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Affe
Jul 2, 2007, 10:55 PM
I have a previous version of Windows on my current PC (that died) but lost my XP CD. Can I use my code from my XP CD to upgrade to Vista and just buy the Home Premium Upgrade box to use my MacBook?


kingofkolt
Jul 3, 2007, 12:00 AM
I have a previous version of Windows on my current PC (that died) but lost my XP CD. Can I use my code from my XP CD to upgrade to Vista and just buy the Home Premium Upgrade box to use my MacBook?

Not sure... I do know some programs that come in both upgrade and full versions require that you actually insert the CD of a previous version of the software to prove that you actually own it (as opposed to just giving it a serial key). I don't know if that's the method Windows uses, though.
iBookG4user
Jul 3, 2007, 12:11 AM
I believe that windows upgrade editions require you to put in the CD so it can verify that it is a windows CD. (Although I haven't installed windows in a long time.)
balamw
Jul 3, 2007, 12:20 AM
Vista upgrade wants you to install from a running XP.

Google "clean install" vista upgrade for a method that doesn't require XP.

OK here's a link: http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/31/clean-install-workaround-for-vista-upgrade-discovered/

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CanadaRAM
Jul 3, 2007, 12:33 AM
According to the Windows end user license, you cannot "upgrade" to Vista a different PC and still have the XP on the original PC. There is still only one license in play. To install Windows you need to purchase a new license of Windows for the Mac.
balamw
Jul 3, 2007, 12:35 AM
According to the Windows end user license, you cannot "upgrade" to Vista a different PC and still have the XP on the original PC. There is still only one license in play. To install Windows you need to purchase a new license of Windows for the Mac.

The OP did say the PC died, though that doesn't mean it's 100% in line with the EULA since it was probably an OEM license and thus not did not come with transfer rights.

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Affe
Jul 3, 2007, 12:30 PM
The OP did say the PC died, though that doesn't mean it's 100% in line with the EULA since it was probably an OEM license and thus not did not come with transfer rights.

B

I purchased a full version of XP when I built my own PC which has since died.

So would it be physically possible for me to install Vista with the upgrade disc? I can always get a product key from school at a discount if it doesn't work.
balamw
Jul 3, 2007, 02:11 PM
I purchased a full version of XP when I built my own PC which has since died.

So would it be physically possible for me to install Vista with the upgrade disc? I can always get a product key from school at a discount if it doesn't work.

I provided the link on how to do this above, but the short synopsis is yes.

Install a trial copy of Vista using any Vista install media, and then "upgrade" to your activated version from that.

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