Microsoft has No Plans to Close Vista Upgrade Loophole

Microsoft can’t be bothered to close the loophole that allows users to install Vista upgrade versions even when they’re not upgrading.. ..The vole said it does not have any plans to disable the workaround. Which is handy. The upgrade version is around two-thirds the price of the unupgrade version.

the Inquirer - Microsoft has no plans to close Vista upgrade loophole

Using Microsoft Windows Vista users can perform a clean installation of the operating system from an upgrade DVD. Microsoft provides instructions to do such a thing, according to IT hack Paul Thurrott . But it may also want to keep it quiet since upgrade versions are around a third cheaper than full Vista versions.

the Inquirer - Microsoft work-around allows clean install of Vista upgrade

I’m told that Microsoft’s internal documentation does explain how to clean install Vista using an Upgrade version. It appears to be more of a workaround than a true clean install, however. Here’s what it says.

1. Boot with the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD.
2. Click "Install Now."
3. Do not enter a Product Key When prompted.
4. When prompted, select the Vista product edition that you do have.
6. Install Vista normally.
7. Once the install is complete, restart the DVD-based Setup from within Windows Vista. Perform an in-place upgrade.
8. Enter your Product Key when prompted.

Windows IT Pro, Paul Thurrott
Microsoft Confirms Vista Upgrade Limitations (Includes Workaround)