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I didn't get my copy today :( but here are some pics from the retail copies (not what we will be receiving)

x64 is not in the retail package either.

vistaunbox71nw.th.jpg

OK so we can still get the 64-bit version, its just going to cost shipping which should be no problem since we are getting a Vista licence for free.

Give it a week ....Vista isn't even supposed to be out until the 30th. I'd imagine they won't get the site up and running until the 28th-29thish

Its hard to read the inside of that sleeve...

How much does it say it costs to upgrade to Ultimate using Anytime Upgrade?

By the way, if since we have an OEM license and are supposedly only allowed to re-install/re-upgrade once, what is one to do?

Probably just make a full sytem image backup, right?

Does the built in Windows Backup utility allow for a full system image backup (like Acronis), or is it a crappy "back up your files and documents" backup like in Windows Defender?

Also, has anyone done an in-place upgrade from XP to Vista? I'm wondering how well it retains all your installed applications and everything; Id also assume it somehow migrates your My Documents folder contents into the relevant Vista user folders... experiences?

1. Correct me if I am wrong guys, but we are getting retail licensed copies ...just not in retail packaging.

2. Windows Backup makes an image, but you can use it to just backup files individually as well.

3. The upgrade process is supposed to work very well so i have heard, personally i'd always suggest a clean install.

as for the price of the anytime upgrade to Ultimate ...I don't have the exact number, but I want to say $139. Be careful when doing this though, as far as I have read, it will essentially turn your retail license (from Business) into an OEM license ... the anytime upgraded OS will then be tied to that particular computer and hardware setup. ...the anytime upgrade process isn't really all it cracked up to be (for those of us that change hardware often at least).

1. Correct me if I am wrong guys, but we are getting retail licensed copies ...just not in retail packaging.

2. Windows Backup makes an image, but you can use it to just backup files individually as well.

3. The upgrade process is supposed to work very well so i have heard, personally i'd always suggest a clean install.

as for the price of the anytime upgrade to Ultimate ...I don't have the exact number, but I want to say $139. Be careful when doing this though, as far as I have read, it will essentially turn your retail license (from Business) into an OEM license ... the anytime upgraded OS will then be tied to that particular computer and hardware setup. ...the anytime upgrade process isn't really all it cracked up to be (for those of us that change hardware often at least).

Thanks for the answers :)

Forgot about the license changing on the anytime upgrade -- so that would just result in a call to Microsoft Activation reps when attempting to re-install/upgrade after swapping hardware?

'Cause if you've spoken with them before about having to re-install and re-activate Windows, you know what I'm getting at ;)

I have test upgraded a few xp installs to build 5728, works well some minor hitches (double icons, some left over files) but yea i am going to try an upgrade first, see how it goes (not going to activate it right away) if something goes wrong i can always do a clean install.

and if I am correct it is 139.00 US dollars for the anytime upgrade as previously stated

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