Microsoft - got 32bit? get 64bit or 32bit dvds or cds for 10 bucks.

[infamouskid]

100% LEGAL

Retail

If you have a retail or an upgrade version of Windows Vista, go here
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx and put in your Product Key. Cost is $10 shipped.

Most OEM keys won't work with the above retail site, but you can try it. If yours doesn't work, see below.

OEM

How to get your disc:

1. One of the valid reasons for media replacement is: Upgrade/downgrade from 32/64-bit Windows Choose this option when visiting the sites below.
2. You need to put in the COA number, NOT the product key!
3. You do NOT need to put in the name of your computer manufacturer.


Now the unfortunate part is it costs $30 shipped (in the US). But at least there is a (relatively inexpensive) legal option for 32-bit Windows OEM users to get their 64-bit discs!

You will need a major credit or debit card to complete the purchase. (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) Which cards are accepted may vary by country.

United States/Canada

Visit this site, where all SB OEM keys are accepted, and see the hints above to ensure your order goes smoothly.

Media Replacement for End Users of System Builders
https://om.one.microsoft.com/opa/start.om?StoreID=B19F4CE9-DFCB-44E4-9ABE-1C9DFBAD47D0&NewTrans=1&localecode=en-us

Worldwide

For other countries, check the list here
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246 and select your region.

Still didn't work?

If you tried to use a COA number from a royalty OEM (e.g. Delll, HP, etc.) then the above sites probably won't work for you. In this case you need to contact the system manufacturer directly to obtain 64-bit media. Some will provide it for you and some won't.

rep goes to the guys at ocn.

[blainehamilton]

Who is actually dumb enough to pay retail price for vista?


That's just ******** that it costs more for OEM media than the Retail ones. It's the exact same software...

[Bargainman101]

who is actually dumb enough to pay retail price for vista?
lol +1

[kaiblu]

MS doesn't make as much (or at all) from OEM, so that's why it costs more to upgrade.

[infamouskid]

Who is actually dumb enough to pay retail price for vista?


That's just ******** that it costs more for OEM media than the Retail ones. It's the exact same software...

well if you bought a laptop or a system...(or borrewed one from work).. chances are you got vista for free..
this gives you an option to upgrade or get a whole new set with a new product key for 10 bucks.
and believe me some ppl are dumb nuff to pay retail.

[pricecheck]

MS doesn't make as much (or at all) from OEM, so that's why it costs more to upgrade.

MS already sells its software for an incredibly high markup. It would be a little bit more warranted if Vista was significantly better than XP SP3, but it isn't.

Windows 7 though does look promising.

[JCanton]

Pretty interesting, all though personally I plan to hold out for Windows 7. I think Windows 7 will be what Vista should have been. http://**************/img/1856/y08m1110mhmd/2.gif

[Calmuser]

be aware, it will TAKE MS forever to ship you an OEM disc!

they finally shipped me mine after I waited 2 months and finally emailed them and they shipped it. But they shipping me the 32bit instead of the 64bit I requested so now its back to waiting on an email reply.

Also they shipped with UPS wordwide express. I had to pay at the door (just taxes)

they also charged my cc twice, once when I placed the order and again after they shipped.

[TFArchive]

well if you bought a laptop or a system...(or borrewed one from work).. chances are you got vista for free..
this gives you an option to upgrade or get a whole new set with a new product key for 10 bucks.
and believe me some ppl are dumb nuff to pay retail.

The CD Key for 32 bit and 64 bit are the same, so you will not get a new key. I believe the retail Ultimate comes with 32 and 64bit DVDs but only one CD key. Personally, I have OEM and MSDN/Technet so I have keys coming out of my ears, plus I don't bother to activate most of my systems, I just re-install every 120 days :).

The 64 bit version of Vista is nice mainly because you don't lose memory when you have a large video card and 4GB of memory. I only use Vista for Folding@home anyways as it is more efficient for GPU folding :lol: my main system is still XP 32 bit for now.

Also, Dell has a policy where you can request 64bit discs for free, you should just have to call them. I'd point you to the Dell Community thread but they decided to kill their message board a couple months back and haven't fixed it.

[JWL]

Done. Thanks Op.

[belowzeros]

I have a legit 32bit retail key.

Is there a way I can download the 64bit dvd legally? I'd rather do that and burn my own than pay shipping.

[zzz3]

For the second OEM option, when filling out the form, what did you guys put for "Product name as appears on CD:"?

Thanks.

[mingyang]

I once saw a guy bought Vista 32bit retail + Office 2007 and some other software bundle from FS, I cried in my heart. Also his mom was paying with her Visa gold or whatever.

[infamouskid]

For the second OEM option, when filling out the form, what did you guys put for "Product name as appears on CD:"?

Thanks.

if you have a oem machine taht came with vista.
its the sticker on the side or the bottom of your computer.

the product is the name of the OS how it is printed on that sticker or on the COA(certificate of authenticity) for mine it says.
Windows Vista tm Home Premium OEMAct HP
XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX prod ID #
XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX COA #

the actual product key will be on your COA form. if you lost this you can use PRODUID(google it) to view what your current key is.

[zzz3]

if you have a oem machine taht came with vista.
its the sticker on the side or the bottom of your computer.

the product is the name of the OS how it is printed on that sticker or on the COA(certificate of authenticity) for mine it says.
Windows Vista tm Home Premium OEMAct HP
XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX prod ID #
XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX COA #

the actual product key will be on your COA form. if you lost this you can use PRODUID(google it) to view what your current key is.

Thanks, where is the option for 64bit, it just took me straight to the order page. Am i correct to assume that cd will contain both versions? (have a hp tablet with oem 32bit home premium, would like 64 bit premium)

[mrmccowcow]

If any of you are using a dell computer, you can just email them and they will send you a 64 bit dvd for free.

[betamaxman]

Who is actually dumb enough to pay retail price for vista?


That's just ******** that it costs more for OEM media than the Retail ones. It's the exact same software...

You can buy retail windows for not much more than oem if you shop around. The benefit is if you are always changing your system around there is less to no hassles. You can also sell your copy/key to someone else when you are done with it. I bought my xp pro retail on ebay 5 years ago for $150 boxed set sealed coa on it the whole nine yards. Sold it to someone else for the same price when I bought vista ultimate with both 32 and 64 bit dvds for $175 on ebay again. And when windows 7 ships and everyone is crapping on it and the cry goes out to down grade to vista, I'll have a legit copy for sale. Great low price of $175. Not sure if I'll bother buying 7 though linux does everything I require for free any way. :cool:

[bbrodie]

Hmm, the site says my key is invalid. Guess Lenovo shipped me some pirate-ware ;).

[pitabread]

for vista they don't give you a new key. the 32bit and 64bit uses the same key.

[Bordello]

If that's the case, then won't a copy from Bittorrent technically be legal as long as you have an existing 32-bit key?

[sirsavesaton]

Hmm, the site says my key is invalid. Guess Lenovo shipped me some pirate-ware http://www.******************/images/bdc4626aa1d1df8e14d80d345b2a442d.gif.

Yeah, I got the same error. Wanted to take advantage of this too...:lol:

[bhatch]

Vista comes to life at 8gb of ram.

below that run xp.

[betamaxman]

If that's the case, then won't a copy from Bittorrent technically be legal as long as you have an existing 32-bit key?
Should work, if you can find the proper copy. Though the key will work as stated it is likely just with the copy MS lets you download, and it indeed might be torented, but I am not sure if everyone gets the same iso, when they download from MS. What I mean is, vista home and vista business will indeed use different key categories, and a basic key will not likely work for business or ultimate. Perhaps it is a generic iso and when you enter your key it is denoted in the key what version actually gets installed.

The pirated versions of xp were corporate issues that needed no activation. Haven't played with vista much so not sure if there is a corp version of vista business, but there likely is and this is likely what you will get with the torrent. But even if the iso works it is not something that I would trust as you never know what else you get with windows as it is likely a hacked version. :rolleyes:

[betamaxman]

Vista comes to life at 8gb of ram.

below that run xp.
Ultimate ran fine on my old 1 gb machine that I used to have, but good funny.

[Viper98]

Who is actually dumb enough to pay retail price for vista?


:|
since I like to avoid illegal activities as often as possible I gladly shelled out $100 for Vista Home Premium

[Viper98]

Vista comes to life at 8gb of ram.

below that run xp.

I don't know where people like you get your information. Vista will run PERFECTLY on a 1gb system. if you're gonna be multitasking go for 2.

[SAS-1]

I've been running Vista 64-bit for over a month now and haven't had any problems. Sorry Mac guys.

I got a copy of Vista Ultimate Retail for $150 US off of eBay back when our dollar was on par. I also got a copy of Office 2007 Pro Retail for $115 US. eBay is a great place to get cheap retail software but I'd recommend sticking to North American sellers with lots of feedback.

[FusionSenses]

Why the xxxx do you need 8 gb to run vista?
Are you here to tell ppl you have 8 gb?
My 3 gb ram laptop runs pretty good on windows 7 and vista.

[hytong]

VMWare / Virtual PC/Server
DataBase/PhotoShop/video editing...

[7-Endless]

Thanks, where is the option for 64bit, it just took me straight to the order page. Am i correct to assume that cd will contain both versions? (have a hp tablet with oem 32bit home premium, would like 64 bit premium)

I was wondering the same thing but then realized that the key works for both. The only concern I have is whether they will ship the 64bit DVD or not because like you said it just says that they are shipping you a media replacement so it's possible they may just ship the 32 bit disc out (unless both the 32bit and 64bit are on the DVD??). :confused:

[SAS-1]

I was wondering the same thing but then realized that the key works for both. The only concern I have is whether they will ship the 64bit DVD or not because like you said it just says that they are shipping you a media replacement so it's possible they may just ship the 32 bit disc out (unless both the 32bit and 64bit are on the DVD??). :confused:

My Vista Ultimate Retail contained 2 DVDs, one for 32-bit and one for 64-bit.

[Xert]

Holy cow, people, the 8gb crack was a joke.

Vista really comes to life with a $500 video card.

[JWL]

The order page took my order just fine yesterday, but I got this email today:

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in the Microsoft System Builder Component Replacement Program. We have received your order for Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium.

Our tracking system indicates that the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) information you provided is supported through the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) as they are licensed for your software.

Please contact your PC manufacturer directly, TOSHIBA CORPORATION, for replacement media.

For more information about Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM), please visit: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=oemphone or visit your PC Manufacturer's website for details

For additional information on Microsoft System Builder Component Replacement Program, please visit: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246

If we may be of further assistance, please reply to this email and reference order id number XXXXXXXXXXXXX. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time. Thank you for choosing Microsoft.

Thank you,

Microsoft System Builder Component Replacement Team

[Viper98]

The order page took my order just fine yesterday, but I got this email today:

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in the Microsoft System Builder Component Replacement Program. We have received your order for Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium.

Our tracking system indicates that the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) information you provided is supported through the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) as they are licensed for your software.

Please contact your PC manufacturer directly, TOSHIBA CORPORATION, for replacement media.

For more information about Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM), please visit: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=oemphone or visit your PC Manufacturer's website for details

For additional information on Microsoft System Builder Component Replacement Program, please visit: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246

If we may be of further assistance, please reply to this email and reference order id number XXXXXXXXXXXXX. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time. Thank you for choosing Microsoft.

Thank you,

Microsoft System Builder Component Replacement Team

I wouldn't be too concerned

Win 7 beta goes public for free on friday and it's way better than Vista anyways:-0

[Sgt_Strider]

I wouldn't be too concerned

Win 7 beta goes public for free on friday and it's way better than Vista anyways:-0

Windows 7 is not an enormous improvement over Vista. It just fixes the annoyances of Vista and it's faster. Also, Windows 7 is only free right now because it's beta. I wouldn't use a beta OS for important critical work. When the final version comes out, it will certainly cost money to upgrade OS. It'll be cheaper to get a 64-bit disc than upgrading to Windows 7.

To be honest, Vista is a fine OS if you have the right computer. Its improvements are not dramatic and the previews so far seems to substantiate it. I don't understand why you and some other people say it's way better.

[S_G]

MS already sells its software for an incredibly high markup. It would be a little bit more warranted if Vista was significantly better than XP SP3, but it isn't.

Windows 7 though does look promising.:lol:

90,000 employees in over 100 countries. You buy this product and they provide you with updates and support for years. Do you have any idea how much it costs to put out a single version of Windows?

I also don't get the big deal about Windows 7. It's Vista with a new theme. Hardly any of the people excited about Windows 7 are talking about the real FUNCTIONAL improvements. Still waiting for little stuff, like WMC Matroska container and FLAC support. Still waiting for very important things, like WinFS. Still waiting for a lot of things.

[coolspot]

I once saw a guy bought Vista 32bit retail + Office 2007 and some other software bundle from FS, I cried in my heart. Also his mom was paying with her Visa gold or whatever.

What's wrong with being legal?

[lhsonic]

MS doesn't make as much (or at all) from OEM, so that's why it costs more to upgrade.

Cost of a DVD = $.50 for us
Cost to burn = Free.

Cost of a DVD for Microsoft (in bulk) = $.10
Cost to use the DVD press = $.50

OEM cost of Vista? $150.

$150 - $.60 = $149.40 dollars profit

Cost to make the software? Probably in the high millions.
Profits made from selling software to 75% of the computer population (10% piracy factored in)? In the high billions, it's what made Bill Gates the richest dude in the world after all.

So all in all, MS does make quite a bit off an OEM disc ;)

[bubble.tea]

I don't know where people like you get your information. Vista will run PERFECTLY on a 1gb system. if you're gonna be multitasking go for 2.

What's the minimum definition of multi-tasking?

It would appear opening x1 browser and x1 Outlook, is sufficient to need more than 1Gb :D???

What's the benefit (quick 101) of 64 vs. 32?

[Kinki]

I guess MS doesn't have the pay it's employee... oh and the people who cleans the toilets at the office. Bill Gate must be superman; because he's a 1 man band according to you.

Cost of a DVD = $.50 for us
Cost to burn = Free.

Cost of a DVD for Microsoft (in bulk) = $.10
Cost to use the DVD press = $.50

OEM cost of Vista? $150.

$150 - $.60 = $149.40 dollars profit

Cost to make the software? Probably in the high millions.
Profits made from selling software to 75% of the computer population (10% piracy factored in)? In the high billions, it's what made Bill Gates the richest dude in the world after all.

So all in all, MS does make quite a bit off an OEM disc ;)

[Kurtz7834]

This is not a hot deal. This offer has been on since Vista came out, and is simply a way for owners of 32 bit Vista to get the 64 bit media. You do not get a new product key or 2nd license.

There is all sorts of misinformation in this thread. You do not get Windows 'free' with a system, you are paying for it. You simply get it at a discounted rate with an OEM system. It is unknown how much an average consumer actually pays for Windows when a system is bought but my guess is $25-$50 is added on to the system price.

Mods please move this to the PC forum where it belongs.

[Kurtz7834]

For all those excited about Windows 7 and saying Vista sucks, Windows 7 is a slight modified Vista, nothing more. There will be slight performance improvements, and I'll bet some of the improvements will be backported to Vista in SP3. Vista is the long term new architecture for Windows, and it was a complete rewrite of the OS.

[S_G]

What's the minimum definition of multi-tasking?

It would appear opening x1 browser and x1 Outlook, is sufficient to need more than 1Gb :D???

What's the benefit (quick 101) of 64 vs. 32?I see no reason why any system that will have Vista would only have 1GB. 1GB DDR2 sticks run about $2-8 each, DDR about $30 each. If your system uses old DDR, you should be sticking to XP anyways.


Difference between 64-bit and 32-bit? Sometimes drivers for x64 are worse, but this is becoming a thing of the past, with x64 becoming the standard. Vista x64 also has more stringent driver requirements (must be signed, very annoying and slows open-source/freeware/end-user driver development on Windows).

It also has proper support for more than 3GB RAM (32-bit is limited to 4GB, minus some memory addressed for other hardware, depending on your motherboard) and, of course, 64-bit applications. In short, just install x64 unless you can't find proper drivers.


For all those excited about Windows 7 and saying Vista sucks, Windows 7 is a slight modified Vista, nothing more. There will be slight performance improvements, and I'll bet some of the improvements will be backported to Vista in SP3. Vista is the long term new architecture for Windows, and it was a complete rewrite of the OS.I agree with the first half of your post, but the second half is off. Vista wasn't a total rewrite by a long shot. Most of its biggest components were killed or delayed during the development stages.

And no, not all of Windows 7's features will be ported into Vista. There is a new rendering component getting put in that cannot logically be put into Vista without a lot of unnecessary work. Heck, why would they? It's a good selling point to get people who only recently paid for Vista to pay for an entirely new OS.

[Viper98]

Windows 7 is not an enormous improvement over Vista. It just fixes the annoyances of Vista and it's faster. Also, Windows 7 is only free right now because it's beta. I wouldn't use a beta OS for important critical work. When the final version comes out, it will certainly cost money to upgrade OS. It'll be cheaper to get a 64-bit disc than upgrading to Windows 7.

To be honest, Vista is a fine OS if you have the right computer. Its improvements are not dramatic and the previews so far seems to substantiate it. I don't understand why you and some other people say it's way better.


I dunno.. I'm triple booting both right now(Vista Home Premium 32, Vista Ultimate 64, Windows 7 build 7000) and Windows 7 is by far superior to the others. It runs quite a bit faster, the UI is much nicer. The task bar alone makes it substantially better to use. It gets better performance in applications(getting 5-10 better FPS in games) plus many of the built in programs have gotten a nice upgrade too.

[ZenOps]

8Gb is fine for a Vista 64, its almost a question at these prices of why not?

$39.99 seems to be the entry point for half decent 2x2 GB DDDR2, so you might as well spend the full $80 and get 8GB and never have to swap to the harddrive ever.

Although I'm surprised there were no Vista deals this Boxing Week from anyone. Last year you could pickup a Retail Home premium 32-bit for $72.

[Kurtz7834]

I agree with the first half of your post, but the second half is off. Vista wasn't a total rewrite by a long shot. Most of its biggest components were killed or delayed during the development stages.

And no, not all of Windows 7's features will be ported into Vista. There is a new rendering component getting put in that cannot logically be put into Vista without a lot of unnecessary work. Heck, why would they? It's a good selling point to get people who only recently paid for Vista to pay for an entirely new OS.

I largely agree with you. Many features were pulled from Vista, the main one being the WinFS database file system, due to the project being delayed and out of control. Everything I have read about Vista suggests it was the first major rewrite of the OS in a long time though.

Say what you will about MS, but they are very good at supporting their products, better than any other software vendor I am aware of. Windows XP is getting over 7 years of mainstream support. They put a lot of performance improvements in SP3 and gave it away for free.

I think some (not all) of the Win 7 improvements will make their way to Vista, but they will be released quietly and probably well after Win7 has launched, so as not to stall sales of Win7.

From what I have read, there will be little core differences between Win7 and Vista. It will be interesting to see how much performance gain there really is when Win7 goes gold, vs Vista.

[CheapoFillipo]

so being someone who understands a little bit about computers but is not smart enough to know how to overclock...

should I do this to remove the bloatware from my Acer?
and
would i get any benefit of 64 bit vs. my current 32 bit (because my MOBO only takes 2gig RAM according to Crucial)

thanks

[infamouskid]

so being someone who understands a little bit about computers but is not smart enough to know how to overclock...

should I do this to remove the bloatware from my Acer?
and
would i get any benefit of 64 bit vs. my current 32 bit (because my MOBO only takes 2gig RAM according to Crucial)

thanks


im running 63 bit just fine.

[infamouskid]

Thanks, where is the option for 64bit, it just took me straight to the order page. Am i correct to assume that cd will contain both versions? (have a hp tablet with oem 32bit home premium, would like 64 bit premium)

you are shipped both version of the disc.

[Super strokey]

Hey gys, i havnt read the whole thread so this may have been answered already.

I have a 32bit vista retail disc, i havnt used it in over a year cause vista... well vista used to suck, not sure about now.

Anyways could someone tell me if vista is better now than it was before and if the 64 bit version is still really buggy and have lots of problems? Im considering tossing it back on but im really unsure if its worth the headache to do so. Thanks!

[Viper98]

Hey gys, i havnt read the whole thread so this may have been answered already.

I have a 32bit vista retail disc, i havnt used it in over a year cause vista... well vista used to suck, not sure about now.

Anyways could someone tell me if vista is better now than it was before and if the 64 bit version is still really buggy and have lots of problems? Im considering tossing it back on but im really unsure if its worth the headache to do so. Thanks!

Vista has been terrific ever since SP1

[havenoreason]

How does one go around getting a 64-bit dvd from Dell... who do you e-mail? I have a 32-bit dvd that came with the computer, and it naturally only has 32-bit version on it.

[Sgt_Strider]

I dunno.. I'm triple booting both right now(Vista Home Premium 32, Vista Ultimate 64, Windows 7 build 7000) and Windows 7 is by far superior to the others. It runs quite a bit faster, the UI is much nicer. The task bar alone makes it substantially better to use. It gets better performance in applications(getting 5-10 better FPS in games) plus many of the built in programs have gotten a nice upgrade too.

How is it way better when what you're describing sounds like evolutionary changes? Windows 7 ain't a revolutionary OS that MS promised. No one should be under the illusion that it'll be fundamentally different from Vista.

[Super strokey]

Vista has been terrific ever since SP1

Yes but what about teh 64 bit version?

[mc_molineux]

What is the procedure for switching to 64-bit from 32-bit with Vista? Do you need to reformat? How does the changeover work?

[Deemo]

What is the procedure for switching to 64-bit from 32-bit with Vista? Do you need to reformat? How does the changeover work?

Reinstall the OS and call Microsoft for the new activation code if you had a OEM install.

[mc_molineux]

Reinstall the OS and call Microsoft for the new activation code if you had a OEM install.

So I don't lose any files or anything? It's as simple as that?

[Deemo]

You may have to reinstall the new drivers depending on 32 or 64....which ever you choose.

That is all I did when I upgraded an HP laptop to 64 bit to get rid of all the crapware and get a clean install. The 64 bit was the only torrent I could find at the time.

MS didn't give a hoot at all.

[mc_molineux]

You may have to reinstall the new drivers depending on 32 or 64....which ever you choose.

That is all I did when I upgraded an HP laptop to 64 bit to get rid of all the crapware and get a clean install. The 64 bit was the only torrent I could find at the time.

MS didn't give a hoot at all.

I would be going to 64-bit. Interesting though. So my existing programs and games would work under the 64-bit Vista?

[Deemo]

Not necessarily unless stated.

In hindsight I wish I had stuck with 32 but not in a huge way.

No Flash for 64 is the biggest pain so far. I don't know why Abobe hasn't gotten off there butts with this.

[sparrow_69]

I dunno.. I'm triple booting both right now(Vista Home Premium 32, Vista Ultimate 64, Windows 7 build 7000) and Windows 7 is by far superior to the others. It runs quite a bit faster, the UI is much nicer. The task bar alone makes it substantially better to use. It gets better performance in applications(getting 5-10 better FPS in games) plus many of the built in programs have gotten a nice upgrade too.

Where do you get win 7 drivers? Are they readily available from graphics/sound card manufs?

[sparrow_69]

:|
since I like to avoid illegal activities as often as possible I gladly shelled out $100 for Vista Home Premium

Where did you get it for 100$ ? Prices seem to hover around 150$

[murdoc2k]

well if you bought a laptop or a system...(or borrewed one from work).. chances are you got vista for free..
this gives you an option to upgrade or get a whole new set with a new product key for 10 bucks.
and believe me some ppl are dumb nuff to pay retail.

Well the thing is "it's not free". Nothing is free. The cost is included in your laptop. If you buy a dell desktop/laptop they already include it in the cost just check the "operation systems" section as you're building your desktop/laptop. Sure, dell has purchase a license so it can mass distribute but that doesn't mean you get the windows for free.

You are now paying 10 bucks extra (on top of the price of the OS) for a disk.

FYI: Microsoft allows you to download SP1 of Vista legally at the cost of $0. If you're looking for just the windows (no keys) then just get it off the site and burn it onto a DVD or sth.

[Sgt_Strider]

Well the thing is "it's not free". Nothing is free. The cost is included in your laptop. If you buy a dell desktop/laptop they already include it in the cost just check the "operation systems" section as you're building your desktop/laptop. Sure, dell has purchase a license so it can mass distribute but that doesn't mean you get the windows for free.

You are now paying 10 bucks extra (on top of the price of the OS) for a disk.

FYI: Microsoft allows you to download SP1 of Vista legally at the cost of $0. If you're looking for just the windows (no keys) then just get it off the site and burn it onto a DVD or sth.

You're absolutely right about this. I really hate it when people say Windows is free. It's not and if people really want a free OS, I think Linux is about as free as it gets.

[zzz3]

you are shipped both version of the disc.

Too late, i now receive an error, i though it came with both versions but i wanted to double check and it seems during that small duration they either caught on or i would have received an email eventually canceling my order :(. Anyone want to hook me up with one?

[dailce]

Windows 7 is fast, beats XP and Vista. Can't wait for the RTM.

[betamaxman]

Not necessarily unless stated.

In hindsight I wish I had stuck with 32 but not in a huge way.

No Flash for 64 is the biggest pain so far. I don't know why Abobe hasn't gotten off there butts with this.
If you are using the 32 bit Ie or firefox then flash should work fine. If you are using the 64 bit Ie (64 bit vista has both with 32 bit being the default) or 64 bit firefox then you will not be able to use flash. A 32 bit browser is presently required.
However if you use a 64 bit linux then you are 100% good to go as presently there is a 64 bit linux version of flash. 64 bit firefox has little extension support though and imo it is the extensions that is firefox's strong point.

Also a fresh install of the OS is the best way to upgrade, didn't even know that upgrading to 64 from with in windows was possible, though it would seem fraught with pitfalls to me,

Also before one attempts this they may find it easier to download service pack one first and put it on a cd or thumb drive and install it to vista rather than using windows up date, that is unless you have the sp1 version. Or make your own dvd using vlite to integrate sp2 to a custom dvd. Also add the key and user accounts as well for a totally un attended dvd. :cool:

[bluesun]

FYI: Microsoft allows you to download SP1 of Vista legally at the cost of $0. If you're looking for just the windows (no keys) then just get it off the site and burn it onto a DVD or sth.

Forgive my inadequate search skills, but where did you find a free download of Vista SP1 on the Microsoft site? I would really love to know.

I know that you can download Service Pack 1 FOR Vista, but that's not the same as Vista SP1.

[bmaz]

Where do you get win 7 drivers? Are they readily available from graphics/sound card manufs?
Vista drivers should work in Windows 7 with no issues.
Some people say Windows 7 is just a tweaked version of Vista with some added functionality and usability.
If Microsoft has any sense of fairness they should sell a Win Vista -> Win 7 upgrade disc for $50 or less.

[bluesun]

If Microsoft has any sense of fairness they should sell a Win Vista -> Win 7 upgrade disc for $50 or less.

That's the funniest thing I have heard all day!