Ultimate upgrade over OEM

[Sam]

Can I use the Ultimate retail upgrade on top of the Ultimate OEM
version? I want to change the motherboard/processor/RAM/sound card and
since the OEM version is tied to a specific computer, I'm not sure that
it would work. Besides, the old motherboard, etc., will be going into
another box that I figure I could still legally use the OEM version on,
so nothing will go to waste.So, I was thinking of using the retail
upgrade to use the new retail license and not lose my existing settings.
Any advice or information about this would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Sam

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

No, you'll need to purchase a "full version" of
Windows Vista for the new computer configuration.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User

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Can I use the Ultimate retail upgrade on top of the Ultimate OEM
version? I want to change the motherboard/processor/RAM/sound card and
since the OEM version is tied to a specific computer, I'm not sure that
it would work. Besides, the old motherboard, etc., will be going into
another box that I figure I could still legally use the OEM version on,
so nothing will go to waste.So, I was thinking of using the retail
upgrade to use the new retail license and not lose my existing settings.
Any advice or information about this would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Sam

 

[Sam]

No, you'll need to purchase a "full version" of
Windows Vista for the new computer configuration.

Thanks. I didn't want to purchase something that I can't use.

Sam

 

[John Barnes]

You can use Windows Easy Transfer to move your settings.

 

[Sam]

You can use Windows Easy Transfer to move your settings.

But wouldn't I still need to reinstall my software? I know how to move
the appropriate folders from AppData, etc. and, I've saved the registry
items for programs that store settings in the registry. I also keep a
current backup on an external drive. I was mainly trying to avoid the
whole reinstall process again.

Right now, I have the OEM Ultimate (which has a lot of features I don't
need or use) installed, with no Product Key entered and 19 days until I
have to activate. I was hoping that I would just be able to enter the
new full Business retail version key and activate. Or, if that won't
work, that I'd be able to "upgrade" my current install with the new OS.

Thanks.

Sam

 

[John Barnes]

Even if OEM weren't involved, you cannot downgrade from Ultimate to
Business. OEM is a legitimate qualifying OS, so if you can get it to
install on your current configuration, install Business then upgrade.