Let's be honest, Vista will probably be the very last time that an operating system ships in a box. I had heard the entire code sits on the DVD and so upgrading is as easy as unlocking the higher features with an online payment. I thought I'd get Vista Business or Ultimate version in this manner. It wasn't long ago that I moved to a 300 gigabyte disk. At that time I started from scratch and loaded a clean copy of Windows XP Pro. I did this in anticipation of upgrading directly when the new OS was released.
Guess what, I cannot keep all my settings by upgrading to the Home Premium version. This is because I am running Windows XP Pro. I use the integrated server software and Microsoft doesn't include that unless one buys at least the Business edition. My idea of stepping through Home to get to Ultimate didn't work. The box doesn't state this. Damn.
"Okay," I thought, "I can at least use the copy to upgrade my old Gateway notebook. It doesn't have enough of a graphics card to run the new interface, but at least I'll be able to play with Vista." Damn, wrong again! The BIOS on my 3522GZ won't work with Vista and I cannot get Gateway to respond with a way to get an upgraded version.
Do you know anyone who'd like an uninstalled CA$180 (before taxes) legit upgrade for a total price of just CA$120?