Moduslink "Express Upgrade DVD" the same as "Anytime Upgrade DVD"???

I own the express upgrade dvd that I got "free" after mail-in rebate a few months back. Is this DVD the same as the "Anytime Upgrade" DVD that's floating around at CompUSA for $5? I want to do a clean install and am trying to figure everything out beforehand. I know I have this option...

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp

Just to make sure, that upgrade software shown on Paul's site, is that the same as what I have?

 

Not exactly, the express upgrade dvd allows you to upgrade from XP to vista for free. The anytime upgrade dvd allows you to upgrade from your existing version of windows to whatever version you want, as long as you own a licence for it. If you don't, it will give you the option of buying one.

I'm not too sure if you can do a clean install with an express upgrade dvd, but you can with an anytime upgrade dvd. Pop in the express upgrade dvd and see if you can boot from it.

 

Yep, PanteeDroppper is exactly right.

I (and apparently several others) have been able to do a fresh install of Vista Business from a Vista Business upgrade disc, so I believe the answer is yes.

 

With the anytime upgrade dvd, you need to pay $5 to purchase. After that, when installing whatever version you want to move to, whether it be home premium, or ultimate, or whatever, do you then have to pay online for that new license or does the $5 cover that already?

I understand that the express upgrade is meant to pair with my license of XP. I purchased the vista home premium upgrade and that's my plan to move to that. What I'm trying to do is get to that as easily as possible and as cleanly as possible.

 

I would attempt using the upgrade disc you have to do a clean install before making a decision.

Also, no, the $5 the AnyTime Upgrade disc costs do not include a Vista license.

 

Ok, so the $5 disc is just to buy the software to physically have it in hand. To use it, you need to purchase licenses.

To me, the likely route for me would have to be as follows: upgrade to vista using my express upgrade disc, resulting in a dirty upgrade. Then, extract the license out of there, and use the upgrade disc to clean install the vista that is installed on my laptop. I assume I'd have to go this route so I can get the embedded license key out of vista, and this won't be available until it's installed.

 

Exactly!

Well, I didn't even have to do that much. When I put in the disc, it had an option for a "Full Install", which I used to do a reformat and clean install...

Also, the CD key should be on the disc. Is it not? If not, you're right in thinking that you'll need to get the key first. There are several programs that will allow you to do this easily, and it's perfectly legal.

Matt

 

From what I've read, I believe the code given on the express upgrade is a product code, and isn't the same thing as what I need. I read about those programs that pull it out. Thanks.

 

An example of such as program is KeyFinder Thing. It just retrieves the product keys for any Microsoft product that you have installed.

Good luck!