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Should I even get Vista now?
EliteLamer
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I am building a new computer and have lost my old XP Pro disc so it looks like I might have to buy another disc 
So I am wondering if I should pay 170 for Vista Ult or just buy another xp pro disc. The other option is I have a legit XP home key but need a disc. Not really sure what to do..
So I am wondering if I should pay 170 for Vista Ult or just buy another xp pro disc. The other option is I have a legit XP home key but need a disc. Not really sure what to do..
SEGA
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Windows 7 doesn't seem that far away, and it's unlikely to have compatibility issues on launch being that it's more or less a well tweaked Vista, so if you're able to and you get along fine with XP for now waiting for the Win7 launch might be worth it.
This will only work if you have the same version (retail vs OEM from the same manufacturer.)
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I don't know anyone who has a plain OEM cd.
Dell recovery discs used to be the same as plain OEM cds, or at least they'd work with the same keys which is the important part. Dunno if they still are.
Really, my friend has the home xp one.
It might work, if you have an XP Home key. Give it a shot.
This, because it's looking like Windows 7 is geared to totally phase out both XP and Vista. You're better off saving your cash until it releases.
Pretty much. If there's any way to use your current license (by finding another media) then do so. Otherwise, I'd definitely suggest you get Vista, though you can probably pass on Ultimate for one of the cheaper versions.
But yeah, finding an XP disc and using the key you have is probably the best solution.
Isn't there a huge difference between home and ult in Vista?
keys that came with XP SP1 discs will not work on SP2 install discs and vice versa
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Uh I don't think so, Tim.
By the way, there is nothing wrong or illegitimate about obtaining an ISO of a Windows CD if you own the license to Windows. You can even download them from Microsoft directly occasionally.
Also, OEM vs Retail does make a difference because there is a file on the CD that is coded differently. This can be modified as needed, of course (requires a new CD). I would recommend getting or making a slipstreamed XP SP3 image (you can use nlite if you have an older disc around) for the installer, which (should) alleviate the whole OEM vs Retail thing.
As for holding out for Windows 7: That's probably going to be 2010. Can XP really hold out that long? I just switched to Vista 64-bit and it's a world of difference on a modern system.
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THIS. Just did this, and WOW. Vista 64-bit is nice. Maybe Apple's marketing just had me fooled, but I actually don't hate Vista, and it's pretty snappy. I mean, don't get me wrong, it still doesn't hold up to OS X or anything, but it's a really nice, solid upgrade from XP.
Except I had a SP1 CD and SP1 key and my dad had a SP2 CD and a SP2 key and they did not work for each other when I was attempting to reformat computers, so yes I think so, Tim
I'll second this. I was reformatting a computer for someone and I discovered her XP Home OEM key would not work with my XP Home SP1 disc. I had to download an XP Home OEM cd to finish the job for her.
Seems that 7 is planned for release some time around mid-next year. So XP might be able to hold out that long. After all, it's just another year (and I can't believe I just said that).
Yeah, that would be a difference of retail vs OEM. not Sp1 vs Sp2. Believe me I've used the same original pre-sp cd key on discs with SP1, SP2, and SP3 (annual reinstall lol).
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It seems unlikely for that to be a real issue so long as MS doesn't end up delaying Win7. Today there's still no question that software released will run on both as XP has proven such a popular OS.
I think you may have a cd key that's tied to a specific install cd. I just did what you're saying is impossible today. My laptop cannot handle the Vista it came bundled with, so I an n-lited version of XP SP3 using the old key I had from a SP1 version of XP. My laptop runs 10x better, though I do miss some of the features from Vista-- mostly the level of description it had. If you have a good machine (not a laptop), Vista is a solid choice.
^^^ This. Vista x64 on a good system is very smooth and ultra stable, has better security than XP and there are no real game issues (at least from games from the past few years).
Sure Windows 7 might come out in late 2009, but do you really want to run it on day 1? I waited about 9 months then did dual boot XP/Vista 64, after another 3 months of casual use I went full Vista x64 (Jan 07) and have had zero "Vista" problems.
I'm going to be setting up my Vista x64 next week when my replacement video card gets here. I've heard that you don't want to install games in /program files/ anymore for whatever reason. Is this true? Do I need to make a games folder?
Also, in the brief time I had vista up and running with my shot video card, a lot of programs refused to run citing the wrong OS; many of these just basic MOBO drivers (from asuses site, under the x64 section). Is this common? Is there some way to run older programs through x32 emulation or something? What is the deal with that?
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I don't have an answer on the program files part. I have not had any problems with that (only have Steam going so far though). As for the other thing: sounds like general failure on the part of Asus for making 64-bit drivers not work on a 64-bit OS, but then they were probably made for XP and not Vista (guessing). 64-bit Vista does have 32-bit emulation it's called WoW or Windows on Windows. I haven't run into any programs yet that won't run on it.
Just don't try to install 32-bit drivers and you should be fine.
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