Recommended Posts

They couldn't have offered an option to enter your key during installation? I disagree with that statement. It shouldn't be a problem as it could establish internet connectivity and validate once setup starts and has loaded the necessary files.

I agree. Just make it so that when you enter an upgrade key during setup, it displays a second box to type in your XP etc. license key. Once Vista is installed and goes to activate, it checks both keys.

They couldn't have offered an option to enter your key during installation? I disagree with that statement. It shouldn't be a problem as it could establish internet connectivity and validate once setup starts and has loaded the necessary files.

Very true. I did realise that my statement was not 'entirely' correct, but it is the way Microsoft have implemented it so that's why I chose to say it is the only option.

You're quite right though, in saying that they had other alternative solutions, such as the one you've suggested, but I suppose they wanted to ensure you were running it, at the time of upgrading. (or something).

Perhaps they thought about cases where someone had no Internet connectivity at the time of upgrading, but had previously been validated/activated on Windows XP months or years earlier. It would also involve (by your solution) validating twice? Once for XP's key, and again for Vista's key?

I don't know, but whatever the reason, that's the way Microsoft have chosen to do upgrades. You're right in saying that they had other options open to them though. :)

What I don't get is, ALL the Vista discs are the same.. You can install without entering a key and even use it for 30 days. So this means that if you do a clean install and don't enter your upgrade key until AFTER installation, Vista will immediately disable itself, require you to wipe and install XP, and THEN tell you to install Vista.

Have MS got ANY idea how many people that's going to <bleep!> off?

And why hasn't the license been updated to tell users this? I suspect it'll work the same way as XP does now, just ask for qualifying media to confirm, or at least just ask for the XP key... I mean, it's not like upgrade codes are available yet for anyone to confirm how exactly it's going to work.

There is NO logic in making you install XP first. Is it going to check it's a genuine XP install? Probably not. What if you've just installed XP With no service pack and no WGA just so you can install Vista. You could easily install a pirate copy of XP. It makes more sense for the Vista to ask for your XP key then validate it rather than have vista setup require XP to be installed.

I'm guessing it'll be like XP upgrade edition. There is no reason for it not to allow you to boot the installer from the CD.

This will suck for me because I have a SP1 version disc and I will have to install WGA or some crap to please Microsoft. I have had bluescreen problems during XP installations where I have had to wipe everything and start over from scratch. Who is to say this will not happen half way through a Vista installation and then I have to re-install XP just to start over again. They need to re-consider their upgrade discs just like they did their licensing so they don't alienate customers.

What also sucks is I have sent quite a few "Dear Microsoft" letters and was careful not to say anything out of line as I do here in Neowin. I guess they can't take constructive criticism or are sick of hearing me because this is what I get now. I am almost certain they are blocking me unless someone can prove me wrong.

post-45228-1164733444_thumb.jpg

I don't understand what's being said unless MS has done a complete 180, according to their retail expert zone, the info they are seeding out as part of the "training" clearly states that for example if you upgrade from Windows XP Home to Vista Home Premium, the upgrade version of Vista will be able to let you choose a clean version or an in-place upgrade. so the upgrade should work just like before, it wouldn't make sense to force you to install XP just so the Vista setup can reformat the harddrive anyway to install vista that's just stupid.

This will suck for me because I have a SP1 version disc and I will have to install WGA or some crap to please Microsoft. I have had bluescreen problems during XP installations where I have had to wipe everything and start over from scratch. Who is to say this will not happen half way through a Vista installation and then I have to re-install XP just to start over again. They need to re-consider their upgrade discs just like they did their licensing so they don't alienate customers.

What also sucks is I have sent quite a few "Dear Microsoft" letters and was careful not to say anything out of line as I do here in Neowin. I guess they can't take constructive criticism or are sick of hearing me because this is what I get now. I am almost certain they are blocking me unless someone can prove me wrong.

I can still access that site. There are no options to post feedback on rtm 6000 anyway so you ain't missing much.

Well i did a upgrade from winxp pro sp2 to vista, and at no time it requested the winxp pro sp2 cd-key , only the vista cd-key they requested.

So i can't tell if the in-store version will have it, but it should not. Even if it does have that type of validation the new WGA does not currently cause any issue with the cd keys validation, so the only way we could see someone getting an error it would be as per the cdkey for winxp of that person is a fake one. At that point who cares if he can't upgrade. it is not microsoft fault at all at that point.

But anyway's i am sure there will be issue's , as per since when did we see any microsoft software come out without anything bad happening, it's at the point that sometimes i wonder if people make it happend just to brag about it. :)

  • 2 weeks later...
Hello, Here is an update on your inquiry about Windows Vista Ultimate. Please accept our apologies for the delay in our response. WinSAT is available in all editions of Windows Vista. It is true that the upgrade to Windows Vista can only be run from inside Windows XP. The Windows Vista product group has also provided the following information about how this works. a. Recovery on a true bare metal system (formatted disk, no system installed) requires a PSS call, there is no way to use retail media on a boot from media install. PSS has the infrastructure to help customers in this case. b. If you want to install from retail media without a PSS call, yes you?ll have to reinstall Windows XP, then upgrade to Windows Vista. c. In the case where setup fails we have implemented rollback, something we didn?t have for Windows XP - a failed upgrade will simply return the machine back to Windows XP. d. If you choose to clean install from Windows XP, with a failure, the OS will also roll back. e. Windows Vista never really ?Erases? Windows XP until you have successfully reached the new desktop. f. If you need the ability to clean install for bare metal systems, you must buy the full product package, not the upgrade edition. Should you have other quiestions, please feel free to write back. Did I completely answer your question? Please let us know by replying to this message. Thank you

Straight from Microsoft. I was going to grab Home Premium Full, but even after this info I am edging towards Ultimate Upgrade unless someone wants to buy me the full. I wonder how PSS works?

I don't see why everyone is all upset about this. It makes sense because the Upgrade version of Vista is far less expensive than the Full version. So, if you want to clean install after you have upgraded to Vista already, installing XP again and waiting however long that takes shouldn't really be that much of a bother. Just be patient, that's all. Once you have XP installed, you can do the clean Vista install again right away. Just a little bit more wait time and you have to keep your XP disc and not throw it out. Would be nice to be able to clean install after you have Vista with the Upgrade disc, since if you have Vista you must've already upgraded from an XP OS you have, thus validating your license and all. However, it's not that big a deal that this method is not possible. Just a bit more of a hassle, but all you need really is a bit more time and patience. You really shouldn't need to format all that often anyway, unless you're silly or an idiot. Doing that 2, 3 or 4 times a year shouldn't be that big of a deal for anyone so stop whining and be happy you saved money with the Upgrade edition or just purchase the Full version.

Yeah you're right - it comes down to the hassle of having to install XP first before installing Vista. Thankfully formatting/reinstalling the OS isn't something I do on a regular basis, so it's not the end of the world, just "grrr!!" :yes:

I don't see why everyone is all upset about this. It makes sense because the Upgrade version of Vista is far less expensive than the Full version. ... Doing that 2, 3 or 4 times a year shouldn't be that big of a deal for anyone so stop whining and be happy you saved money with the Upgrade edition or just purchase the Full version.

That and some people think (myself included) that a fresh install is better (more stable) then upgraded install. I think that's probably the bigger reason so many will/are upset about this. If it's true, which I'm not saying it is or isn't, because I don't know.

Can't you download a full version and then use your legit key to continue?

Or is that key going to work only with the upgrade DVD?

I was thinking the same .. My college will probaby sell upgrade version of vista business cd for $50. I can install vista business without key ( 30 day trial).. then I could just activate with the new key..

I'm just waiting until I can get my mucky hands on a legal copy when its been out a month although I've used RC1 & RC2 and just havn't seen anything thats made me go WOW, ok the side bar is nice but thats been an add on in windows xp with 3rd party software for ages, I think when DX10 comes out I will spash. but I hate having to upgrade as I like a clean copy of Windows on my machine not all the difference users with .000 that XP does....

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • OpenAI is rolling out a major upgrade to ChatGPT memory by Pradeep Viswanathan OpenAI is rolling out a major upgrade to ChatGPT's memory, making the system more capable, current, and scalable across long-term use. Memory allows ChatGPT to remember useful details about users, including their preferences, projects, and constraints. Instead of starting every conversation from scratch, ChatGPT can use this context to provide more relevant responses in future chats. OpenAI first launched saved memories in February 2024. That feature allowed users to explicitly ask ChatGPT to save information into its memory, such as travel plans or writing preferences. However, this system had limits because it depended heavily on users giving clear instructions to remember something. Additionally, saved memories could become stale over time. In April 2025, OpenAI expanded memory by allowing ChatGPT to reference past chat context outside the saved memories list. This was powered by a background process called “dreaming,” which automatically curates memories from chat history. This made ChatGPT better at learning from natural conversation without requiring users to manually save every detail. Today, OpenAI announced a more capable and compute-efficient memory architecture built on top of dreaming. This new system improves ChatGPT’s ability to carry forward useful context, follow user preferences, and remain accurate as time passes. According to OpenAI’s internal evaluations, the new system improves factual recall from 67.9% in 2025 to 82.8% in 2026. Preference adherence improves from 55.3% to 71.3%, while accuracy over time improves from 52.2% to 75.1%. The best part of this new system is a new memory summary page where users can review ChatGPT's memories. Users can even update details, correct information, or give instructions on what topics ChatGPT should bring up and when. This new, improved memory system is available to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users in the US starting today. It will roll out to more countries, as well as Free and Go users, in the coming weeks.
    • I work for a video production company in Australia. The camera operators shoot footage and then pass the SD card over to the editors. Much easier than handing over the entire camera. Plus, on a busy day you can hand off the SD card and then pop another in for the next shoot. Or, you might have used multiple SD cards because you need the extra space for a long shoot. I also use USB cables and wifi for transferring footage, but in many cases an SD card reader is the easiest method.
    • Microsoft Edge 149.0.4022.52 by Razvan Serea Microsoft Edge is a super fast and secure web browser from Microsoft. It works on almost any device, including PCs, iPhones and Androids. It keeps you safe online, protects your privacy, and lets you browse the web quickly. You can even use it on all your devices and keep your browsing history and favorites synced up. Built on the same technology as Chrome, Microsoft Edge has additional built-in features like Startup boost and Sleeping tabs, which boost your browsing experience with world class performance and speed that are optimized to work best with Windows. Microsoft Edge security and privacy features such as Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, Password Monitor, InPrivate search, and Kids Mode help keep you and your loved ones protected and secure online. Microsoft Edge has features to keep both you and your family protected. Enable content filters and access activity reports with your Microsoft Family Safety account and experience a kid-friendly web with Kids Mode. The new Microsoft Edge is now compatible with your favorite extensions, so it’s easy to personalize your browsing experience. Microsoft Edge 149.0.4022.52 changelog: Migration to improved V2 architecture for Workspaces. Workspaces, introduced in Edge in 2022, allows users to create durable sets of tabs that can be saved and shared with others. In order to improve reliability and performance of this feature, the following changes are being made: Migrating data for saved Workspaces from OneDrive/SharePoint to Edge Sync service Removing the collaboration/share functionality of this feature For organizations who have disabled Sync through policy, the existing v1 Workspace data will still be migrated to the new architecture. New v2 Workspaces created after migration won't sync across devices and will remain local to each device. This update occurs on a progressive rollout beginning in Edge Stable v145 and will continue rolling out in Edge v149. For more information, see Getting started with Microsoft Edge Workspaces. Feature Updates Passkey Sync for Enterprise Users. Microsoft Edge is introducing support for passkey synchronization for enterprise users, enabling secure, passwordless authentication across devices. Passkeys created in Edge can now be synced seamlessly, improving sign-in experience while maintaining strong security standards. Note: This is a controlled feature rollout. If you don't see this change, check back as we continue the rollout. Enterprise WebView2 runtime downgrade via DowngradeVersion policy. Administrators can temporarily roll back specific applications to a previous WebView2 Evergreen Runtime version (N-1 or N-2) using the new DowngradeVersion policy in msedgewebview2.admx. The Downgrade Version policy allows enterprises to mitigate critical regressions by specifying per-application exe-to-version mappings. The Edge Updater installs the target version side-by-side, and the WebView2 Loader redirects targeted apps accordingly. Downgrades auto-expire with each new WebView2 release: apps pinned to N-1 remain on the same version (now becoming N-2) and will auto-update in the next release, while apps pinned to N-2 will revert to the current Evergreen version. The policy applies only to enterprise-managed devices (domain-joined or MDM-enrolled). For more information, see Microsoft Edge WebView2 Policy Documentation | Microsoft Learn. Collections retirement. Collections has been removed in this update. Users can no longer access or use the feature. To keep saved content, users can export it, or move all pages to Favorites before updating to Microsoft Edge Stable 149. For more information, see Organize your ideas with Collections in Microsoft Edge - Microsoft Support. Modern, unified, and updated Look and Feel. Microsoft Edge has updated the Look and Feel to give customers a unified experience across all of Microsoft AI surfaces including Copilot and Bing. This changes multiple elements of the UX such as spacing, corners, fonts, default colors, etc. Clarify choices surrounding third-party cookie settings. Language under Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies are clarified to better describe the choices users have in managing third-party cookies. Custom primary password retirement. Users are no longer able to create a new custom primary password in Edge Settings edge://settings/autofill/passwords/settings. Any users who are still using a custom primary password will be automatically migrated to device authentication. Additionally, the PrimaryPasswordSetting policy will no longer support the WithCustomPrimaryPassword option. For more information, see Keep your saved passwords private in Microsoft Edge | Microsoft Support. Unifying Copilot Chat policy controls. The Microsoft365CopilotChatIconEnabled policy is the standard for configuring Copilot Chat. Previously, this behavior was controlled by blocking the Copilot extension, either explicitly or by using the * wildcard via the ExtensionSettings or ExtensionInstallBlockList policies. Extension and sidebar policies no longer affect the appearance or functionality of Copilot Chat. Copilot address bar suggestions were also tied to extension policy settings. Starting in Microsoft Edge version 149, admins can use the CopilotAddressBarSuggestionsEnabled policy to manage this behavior. Intune MAM Protected Downloads. The protected downloads feature for Intune MAM is now available for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) devices, which aren't managed by a tenant. Policy Updates / New policies CopilotAddressBarSuggestionsEnabled - Enable Copilot address bar suggestions CpuPerformanceTierOverride - Override for the CPU performance tier DataUrlInWebWorkerOpaqueOriginEnabled - Enable opaque origins for data URLs in Web Workers DefaultLocalFontsSetting - Default Local Fonts permission setting ForceForegroundPriorityForUrls - Force foreground priority for specific URLs LocalFontsAllowedForUrls - Allow Local Fonts permission on these sites LocalFontsBlockedForUrls - Block Local Fonts permission on these sites Deprecated policies WalletDonationEnabled - Wallet Donation Enabled (deprecated) EdgeWalletEtreeEnabled - Edge Wallet E-Tree Enabled (deprecated) Additional policy changes ForceForegroundPriorityForUrls - ForceForegroundPriorityForOrigins is renamed to ForceForegroundPriorityForUrls OnSecurityEventEnterpriseConnector - Add macOS platform support ProtectedContentIdentifiersAllowed - Remove macOS platform support Download: Microsoft Edge (64-bit) | 193.0 MB (Freeware) Download: Microsoft Edge (32-bit) | 170.0 MB Download: Microsoft Edge (ARM64) | 188.0 MB View: Microsoft Edge Website | Release History Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • User: "But is it good?" Microsoft: "Well, no. But it is less bad."
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      Dr Jared Dental Studio earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      RG INVESTMENT GROUP earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Very Popular
      The Norwegian Drone Pilot earned a badge
      Very Popular
    • Very Popular
      s0nic69 earned a badge
      Very Popular
    • Collaborator
      Asgardi earned a badge
      Collaborator
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      471
    2. 2
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      247
    3. 3
      Skyfrog
      80
    4. 4
      FloatingFatMan
      67
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      60
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!