Setup for Vista x64 Business or Ultimate
from your XP Pro x64 desktop the upgrade option will still be greyed out.
The only time the upgrade option is enabled for an x64 version of Vista is
when you are migrating to the same or higher x64 edition.

You might as well start the x64 Setup by booting with the dvd so you can at
least do a clean install. There is really no need to have to deal with the
windows.old folders you would get with a custom install.

"Jeff Gaines" <> wrote in message
news...
> On 23/05/2008 in message
> <8938DC6E-DC9A-4435-8D50-> Colin Barnhorst
> wrote:
>
>>On a computer already running a 64bit Windows:
>>
>>The user may boot with the x64 dvd or may run Setup from the desktop of
>>the existing Windows. A custom installation of Vista may be required,
>>depending on the existing Windows.
>
> That is of particular interest.
>
> I run XP Pro x64 and I'm considering a move to Vista 64. Normally I would
> just do a clean install but I have MSFT Office and Access which have been
> activated, and would have to be activated again on a clean install. So it
> seems I could run Vista 64 from within XP x64 and my activation would be
> carried forward?
>
> --
> Jeff Gaines
> Damerham Hampshire UK

MS never says that the Vista dvds are not bootable. What they do say is
that if you boot with the x86 dvd and then enter an upgrade edition product
key you will have to exit Setup and run it from existing Windows. That only
applies to x86 Setup and only to an upgrade edition product key. The dvds
are all bootable because that is what you have to do to use the recovery
tools.

"Jim" <> wrote in message
news:beb0f083-dd4b-4180-a352-...
On May 23, 5:55 pm, "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnho...@comcast.net> wrote:
> Time out.
>
> Forget everything you ever knew about Vista x86 Setup. It does not apply
> to
> Vista x64 Setup. They just don't work the same way. DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT
> work the same way. A quiz follows, so pay attention!
>
> This is how Vista x64 Setup works with an upgrade edition product key:
>
> On a computer with a 32bit Windows installed:
>
> You must boot the computer with the x64 dvd. You enter your upgrade
> edition
> product key. Setup then searches the computer for an existing Windows that
> is eligible for upgrade to Vista, which is any edition of Windows in the
> Vista Upgrade Matrix. When it finds an existing Windows then Setup simply
> proceeds. There is no message that you must run Setup from existing
> Windows
> like there is with x86 Setup.
>
> On a computer already running a 64bit Windows:
>
> The user may boot with the x64 dvd or may run Setup from the desktop of
> the
> existing Windows. A custom installation of Vista may be required,
> depending
> on the existing Windows.
>
> Details:
>
> There is no requirement to run x64 Setup from within an existing Windows
> like there is with x86 Setup for the simple reason that x64 Setup is a
> 64bit
> program and cannot run within an x86 desktop. MS assumes that users
> electing to install x64 Vista with an upgrade edition product key will be
> replacing an x86 edition of Windows (probably XP) or installing in
> parallel.
>
> As to doing a clean installation, keep the following in mind. Vista's disk
> tools are not available when you start Setup from a desktop because Setup
> is
> starting at Stage 2 of install. The disk tools are only available when you
> start Setup with Stage 1. That means to use the disk tools to manipulate
> partitions, format, and so on you must boot with the dvd to start Setup.
> Since you can run x64 Setup by booting with the dvd, even when using an
> upgrade edition product key, the disk tools are in fact available.
>
> Here is the key point. Once x64 Setup verifies the existing Windows on the
> computer the user is perfectly free to wipe out that existing Windows
> using
> the disk tools and perform a clean installation.
>
> It is not necessary to use an initial keyless installation in order to do
> a
> clean installation of Vista x64 with an upgrade edition product key. Just
> boot with the dvd.
>
Hi Colin,

Thank you for the thorough and complete installation instructions. I
wish I had known that *before* I insalled the product. This is one
case where RTFM actually *hurt* me. <g>

I wanted to do a completely "clean" install, and to reformat my array
with the new install. I was not given that opportunity. Instead I
ended up with a bunch of junk directories I did no want. At least a
couple of them can not be deleted. Next time I will do it your way.

I guess Microsoft just lies when they say the upgrade DVD is *not*
bootable. I did no test it. I booted from the computer and then ran
Setup.exe as they said.

Thank you again!

Jim