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If you choose to purchase an upgrade version of Windows Vista to upgrade XP, you will no longer be able to use that version of XP. Either on another system, or as a dual-boot option. The key will be invalidated, preventing activation.
From Vista’s EULA found here (PDF) :
13. UPGRADES. To use upgrade software, you must first be licensed for the software that is eligiblefor the upgrade. Upon upgrade, this agreement takes the place of the agreement for the software you upgraded from. After you upgrade, you may no longer use the software you upgraded from.
For many people this may not be a problem, but it’s a change from earlier versions of Windows.
Update: Workaround posted here!
169 Responses
Andrew Greenman
January 29th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
1WHAT?! Are you kidding me? Come on, this gotta be a lie. That is WAY, WAY, WAY too restrictive. What if you don’t like Windows Vista?!
God, Microsoft is going TOO far with this.
links for 2007-01-30 | ITsVISTA
January 30th, 2007 at 4:21 am
2[…] Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key Say goodbye to Windows XP… […]
Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key - The Prophecy Forums
January 30th, 2007 at 4:35 am
3[…] Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key If you choose to purchase an upgrade version of Windows Vista to upgrade XP, you will no longer be able to use that version of XP. Either on another system, or as a dual-boot option. The key will be invalidated, preventing activation. From Vista?s EULA found here (PDF) : 13. UPGRADES. To use upgrade software, you must first be licensed for the software that is eligiblefor the upgrade. Upon upgrade, this agreement takes the place of the agreement for the software you upgraded from. After you upgrade, you may no longer use the software you upgraded from. News source: TomCoyote.org […]
TechTear :: T_T » Por una Monedas, te quedas sin Windows XP
January 30th, 2007 at 7:58 am
4[…] gente de TomCoyote encontró dentro de la licencia, un punto en donde se avisa claramente que sucederá si actualizas […]
ray
January 30th, 2007 at 8:32 am
5Have you tried this personally or have direct confirmation from Microsoft that this is correct?
If the XP key is invalidated, that will also mean that you cannot re-install Vista upgrade as this requires a genuine validated copy of WinXp to be installed on the computer before you can upgrade.
I cannot see anything in the EULA that mentions deactivating the key, only that you are no longer allowed to use the previous version and you are now bound by the Vista and not XP license agreement.
Stephen
January 30th, 2007 at 8:59 am
6They may not disable the key now, but they could do it at anytime and it would be legal, thanks to the licence. MS would probably not do it straight away, as many people will need to go back to WinXP, when they find that some of their hardware and software does not work with Vista.
Telltec » Blog Archive » Windows Vista - etwas für Webdesigner?
January 30th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
7[…] habe ich gelesen, dass laut Windows Vista EULA (End User Licence Agreement) bei einem Upgrade von XP auf Vista die […]
FC-Ray
January 30th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
8This is nothing new, unless it does actually block you from using that activation key to reinstall XP later if you remove Vista. Microsoft (and most software upgrades) state that you cannot use the previous version or let someone else use the previous version. That’s why it has a cheaper UPGRADE price.
Big Tech Blog » Blog Archive » Microsoft Releases Vista And Office, Apple Steals Spotlight
January 30th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
9[…] and did I mention that by upgrading to Vista you are invalidating your Windows XP key? Yeah, I smell a lawsuit […]
Ronald Fleming
January 30th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
10Microsoft and it’s Vista control freak can do whatever it wants, I have a perfectly good working pirated copy of Windows XP Professional on my pc and if Microsoft wants that, take it, I hate Microsoft and computers anyways.
gr1bb
January 30th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
11Who the crap ACTUALLY activates windows?
Stefin
January 30th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
12Why upgrade if some one need to keep using XP ? Its better try Vista first and see if it good for you before upgrading. I tried Vista and i really like it.
Jeff
January 30th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
13False. Your key is not invalidated, and this same licensing clause has existed as a stipulation on “upgrade” product installations for many previous Windows releases.
Peter H.
January 30th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
14People who deliberately use this crap invite this kind of abuse. Good God y’all!
uhhuh
January 30th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
15It says nothing about invalidating the old XP Key.
What it means is that if you upgrade from XP, that XP key can no longer be used to install XP while vista is using it.
I can see why MS did it, in the past it never did anything with the key, so you could buy the upgrade version for cheap and still have a working key from the previous software.
I would hope that once you remove Vista or decide to uninstall it, that there is a way to reverse it so that you could go back to XP.
chhv86c
January 30th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
16What if you want to format, you have to have windows xp installed to upgrade to vista, but if your key is invalid, can you still upgrade to windows vista from it?
does vista require a validated xp key to upgrade, or can you just put any key?
Not Happening
January 30th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
17This has to be just a stipulation for them. Imagine the amount of business users who find out that their essential applications(ie. accounting software, email clients & etc..) are incompatible with Vista. They all will be calling and emailing Microsoft in huge masses. I know they can be greedy, but at the same time they aren’t that stupid.
JMXZ
January 30th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
18If you don’t like Vista – don’t activate it; and your XP should still work.
But c’mon guys – OF COURSE the upgrade should invalidate XP – otherwise it’s not an upgrade, but simply a new purchase.
When you trade in your car at a car dealer you don’t get to keep your old car – you exchange it for the new one.
As someone who really does try to follow the licenses all the software I use, I’m pretty annoyed by people who keep wanting to cheat.
Antonio Costa
January 30th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
19Perfect, JMXZ !
I liked the “trade car” analogy.
11221
January 30th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
20Yeah but you get to test drive a new Car and if the car is a complete piece of junk they have lemon laws to return it….Microsoft wont give you crap back
ronniefrown
January 30th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
21To follow JMXZ’s analogy…
When your mechanic wants to rebuild the engine on your new car does have have to have your old car on hand, in running condition?
Nope.
If you ever want to reinstall Vista (upgrade version) you will need the other OS INSTALLED (not just the key). I’m not sure if it needs a valid key on XP for the Vista upgrade to work, but that seems likely.
Lestat
January 30th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
22I disagree with the car analogy. I still own both cars and have not traded them in.
vic
January 30th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
23just get the full version of vista if youre worried. an upgrade only comes with the bare essentials of the OS, non of that pre-installed trial software crap or Dialers.. just like the XP upgrade…you have to have an installed version of windows. you cant just install vista from an upgrade cd to a new harddrive…thats why they call it an upgrade. you have to have some there to upgrade from. so if you wanna keep your XP key valid, then fork over the extra hundred bucks for a full bloated DRM infested version of vista.
WaX
January 30th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
24Why not upgrade from Windows 2000 then? Isn’t that upgrade path allowed?
Upgrade to Vista and shafted by M$ - PC Help Forum - Computer Tech Support
January 30th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
25[…] from. After you upgrade, you may no longer use the software you upgraded from. Sourced from Tom Coyote So save yourself some pain and angst, pay for the full version and still have two operating […]
Sean Gerlinger
January 30th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
26What if you are using a corporate copy of Windows XP, will all corporate computers that are using that corporate key be invalid?
Rick
January 30th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
27Just sell your XP disc on eBay.
Stroo
January 30th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
28There are some misconceptions about the upgrade media it seems. People who have posted thus far seem to think that you need a previous copy of XP or 2000 ‘installed first’ before you can use an upgrade Vista. This isn’t true at all.
Just like the Windows XP upgrade CD, the Vista upgrade CD, if you’re trying to do a clean install (and yes, you can do a clean install with the Vista upgrade media) will prompt you for the valid Windows media before you can continue the clean Vista installation. All the upgrade package checks for is the presence of a previous Windows operating system disk. It does not need to be preloaded on your computer.
Also, the upgrade does not only come with ‘the bare essentials’ as a previous poster had noted. It’s a full version that once again, requires that you have a previous Windows os loaded.
Portable Gadget
January 30th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
29[…] Vista Upgrade Invalidates Your XP Key [Tom Coyote] […]
BiteMeBill
January 30th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
30LOL – I remember when other programs like Lotus 123, Harvard Graphics, Lotus Freelance had really really difficult keys to crack. I think MS either will have to push out their own cracks or suffer the same fate. A software’s popularity also goes along with how easy it is to crack since people aren’t paying out $400 for programs to put on their own PCs. If they aren’t familiar with it or see the advantages, they won’t be wanting it at work. IT budget approvals often go hand in hand with what the CEO likes as he often believes IT just wants toys.
I can see why MS wants everyone who uses their OS and software to pay for it but in reality, it probably will only hurt itself by being restrictive. Can you tell me how my employees with be more productive if the OS slows down their apps? Will they be more productive if I have to pay $200 for the OS plus $1300 for a new PC? I still don’t see how it helps my business.
audiogabber
January 30th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
31That is totally retarded. Why should legitimate purchases be thrown away, if in the event someone is dumb enough to by Vista yet, by forking over even more money? There shoudl be a anti-trust law protecting something like that…. Oh wait, Bush overturned all that good stuff.
michael
January 30th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
32it’s not retarded. if you want to still use XP, don’t buy the upgrade edition buy the full retail.
it’s a logical business minded decision. if you can’t cope with that, stfu and goto linux. vista is a waste anyways…
MonkeyTech
January 30th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
33False. Any lesser tech could tell you that CD keys arent bound to the CD’s themselves. Run the Vista install from boot (you shouldnt use the “UPGRADE” option for any version of Windows unless you WANT to have problems), pop in the Windows disc when it asks, take it back out once its verified you have a legitimate DISC (not a key, mind you), and install Vista. Any Windows key will work with any Windows disc of the same type, ie any Windows XP Pro key will work with the proper disc, any OEM key will work with OEM discs, etc etc.
cheetahman
January 30th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
34You wonder why People use Linux and BSD and not Windows
Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key « Interesting News From Around The World
January 30th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
35[…] read more | digg story […]
Do some research!
January 30th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
369. UPGRADES. To use Software identified as an upgrade, you must first be licensed for the software identified by Microsoft as eligible for the upgrade. After upgrading, you may no longer use the software that formed the basis for your upgrade eligibility.
— published June 2004, from http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/eula.mspx
AndyC
January 30th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
37The exact same paragraph appears in the XP EULA (Section 9). Nothing has changed here.
Balthier
January 30th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
38Thanks to the pricing and the problems with this, I’m changing from XP Pro(which I have had since it came out), to MAC OS or Linux the next time I upgrade my system. This is just ridiculous.
Motorcycle Guy
January 30th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
39Wait I thought if you upgraded and had to reinstall that you were going to have to install the prior version (xp) first.
Terry
January 30th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
40This is for UPGRADE only!
Your Windows XP key will still work however it is ONLY to be used to install XP then upgrade to Vista.
Microsoft has confirmed that the key is not invalidated to activate and certify that copy of XPis legit in order to reinstall Vista. This means legally you are now required to use Vista(upgrade xp to Vista) and that licence to USE XP is now revoqued. If you wish to use XP you would need to purchase a new licence (Therefore recovering the cost difference of the full vs upgrade ed.)
I fully understand and agree with what Microsoft is doing here. Sure go ahead and scream lawsuit, I garantee you that you will loose on this point. If you wish to keep your XP license purchase a Full Vista version.
Its like going to a car dealership and leasing a new car. If down the road you trade it in for a different model they dont let you keep both cars and drive them. Your lease (a.k.a license in reference to windows) shifts to your new car and you are now bound by its agreement.(XP to Vista)
¿Windows original? No, gracias — Punto y aparte
January 30th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
41[…] Curioso cómo la actualización a Vista no te deja volver atrás. ¿Toleraríamos que si nos compramos un Focus no nos dejaran usar el Fiesta? En serio, yo es que […]
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January 30th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
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January 30th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
43[…] effet, selon TomCoyote, l‘installation de Vista invalide votre clé XP, et empêche donc toute activation future ou […]
SearchRoads » winx club bloom xxx hentai Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key
January 30th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
44[…] system, or as a dual-boot option. The key will be invalidated, preventing activation. winx club fuckread more | digg […]
Coco
January 30th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
451st.- who the frak uses legal windows?
2nd.- restrictive windows? lets stay in our dual boot macs XD
Mike
January 30th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
46This is exactly why I use Apple computers. Don’t forget the fact that the only way to get rid of Vista is to format the HD, there is not option for uninstallation. 🙂
Chris Bingham
January 30th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
47If I bought a new car that was self replicating, I think I should still own the copies.
I’m using *my* machine to make the copies, adding value to the product.
Copyright has just gone too far on too many levels. If I buy a shovel, the shovel maker doesn’t get to tell me how to use it.
The intent of copyright is to advance both the common art and the artist.
TokiDokiTing » Blog Archive » Lose Your XP Key When Upgrading to Vista!?
January 30th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
48[…] Vista Upgrade Invalidates Your XP Key [Tom Coyote] […]
ARTbird309’s Blog » Blog Archive » links for 2007-01-31
January 30th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
49[…] Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key | TomCoyote (tags: legally-gray microsoft vista xp key) […]
Upgrades to Vista are strictly one way « CodeHappy
January 30th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
50[…] seems Microsoft End User License Agreement (EULA) watching is becoming something of a hobby on the blogosp…, and I for one am pleased that it is. If you opt to buy an upgrade license for Vista, to upgrade […]
?? » Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key
January 30th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
51[…] on another system, or as a dual-boot option. The key will be invalidated, preventing activation.read more | digg […]
Cartoons Fans Lounge
January 30th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
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K. Phillis Jr.
January 30th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
53Yuck, That’s Microsoft for you. I actually find that very very Suspicios… What happens if you get a Boot virus or a virus that nukes the HardDrive… this won’t fly… it completely makes it impossible to reinstall XP if you don’t like Vista… lots of people downgrade initially due to software not using. I only know 1 solution to this… switch to Linux, Freebsd or some other Open source software system since Vista also requires DRM to be installed at all times to use premium content ( yes, you loose control of your OS and the ability to go back to XP if you don’t like Vista.)
UpToDateGeek.com » Blog Archive » News!
January 30th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
54[…] is the LINK. Posted in Computers & Technology by Steve RSS […]
Vista Hungry! Vista Eat XP License… » MEGATechNews :: Mega Techie Goodness For the Masses
January 30th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
55[…] TomCoyote Related Posts… Micrsoft Vista Already Buggy. Killing Games. OCZ Launches Big […]
Ronald Fleming
January 30th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
56It seems with all the hype and uncertainy about Microsoft’s introduction of its new OP Vista, they have given free advertising for Mac and Linux!
Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key « Universe_JDJ’s News Blog
January 30th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
57[…] read more | digg story […]
Matt
January 30th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
58To uninstall vista from a dual boot machine with XP(will not work if you did a in-OS upgrade from XP)
insert the XP setup CD, boot, press any key when prompted
Enter recovery console
type these commands, (then hit enter after each command)
fixboot
fixmbr
[Then restart, delete Vista partition]
Goodbye Vista!
latest in tech » Blog Archive » Vista Annoyances
January 31st, 2007 at 12:08 am
59[…] EULA In a calamity of errors, Microsoft now invalidates your XP product key when upgrading to Vista. It’s an odd move. One would think that over time users will […]
steven
January 31st, 2007 at 1:11 am
60Thats stupid, but one could alwayse buy the full product. Oh well, I dont plan to upgrade my couurmt computer from xp anyway, vista will come when i do my annual purchase of a new desktop.
» Upgrade to Vista, Lose Your XP Key? kizo interesting info
January 31st, 2007 at 1:32 am
61[…] Vista Upgrade Invalidates Your XP Key [Tom Coyote] […]
zack
January 31st, 2007 at 1:38 am
62Websites are quick to publish these rumors, but why don’t they take the time to test this theory before putting out FUD?
They said that the X64 upgrade version of XP would invalidate my existing pro license. I installed my old copy of xp pro on a machine the other day using said CD key and activated with no problems, over a year later.
The skillfull Observer » Blog Archive » Vista Uprade voids your Windows XP Licence
January 31st, 2007 at 1:39 am
63[…] the kind of news i meant when i posted yesterday. If you choose to upgrade from winXP to Vista, i it will void your winXP licence (meaning your product key) during the installation, or somewhen after. From a company standpoint […]
The Great Geek Manual News » Vista Upgrade invalidates your Windows XP key
January 31st, 2007 at 1:59 am
64[…] TomCoyote via Forever […]
SquareBrain.Net
January 31st, 2007 at 2:09 am
65[…] the upgrade version of Windows Vista will invalidate your Windows XP key once you activate it. That means no re-installing that copy of XP, anywhere. Not to belabour the […]
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January 31st, 2007 at 2:56 am
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Fred Compton
January 31st, 2007 at 3:17 am
67This is all very interesting. Let me tell you about Apple OS-X ULA.
You get everything from Apple on the disk (X-11 UNIX/Lynix environment developer tools applications soon Bootcamp to run Windows several versions partitions at once etc etc) and it has NO serial numbers and even registering who you are is an OPTION. You can install it on a thousand computers at once or over time and there is NEVER any problem, never any phoning home or Apple access. In the printed documentation and operating manual it says “Please don’t steal” It’s the honour system and most people honour that request because they are treated with respect! If you want a five user five computer licence they charge $180.00 to $200.00 compared to a single licence of $129.00. This will include all incremental updates and new features until the next major OS release. The old disk is always still good when you get a new or updated OS. This honour system and trust creates a bond that dissuades crackers hackers etc. from compromising the OS and instead they submit any vulnerabilities and bugs to Apple for correction and are often noted for the heads up in it’s automated software fix. It’s a whole different world view that creates strong bond of trust and enormous loyalty to Apple. This approach to serving the paying customer is integral to the design of the software, hardware and genius customer service free at Apple stores as well as by phone. You can even book a free consultation to train you on software program usage etc for free. This is the actions of a confident company who understands their value comes from creative solutions and they always have an unlimited supply of creativity at any moment. Microsoft lives in perpetual fear because they have no creativity and are always behind trying to figure how they can get enough. Apple can lead and knows it will always be so far in front that they have nothing to fear. Microsoft is always so far behind they have to kill all they can to just be adequate and are always rushing to produce a good enough copy of everyone’s actual creativity that they can appear competitive. They make third rate products way late in the game and draconian measures to enslave those who don’t pay attention or aren’t bright enough to realize they swallowed the latest lie from Microsoft a dozen times before. Maybe it’s time to buy a Mac and save yourself a boatload of money in the bargain. The bright and informed know what I’m talking about. Let go of the FUD the fear is crippling your ability to think for yourself.
(w)
January 31st, 2007 at 3:21 am
68Well, how the hell can user reinstall such upgraded Windows Vista, if it is not possible to install and validate the previous version again?! (As you migh know, it is necessary to install upgrade version ov Windows Vista to a previsous validated version of Windows – see KB930985)
H?vard Pedersen
January 31st, 2007 at 3:33 am
69Are people really so dense that this comes as a shock for them?
An upgrade license is for upgrading your existing license, and not for giving you an extra license. That’s precisely why it’s cheaper than a stand-alone license…
Come on… What happened to common sense?
Ash Haque
January 31st, 2007 at 3:50 am
70And just when you thought Vista couldn’t get any worse.
MacGuy68
January 31st, 2007 at 4:16 am
71Come on people, havent we all swicthed to Mac’s OS X?! I mean seriously. Why would anyone be using or planning to use Vista? When you have much better options out there like a Mac running the bug free, virus free, spyware and malware absent, Mac OS X version Tiger. Most the “new” things you see announced in Vista has been around for years in MAC OSX. Why get a pretender to the throne? get a mac. I highly suggest any one of you do yoru homework and see for yourself what ppl are saying. Why struggle through with some buggy new OS that is just plain garbage right out of the box?!!?!? Will you Windows people never learn?
MacGuy68
January 31st, 2007 at 4:21 am
72Fred Compton, what you wrote was amazing. And so true. Windows drones dont have any idea what lies they swallow, everytime they even turn on their Peecees. Sad really.
Windows Vista un atentado contra la libertad at Slynation.com
January 31st, 2007 at 5:30 am
73[…] si intentases volver a instalar el XP en ese mismo equipo no podrás hacerlo con tu licencia porque este número queda invalidado para siempre. Menudos huevos los de Microsoft. Así que ya saben, el pagar menos por la actualización al igual […]
? xp ??? vista ??? xp key ?? at ??
January 31st, 2007 at 5:43 am
74[…] ?? | ?? […]
lescombes
January 31st, 2007 at 6:18 am
75I’m keeping my Ubuntu Linux thanx, used all the windoze flavours and now I have Free software and do everything that a Mac & Windoze PC can and with 3d desktop too
Go on ya Microsoft you have just sold Linux to the masses
Linux-Games.ca » Blog Archive » Vista flops, invalidates old license keys, the move…
January 31st, 2007 at 7:16 am
76[…] http://www.tomcoyote.org/tech/vista-upgrade-invalidates-your-xp-key/74/ […]
Mat
January 31st, 2007 at 7:43 am
77So how is this going to effect the OEM channel? If 1 person who has an HP/Dell/Gateway that uses a generic product key–does that invalidate all product keys if someone goes out a purchases a Vista upgrade?? Of COURSE NOT–what they are saying is that you cannot run BOTH at the same time on either 1 PC’s or 2 PC’s. In defense of Microsoft they have become more leniant with the license agreements even with XP, they actualy allowed a DOWNGRADE OEM license for WinXP Pro,–for example if your new PC came with XP Pro, and your software did not work with XP, you could install Win2k/Win98SE on the PC with the original product key for that OS and use the WinXP COA as a VALID license on that box until such a time as your software became XP compatable. Everyone likes to jump on them for protecting their product, yet most people who complain about it steal the software anyways. In all the years that I have been dealing with MS working for a repair shop I have never been denied an activation of a customers legit software during a reinstall of XP be it OEM/Retail/Upgrade.
Phillip Corcoran
January 31st, 2007 at 7:49 am
78Some previous comments made about installing an upgrade version are simply not true, at least not for Windows XP. I bought an XP Home Upgrade CD. I did NOT have to have my earlier version (98SE) actually installed. All I did was make sure the XP Setup could detect my 98SE CD in the other cd-rom drive, and XP installed with no problems on to my empty C drive.
Same happened when I upgraded from Win95 to win 98SE. All that setup needs to check is that you have a genuine CD for the older version.
So you can perform a “clean install” even with an upgrade CD. I know you can. I’ve done it, and many times.
Tom
January 31st, 2007 at 8:08 am
79You can relax people, this has been proven incorrect.
See http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?s=feb31b818069f29713581d049f2f0f8b&showtopic=534391&st=0&#entry588277583
Tom
January 31st, 2007 at 8:13 am
80Even Microsoft knows that if they did this, they would be really shooting themselves in the foot.
And besides, the XP EULA has the same clause.
9. UPGRADES. To use Software identified as an upgrade, you must first be licensed for the software identified by Microsoft as eligible for the upgrade. After upgrading, you may no longer use the software that formed the basis for your upgrade eligibility.
Its just that this is the first time Microsoft will be taking the ability of just feeding the installer a CD of a past version of Windows away from us.
TazDevil
January 31st, 2007 at 8:37 am
81If you want to use your XP on another machine then buy the full blown version of Vista and not the upgrade. Upgrades are just that, they take the originally installed software and add the files required to upgrade it to the current version of the software, thus the original windows XP is still being used on the machine that has been upgraded to Vista, all be it in the guise of Vista.
BLOGical Thoughts » Wednesday, 31 January, 2007
January 31st, 2007 at 8:43 am
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January 31st, 2007 at 8:51 am
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Corrine
January 31st, 2007 at 8:52 am
84ActiveWin provided a workaround from Microsoft internal documentation. See http://www.tomcoyote.org/security/workaround-for-clean-install-with-vista-upgrade-dvds/76/
ReedMe » Blog Archive » Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key
January 31st, 2007 at 9:52 am
85[…] on another system, or as a dual-boot option. The key will be invalidated, preventing activation.read more | digg […]
Computational Neuroscience (and Programming) Blog » Blog Archive » Mise à jour Vista, risquée ou volée?
January 31st, 2007 at 10:26 am
86[…] viens tout juste de lire ici (merci à Nick pour l’info) que si on achète la mise à jour de Vista et qu’on […]
Computational Neuroscience (and Programming) Blog » Blog Archive » Mise à jour Vista, risquée?
January 31st, 2007 at 10:30 am
87[…] viens tout juste de lire ici (merci à Nick pour l’info) que si on achète la mise à jour de Vista et qu’on […]
Rico
January 31st, 2007 at 10:54 am
88This can’t be true in all situations. I’m an admin of 40 computer network. Of the 35 or so desktops we have about 1/2 are OEM XP Pro machines (from Dell) and the other half have open license XP Pro (Corporate Edition). I have 20 XP Pro licenses, but only one cd key. This is how corporate licensing works. This is why most pirated installations of XP come from corporate edition; it up to me how many copies are installed on the network. The number of times I install the software is not monitored by Microsoft for the corporate version. This is different for OEM and Retail XP so my comments should only be applied to XP corporate edition.
Microsoft searches the Internet for Corporate keys just like pirates do. When they find one they consider it to be pirated since A) the owner did not follow the license agreement to keep the key private and B) anyone with the XP Corporate media (ie anyone with a torrent client) can install the software illegally. As they find these keys they added them to service packs as invalid keys. A lot of people that are using XP illegally by using these keys had there copies of XP invalidated when they installed SP1. They then had to search for new keys that where not included in sp1 to again have working copies of XP. Same holds true for SP2; when it was released it had a new round of ?released? keys.
My point is that MS does not track the number of installations for an XP Corporate edition CD. Computers die, new computers are built, backup systems have XP installed but are off the network and licenses need to be transfered form one computer to the other. Microsoft understands this and that is what the Corporate License was designed for. As long as I?m not using more then my 20 licenses at any point in time I?m legal.
I don’t plan on moving all my users to vista until the 3rd of 4th quarter, and maybe not until the 2008 budget comes around. BUT, I am upgrading my machine so that I will be able to support Vista when I move everyone over. I am also upgrading my two developers so they can start developing against the .NET framework version 3. Guess what? We all have the same CD Key! In addition I still have 2 or 3 licenses that are not currently in use. That means I can still use my key, that I used to upgrade to vista, to install xp.
Again, this does not apply to OEM and retail versions of XP, of which I have little experience.
Extend your Vista "Trial" to a 120 Days at The NeoSmart Files
January 31st, 2007 at 2:20 pm
89[…] have a choice. It’s ironic given how Microsoft has just decimated everything most people know about upgrade licenses, but yes, now they’re being lenient with […]
Microsoft Windows Vista - Page 6 - Bowlie
January 31st, 2007 at 2:37 pm
90[…] savvy from buying into its plans by seemingly punishing those who buy upgrade copies of Vista. A thorough look at the End-User License Agreement for the Microsoft package has revealed that the license key for […]
davisflynn
January 31st, 2007 at 3:31 pm
91Why would anyone jump on the Vista bandwagon for at least 6 weeks from release?
davisflynn
January 31st, 2007 at 3:35 pm
92What’s dah hurry in installing Vista? I think I will wait a couple of months and see what’s the feedback.
insignificant thoughts » Blog Archive » Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key
January 31st, 2007 at 4:51 pm
93[…] read more | digg story […]
Blumex » Blog Archive » Windows Vista Crackeado!
January 31st, 2007 at 5:31 pm
94[…] la actualizaci?n desde una versi?n anterior de Windows a Vista, la licencia de tu Windows Xp queda anulada completamente (Via […]
rehcamretsnef
January 31st, 2007 at 9:26 pm
95it makes complete sense. If they still allowed you to use the previous software after you bought the upgrade, the ONLY thing theyd ever sell is the upgrade. The OEM version of ultimate is cheaper than the retail version of the upgrade anyway…. i dont even see an OEM upgrade offered. Whats the problem here? Save money, buy the license outright.
Doug
January 31st, 2007 at 10:07 pm
96You folks obviously never read the EULA on upgrades before. The upgraded OS becomes part and parcel of the new installation, including the license. Its been like this since DOS!
AJ
February 1st, 2007 at 1:00 am
97Ahhh… it’s just such a great time to be a Mac user. With most people needing to buy a new machine to run Vista, why not just buy a Mac an bypass all this Remond idiocy?
Tinta Fantasma » Blog Archive » Si actualizas a Windows VISTA, pierdes la anterior licencia
February 1st, 2007 at 2:46 am
98[…] [via: Fayerwayer y TomCoyote] […]
Trip Hop Clan » Blog Archive » Upgrade to Vista, MS invalidates your XP key!
February 1st, 2007 at 6:59 am
99[…] How awesome is MS???? […]
Tinta Fantasma » Blog Archive » Upgrade tu VISTA and say good-bye to XP key
February 1st, 2007 at 8:16 am
100[…] [via: TomCoyote] […]
PCDIY ONLINE - Blog » Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key
February 1st, 2007 at 9:00 am
101[…] News source: TomCoyote.org […]
Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key « Midspot
February 1st, 2007 at 9:26 am
102[…] More here […]
Win2Kuser
February 1st, 2007 at 1:09 pm
103I don’t see what all the fuss is about, upgrade licenses HAVE ALWAYS had this clause in them, thats the whole point of an upgrade i.e. your previous installation (and key) is wiped and a new one takes it’s place.
The car analogy is a very good one, if you choose to part exchange (upgrade) your car, you take the new one away and loose the old one. You get a test drive i.e. x number of days to activate, but once you do so, you are basically agreeing to the part exchange and hand over your old car.
Regarding the whole upgrade path, you can upgrade to vista without having XP installed (or any other os for that matter), see http://www.activewin.com/awin/comments.asp?HeadlineIndex=38191
You basically install vista as a 30 day trial and then upgrade to Vista from within that 🙂
Basically speaking, the upgrade versions are a waste of time, you’re better off paying the extra for the full version, or buy the OEM version, both will allow full installation to a blank hard drive without all the messing around.
As for the Mac bregade, go back to that rock you crawled out of and leave the other 99.99% of computer users alone!
No Way
February 1st, 2007 at 7:09 pm
104MS has gone waaayyy to far this time.
With all these ‘licence’ and ‘security’ “add-ons”
Do you actually believe you are getting any additional, new, and (even slightly useful) functionality???
Please. Vista is about generating revenue and treating users like morons.
Feel free to ‘upgrade’ if you’re a total moron.
I certainly will not.
isa costa * the geek side » Janeiro…
February 1st, 2007 at 8:10 pm
105[…] A 29 ficamos a saber que se quisermos fazer o upgrade do Windows XP para o Vista, a chave do XP fica inválida.. [Ler sobre este assunto aqui!] […]
Listen
February 1st, 2007 at 10:22 pm
106Perhaps they are referring to installing the Vista Upgrade does not allow you to take your oem copy of XP and install it on another machine ?
reality
February 2nd, 2007 at 12:48 am
107Perhaps all of you f’ed up typical MS detractors need to get a clue. This bit in the EULA is not new and your key IS NOT invalidated on the previous XP. More rubbish by IDIOTS that don’t know shit but think everyone should run Linux or OSX.
Niklas’ blog » Blog Archive » My Del.icio.us bookmarks created during the past week
February 2nd, 2007 at 7:07 am
108[…] Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key — If you choose to purchase an upgrade version of Windows Vista to upgrade XP, you will no longer be able to use that version of XP. Either on another system, or as a dual-boot option. The key will be invalidated, preventing activation. Tagged as: [microsoft windows xp vista] […]
Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key - 3D Accelerator
February 3rd, 2007 at 4:08 am
109[…] on another system, or as a dual-boot option. The key will be invalidated, preventing activation. Source […]
Rovermantech.com » Blog Archive » Vista upgrade invalidates xp key
February 3rd, 2007 at 3:43 pm
110[…] Link here […]
Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key
February 3rd, 2007 at 8:25 pm
111http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=534391&st=0&#entry588277583
EULA/CD Key De-activation blah blah blah Answer, I called MS
Okay well I have Vista Ultimate Upgrade (retail) sitting right beside me, unopened.. and when I read the news about the deactivation of your XP CD-Key I said no way am I installing.. but let me call Microsoft to confirm all is well.
I asked them the question straight up if my XP Key becomes deactivated and I can no longer activate any installations with that CD-Key.. they said no thats not true, it will NOT deactivate your key.
Then, to make sure, I gave them the senario to ensure they were on the same page as me.
I basically said in the event I need to format and re-install my OS; I will obiviously first need to install XP and Activitate it before I can “upgrade” it to vista. So, in this case, I will still be able to install and activiate XP again even though I’ve already performed an upgrade on this license before, right? They said yes I will have no problems.
So, as per the customer service agent in the department of licensing and product information we should all be fine.
…………………………..
http://www.tomcoyote.org/tech/vista-upgrade-invalidates-your-xp-key/74/
Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key
If you choose to purchase an upgrade version of Windows Vista to upgrade XP, you will no longer be able to use that version of XP. Either on another system, or as a dual-boot option. The key will be invalidated, preventing activation.
From Vista?s EULA found here (PDF) :
13. UPGRADES. To use upgrade software, you must first be licensed for the software that is eligiblefor the upgrade. Upon upgrade, this agreement takes the place of the agreement for the software you upgraded from. After you upgrade, you may no longer use the software you upgraded from.
For many people this may not be a problem, but it?s a change from earlier versions of Windows.
Update: Workaround posted here!
http://www.tomcoyote.org/security/workaround-for-clean-install-with-vista-upgrade-dvds/76/
Workaround For Clean Install With Vista Upgrade DVDs
ActiveWin published a workaround provided by Microsoft internal documentation for Vista Upgrade DVDs that will not invalidate the Windows XP Key, as discussed here.
Edit Update: As noted in the comments below, Blair provided the original source, not credited by ActiveWin, as Paul Thurrott.
?Per Microsoft?s new licensing requirements for Vista, users are required to install a Windows Vista Upgrade from within Windows XP. When this occurs, the Windows XP license is forfeited and the Windows Vista installation process can take place. Now, however, this workaround allows users to perform a ?clean install.? The process is a bit tedious, but is not hard are all to complete. Users have to perform these simple steps to perform a clean install of Vista without a previous version of Windows installed with an upgrade DVD:
1. Boot from the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD and start the setup program.
2. When prompted to enter your product key, DO NOT enter it. Click ?Next? and proceed with setup. This will install Windows Vista as a 30-day trial.
3. When prompted, select the edition of Vista which you have purchased and continue with setup.
4. Once setup has been completed and you have been brought to the desktop for the first time, run the install program from within Windows Vista.
5. This time, type in your product key when prompted.
6. When asked whether to perform an Upgrade or Custom (advanced) install, choose Custom (advanced) to perform a clean install of Vista. Yes, this means that you will have to install Vista for a second time.
7. Once setup has completed for the second time, you should be able to activate Windows Vista normally. You can also delete the Windows.old directory which contains information from the first Vista install.?
…………………………………
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-10152_102-0.html?forumID=97&threadID=231286&messageID=2390239&tag=nl.e729
Buzz Out Loud Lounge: Is it true? Vista upgrades invalidate XP licenses???
…………………………………………
http://forums.winxpcentral.com/showthread.php?p=42580
Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key
Yea, this was a topic of discussion at the Launch Today. I was asked this question by a very nice couple.
If you choose to purchase an upgrade version of Windows Vista to upgrade XP, you will no longer be able to use that version of XP. Either on another system, or as a dual-boot option. The key will be invalidated, preventing activation
You can relax people, this has been proven incorrect.
See http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.ph…entry588277583
Even Microsoft knows that if they did this, they would be really shooting themselves in the foot.
And besides, the XP EULA has the same clause.
9. UPGRADES. To use Software identified as an upgrade, you must first be licensed for the software identified by Microsoft as eligible for the upgrade. After upgrading, you may no longer use the software that formed the basis for your upgrade eligibility.
Its just that this is the first time Microsoft will be taking the ability of just feeding the installer a CD of a past version of Windows away from us.
Multiplayer.ro » Blog Archive » Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key
February 4th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
112[…] read more | digg story […]
Tass
February 6th, 2007 at 8:01 am
113JMXZ, I disagree witht hat analogy. Your not “trading in” XP for Vista. You already bought and own XP and know buying Vista, not trading in.
prime
February 8th, 2007 at 9:05 am
114I’ve put this to the test.
http://www.short-media.com/articles/vista_upgrade
Two things to note:
1) You do not have to activate your XP installation for the upgrade to work
2) After installing Vista, I installed my copy of Win XP on another computer, activated it, and it passed WGA. The key was not invalidated.
Gadgets, Gizmos, Technology, VOIP Phone, and Computers » Archive » Upgrade to Vista, Lose Your XP Key?
February 8th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
115[…] Vista Upgrade Invalidates Your XP Key [Tom Coyote] […]
dr john
February 11th, 2007 at 8:52 am
116Not only has this been in every OS upgrade EULA I’ve seen, it has been in every upgrade EULA for every bit of software I’ve ever seen too (except freeware and shareware of course)!
The whole point of an upgrade is to replace the existing software at a discounted price compared to buying a separate new license. It is not a second license, it is a replacement license. It doesn’t mean you can install multiple copies of the original software and continue using it as well as the upgrade.
If you want multiple copies, buy multiple licenses! If you want dual boot, you have always needed multiple licenses. Or have you just been ignoring that?
I also notice that all those saying how terrible this is haven’t tried the upgrade, and that those who have tried the upgrade say that they CAN still use the old OS if they choose to downgrade.
The trouble with rumour merchants is that they just ignore what actually happens.
tyrell
February 15th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
117look. it NEVER said anything about invalidating any key.
let me repeat that
IT NEVER SAYS IT INVALIDATES YOUR KEY.
The meaning of the EULA is stating that you are “NOT ALLOWED” to use your old XP key while you’re using a vista UPGRADE. There is in no way a time when your key is magically sent to microsoft and disabled.
They are simply telling you its illegal to run both copies at once, because you have them on the same license. If you decide you want to use XP again, you can stop using the vista upgrade (called a downgrade).
If later you want vista again, you can upgrade again (though you may have to call microsoft after the second vista activation to confirm your info).
This whole thing was started by one person reading the EULA and WILDLY misinterpreting it, then posting it all over the internet. If your old key actually was invalidated then you could NEVER reinstall the vista upgrade again with it, which would make your license useless.
Inside MetaEmotion » Archivo » El fracaso de Windows Vista
February 17th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
118[…] para siempre, de forma que si se vuelve a instalar XP, la licencia anterior ya no sería válida (noticia original). Por otro lado, la licencia de Vista es muy restrictiva: solo te permite pasar la licencia si […]
Stephen
February 24th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
119I think there’s a distinction to be made. What the EULA says is that you may not run both XP and Vista – you are entitled to ONE license only.
There’s no “de-activation” of the old XP key however. So if one decides to go back one should be able to install XP and activate with no problem.
The Vista upgrade EULA states a licensing restriction, not a technical one.
See #112
alex
February 28th, 2007 at 11:08 am
120yes maybe a lot of people wont buy vista for its price. or wait till it drops. in cyprus is 260 US Dollars. yes i did buyed it (ultimate) but not everyone can afford it. thats why they go for pirated versions…
ryan l morelli
March 1st, 2007 at 7:39 pm
121Who Cares? Windows vista is a piece of Shi*. I thought as time went on software was becoming better and more advanced not harder to use, less advanced with more bugs than I thought was possible from a small company let alone microsoft. I just returned my copy.
Kelsie
March 2nd, 2007 at 6:42 pm
122so is there actually anyway to downgrade from vista to XP?? and if there is how do i do it?