trev260764

Hi guys!

I have 2 PC's with dodgy versions of XP Pro installed. I think it's time to have genuine Windows and reckon I should opt for Vista. Do I need to buy an upgrade version:

ebuyer.com - Software » Retail Boxed Software » Operating Systems » Product details

or the full version:

ebuyer.com - Software » Retail Boxed Software » Operating Systems » Product details

And do I have to buy two, or can I use the same disc in both PC's and receive updates OK on both?

Cheers...

Iain Young

You probably need the full version, and I'm pretty sure you will need two copies. From what I've read, it seems that the license is tied to the motherboard serial number...

kernel

What's the deal with OEM versions as Home Premium comes in at around the 75 quid mark. Do people force you to buy hardware at the same time? Perhaps that's why Scan are including a USB hub/mouse pad thing with their offers.?

lightning101

You need 2 seperate licences, best bet is if they are just for two standalone pc's then get home premium edition, as ultimate/business etc have nothing useful for the home user.

£66 inc vat each from e-buyer for the OEM versions

No hardware is reqired at purchase, as I just bought 8 copies

kernel

So what benefit do you get by buying the full product?

lightning101

You can change machine and re-register the product, yo get a nice big box and a manual. OEM comes in a white card box with a clear DVD box and a quick guide to getting installed

OEM is for selling with a machine only and can't be re-sold

messiah

From what I gather if you want to upgrade you need to put in the serial numbers for your legit XP as part of the process - so if you're running the Merseyside edition of XP you'll have wasted your money buying the upgrade version.

Iain - is that correct? I read that whatever version you buy you get a 2 DVD's 1 for 32bit and one for 64bit - I was planning on using the 32bit on my current laptop and running the 64bit on a new server I was planning to build.

PeterUK300

iTrader: (1)

Can confirm you get both DVD's 32 bit & 64 Bit with Retail

System Builders OEM I believe you will only get one or other

lightning101

OEM comes as a DVD with 32 bit only or 64 bit only, not both

AndyMoody

iTrader: (2)

Take a look here:

Overclockers UK Forums - Windows & Other Software

Masses of info about Vista, you don't need to enter XP serial number from what I've read, however needs to be a valid install and activated so they say. Doubt your dodgy XP will allow an upgrade. You'll definately need 1 copy per PC. Vista has security built in that starts to shut down certain things if you don't activate it after 30 days. If you have it on one PC you won't be able to use the same serial number again.

lightning101

Here's what you get in the OEM pack, as you can see it reads "32 bit only":

messiah

how do you find it so far then lightning?

lightning101

Very smooth, but I am spoilt for power as a computer reseller.

The only slow down you need to watch for is the searchindexer system which updates itself everytime you add new files. So when I put 110gb of photos back on, it went nuts, but in actuality was using a meagre 32% of one core of the CPU.

It cleverly sorts your picture and music folders into the new format when you restore a backup as well.

You get alot more safety prompts with things like "are you sure you know this file is safe to install" etc.

Graphically it's masterpiece and nicer than my mac ATM.

I've nothing directx10 to test the thing properly as yet, but even using DX9, everything is spot on so far.

The 3D tabbed windows are a boon if you do multi application documents and web design, as they are LIVE pages and move in 3D rendered DX windows

messiah

Cheers - its the home premium I've been looking at myself - did you not fancy the Ultimate edition?

just noticed I'm on your screenshot!!

lightning101

Ultimate has nothing I need TBH that you can't add for free anyway

messiah

I thought that - it looks to have a lot of extra backup stuff, but Premium has all the media centre features doesnt it?

lightning101

Help protect against hardware failure with advanced business backup features

Business networking and Remote Desktop for easier connectivity

Better protect your data against loss or theft with Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption


The only differences

Blackscooby

WOW I'm impressed, as an XP and Tiger user I like the Tiger interface, but in two minds about Vista. As soon as Leopard is launched that's a definite....

Might keep my cash and save for OS X 10.5. Although I do fancy Vista

Iain Young

From what I've heard, when you buy the retail version, you get the 32bit dvd in the box, and you have to ring Microsoft to get a 64bit dvd (that's what they're saying on the overclockers forums anyway). There is one key to cover both, so if you want to install 32bit on one and 64nit on the other, you'll still need to buy 2 copies.

I've got the oem 64bit version of Ultimate arriving tomorrow to have a play with

messiah

so a net connection to activate it is a necessity then?

although, being able to get them for £54 each isnt worth complaining about really.

Neanderthal

iTrader: (6)

I'm sure you'll be able to activate by phoning as per XP. Bit of a ball ache though.

AndyMoody

iTrader: (2)

64bit is £7 or £8 quid extra purchase on top of 32 bit via M$ if you get retail from Overclockers forum info.

Daz34

PeterUK300

iTrader: (1)

Nope they are BOTH DVD's in the box, have them sitting in front of me

(ultimate upgrade)

IF you want CD versions then you have to pay a small charge (As per info on box)

boxst

Because you can't upgrade an existing instance and it only allows you to register it once (to a particular hardware configuration). Although having said that, I have had previous OEM versions and swapped out motherboards, graphics cards etc.. and re-registered it.

Steve

Iain Young

Interesting. Where did you get yours from? On the overclockers forums there is a long thread with people complaining that the retail version only has the 32bit version and you have to send for the 64bit version seperately.

I've got (currently installing) the 64bit oem version, so I've not seen it myself...

Wurzel

iTrader: (1)

Interesting as I have one DVD iso image and can install either 32 or 64bit from it, I installed 32 bit on my laptop and 64bit on my desktop from the same DVD. As for licencing it is down to the licence key you type in as to which version of vista you get, when I installed mine it gave me a selection box of which version I wanted to install without a licence key to use for 30 days. However if you have a valid licence key at the time of install thehlicence key itself is used to select the correct version. As for installing it on multiple machines, get and MSDN account and you can get a key for 10 machines. MSDN Home Page

RMA26

Its also weird when you hang your mouse curser over a closed window (like media player) and you can view the video playing without maximising the window too!