What is Windows Vista Anytime Upgrade

[liquidsuite]

My friend has bought a new laptop. I also plan on getting one soon too. I noticed with thier one they had a CD called Windows Anytime Upgrade. What is this? Is it the full windows package? I dont understand the cd. Is the software on it or is it just a cd which links to a website where you buy and download windows vista. My friend does not understand it. I told him you should have whole programme with it so you can also install it on your desktop if you wanted. But seems like it might not be correct disc. If it is just a dvd case with a cd that link to web to download and buy it why do they bother with all the effort to create the case and disc?

[rojash]

Here's a link to the MS FAQ.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US /Help/37070041-1b90-4433-be0c-ab2855841b981033 .mspx

[rojash]

This is probably what you are looking for:


"Why do I need the Windows Vista disc?"


"You install the upgraded edition of Windows Vista from the Windows Vista disc.

"All editions of Windows Vista are included on the Windows Vista disc. The software that you download after you purchase the upgrade includes a product key. This product key determines which edition of Windows Vista that you can install from the disc."

[liquidsuite]

I am still a little confused. If when I get my laptop with same anytime upgrade cd how do I install it on my desktop. My laptop will have it already loaded and activated i presume. With windows XP I was able to install on all my home computers with one cd. Seems a little unfair the way the new one set up to make people pay again and again for one cd which they have already paid for. Maybe I am too confused still and got this wrong. Anyone explain more?

[HWKE]

You don't pay for the CD. You pay for a licence to use the operating system on one computer.
However the EULA with Vista says that you can install on one computer and also the licensed person can install it a second time on a mobile computer (laptop). So you are allowed to install it twice using the same product key.

[rojash]

I don't know where HKWE is getting his/her info, but the Vista EULA definitely does not allow you to install it simultaneously on more than one machine.

The Anytime upgrade disk contains all versions of Vista and is simply a means for you to install your chosen version(s) without having to obtain a separate disk. For each installation you need to go online and purchase a key which will allow you to install that specific version on a specific machine, using the Anytime disk. In other words, you buy your chosen copy of Vista for your specified machine online, but instead of then having to wait for a CD to be delivered or download an entire copy of the operating system, you just download a key.

[liquidsuite]

But on the dvd case disc is with what is the code on labels on back. Theres 2 of them one is 9 numbers and another one begins with letter D and then 9 numbers. Surely if you buy a laptop you should have your own windows code for your disc that comes with laptop.