Microsoft Confirms Vista Upgrade Limitations (Updated with Workaround)

With a support note quietly posted to its Web site, Microsoft confirmed what enthusiasts have long feared: Users who purchase Upgrade versions of Windows Vista will not be able to perform clean installs of the operating system. Instead, they will need to first install their previous OS and then upgrade in-place to Vista.

"This problem occurs because Windows Vista [Setup] does not check upgrade compliance," a support note on Microsoft's Web site reads. "Therefore, you cannot use an upgrade key to perform a clean installation of Windows Vista."

While this is sure to infuriate some users--and certainly, it contradicts information Microsoft provided me with last year--the reality is that upgrade installs of Windows Vista essentially wipe out the OS and perform an install that is very much like a clean install. The real problem here, therefore, will be the length of time it takes to install Vista using the Upgrade media: Though Vista often installs in about 30 minutes, previous versions often take twice as long.

UPDATE: I haven't tested this yet, as I don't have Vista Upgrade media to test, but I'm told that Microsoft's internal documentation does explain how to clean install Vista using an Upgrade version. It appears to be more of a workaround than a true clean install, however. Here's what it says.

1. Boot with the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD.

2. Click "Install Now."

3. Do not enter a Product Key When prompted.

4. When prompted, select the Vista product edition that you do have.

6. Install Vista normally.

7. Once the install is complete, restart the DVD-based Setup from within Windows Vista. Perform an in-place upgrade.

8. Enter your Product Key when prompted.

End of Article

" 'This problem occurs because Windows Vista [Setup] does not check upgrade compliance,' a support note on Microsoft's Web site reads. 'Therefore, you cannot use an upgrade key to perform a clean installation of Windows Vista.' "

Oh happy day.

After five years of development and millions of dollars, Microsoft couldn't figure out how to fix this self-described "problem"? Better keep those XP install discs, kiddies. You'll need 'em.

Good news for resellers and tech geeks, though. One more reason for them to recommend a Vista Upgrade from the myriad choices available--more billable hours for them when things go wrong.

lotsamystuff January 29, 2007 (Article Rating:

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As a windows fan I'm going to say: "This is some sad sh*t".

Let me get this straight... if I want to do a clean install using an upgrade CD I have to first spend time installing XP before I can upgrade to Vista?

God why? Why can't Vista just ask for the previous versions CD like **every other Windows version since 98 does** ??

sticknick January 29, 2007 (Article Rating:

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I have to say I agree with lotsa. I do like MS and their products, but ... sheesh, guys! Come on!

I do have a question <ahem..he asks embarrassedly>: I have XP Pro, and am buying Vista Ultimate tonight. I take it I can do the clean install. This impacts those who upgrade from Vista to Vista, yes? I am a bit confused by the first paragraph (because clearly I'm buying Vista Ultimate Upgrade)--though I suppose should I have to reinstall, I'll have to install XP Pro again (or just insert the CD or provide my serial number?).

Best,
Keith

keithdvo January 29, 2007 (Article Rating:

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i had read some forums where Microsoft MVP's frequent, as well as asked my Microsoft rep and what they told me is this:

in any case, your Windows XP copy must be activated AND validated. the only option to install 32-bit Windows Vista Upgrades is from WITHIN said Windows XP. both CLEAN and UPGRADE install options are available. the upgrade 32-bit versions are bootable for repair functions only. the 64-bit versions actually REQUIRE booting off the disc in order to install because of restrictions with the locked filesystem. it still checks for a validated, installed copy though.

i say, why bother with these unless you need direct support from Microsoft. who do you know of, that's a home-user, that actually calls their phone tech support anyway? just buy OEM versions instead and do it yourself. they're cheaper, and they don't require any previous installation. they are effectively full version products with few limitations and sell for CONSIDERABLY less. the install process is vastly simpler than XP and the Getting Started guide even guides new users through the installation process. OEM products DO NOT allow for in-place upgrades though, but again, who really does that?

just as Paul stated in Windows Weekly, the percentage of retail purchases is very, very small, so i doubt this is much of an issue. with Microsoft offering downloads of products, as well as MLK's (media less kits with licenses only), there's plenty of ways around this supposed issue.

XP

Waethorn January 29, 2007 (Article Rating:

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Why not make a backup image of Windows XP with a program like Acronis True Image 10.0? Its Vista compatible. If you have to reinstall Vista just load the Windows XP image on your drive, it takes about 2 minutes, and then reinstall Vista over Windows XP.

tomcallahan2@comcast.net January 29, 2007 (Article Rating:

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or of course, Norton Ghost will work, not to mention Windows Backup.

XP

Waethorn January 29, 2007 (Article Rating:

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Thanks for the clarification, Waethorn. I was about to post the same info.

The reason they changed to this method is that someone could download an image of XP, burn it on a CD, insert the Vista upgrade DVD, and use the image to "validate" the upgrade. People could get away with purchasing the upgrade for Vista without owning XP. It makes perfect sense. Unfortunately, it is a *major* inconvenience and hassle. Needless to say, I will not be purchasing any upgrade copy of Vista.

NateB2 January 29, 2007 (Article Rating:

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"WOW begins now!"

Not like anyone on this site is affected. Most of you simply use your workplace's MSDN copy of Windows for your home machine.

On the Mac OS X side of things, the only "upgrade" CDs are the *free* "CPU drop in" upgrade discs added to Macintosh computer boxes for computers already on the shelf when the new version of OSX comes out.

The user's Mac comes with a factory-installed Mac OS X install which is immediately upgradable using the CPU drop in CD. If they want a clean install, they simply boot from the CPU drop in CD, insert their System Restore CD when prompted (for proof of the previous OSX) and then pop back in the CPU drop in CD to continue.

vandil2 January 29, 2007 (Article Rating:

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Sure it is an inconvenience not to mention a hassle, however, this was the hassle I believe Microsoft originally intended for the user no matter what "Upgrade" version or whether we are talking about Vista or not. They just never got it right the first time with windows 98 and ME. Basically buying something named upgrade puts the prerequisite and stamp on the product that says that you need to have both the fundamental version from which you are to upgrade from and the upgrade itself. People call this a "self-described" problem, however, I believe it is not a problem at all. At least not from Microsoft's perspective. I believe that they did this intentionally. I mean it is an incredibly smart market trick against piracy of their xp product as it the home-users xp copy will probably go through a validation. Another aspect is also to make things so inconvenient that the couple of buck you put out to buy an actual instead of an upgrade version of VIsta will be worth it. In terms of an economist this is sort of a "price-discrimination" theme, where Microsoft has actually managed sectionise customers and thus being more able to over-price some of its' product over the actual market accepted price. One such product that gets the privelege to be over-priced and draw in extra income is actually the Windows Vista - Ultimate. The other versions are just there to foreshadow the over-pricement, where we as customers only see a gradual ascension in price whereas if we would look at Vista Ultimate for what it really is - it truly is just a bunch of crappy extra features over-priced only for the sake of business. Anyone buying Windows Vista Ultimate can consider themselves 'bloodsucked' from the mighty lord dracula himself - i.e. Bill Gates.

Wushudragon99 January 29, 2007 (Article Rating:

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Oh no! Its the end of the world!

I always thought it worked that way in previous versions so it really doesn't bother me.

anonymous January 29, 2007 (Article Rating:

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