How Windows Vista Works - Windows Vista Cool New Features & API’s - Part V - Windows Anytime Upgrade

Posted on March 16, 2007 at 10:06 pm

Make sure to read other posts from the Windows Vista Cool Features series!

How Windows Vista Works - Windows Vista Cool New Features & API’s - Part I - Restart Manager API
How Windows Vista Works - Windows Vista Cool New Features & API’s - Part II - You can run Vista in a Virtual PC on the same computer for free!
How Windows Vista Works - Windows Vista Cool New Features & API’s - Part III - Windows DreamScene
How Windows Vista Works - Windows Vista Cool New Features & API’s - Part IV - The new "Sleep" power state
How Windows Vista Works - Windows Vista Cool New Features & API’s - Part V - Windows Anytime Upgrade
How Windows Vista Works - Windows Vista Cool New Features & API’s - Part VI - Windows Meeting Space

Even though this is going to be the full time job of hackers in the coming months, the Windows Anytime Upgrade installation feature might be an easy way for users to upgrade their computers without having to use an upgrade CD. Instead, depending on the manufacturer, all versions of Vista may be pre-installed on your computer when you buy it! If you want to upgrade, simply order the upgrade online and download a file from Microsoft’s web site that has a new product key and knows which version you are upgrading to!

The file will start the upgrade and find all the necessary files on your computer’s hard drive. Once the installation is complete, restart your computer and you’re upgraded!

Check whether your computer has all versions of Vista

Open the Windows Anytime Upgrade program: Click Start, type “upgrade” in the search field, and then click Windows Anytime Upgrade. Click the edition of Windows Vista that you plan to upgrade to.

Under the heading “Then, Upgrade Windows Vista,” the text will indicate whether the computer has been configured for the upgrade by the manufacturer. If the text states that you need a Windows Anytime Upgrade disc to complete the purchase process, your computer manufacturer has not pre-configured all editions of Windows Vista on the hard drive.

Another new feature of the upgrade is the Digital Locker. When you purchase an upgrade through Microsoft’s web site, it will store your licenses on their servers. I would suggest upgrading in this way because you do not have to remember to keep your box or CD with the license key written on it. Instead, if your computer crashes and you must restore your computer, simply download the license file again and Windows will upgrade your computer to the new version.

Source: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/windowsanytimeupgrade/faq.mspx

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

» Filed Under Windows Vista