Because HP, Compaq, Dell, Acer, Tobisha, and all those type of factore machine don't come with Windows XP CDs can these PCs be upgraded by the cheaper Upgrade version of Vista or do we need to get the complete expensive version?
its one thing that on the MS site i can't find the answere for....

nobody know!!!!


I don't know if i can install an Upgrade version of Vista Premium or do a Full install of Vista Premium......since my PC was purchased in January 2007 (yeah just before Vista was on machines) on it is XP MCE (Preinstalled) meaning i have no discs....HELP ME, PLEASE!

Hey Izzy -

I replied in another thread, and part of that reply may be appropriate in this thread.

Please read my post - h e r e.) as some of it may apply to your situation.
I believe that there may be hope for you and your situation.

Question - did your system come with an Express Upgrade of some sort to Vista?


If not, I'm sure you've read h e r e that you can buy the Vista Upgrade and install it as a "clean" or "full" install.

i'm unsure if i have express upgrade as i don't know how you know if you have that is it an icon on the desktop or paperwork.......i probably not have it.......i'm sure enough i can buy an upgrade version on eBay for under $200AUD would it matter buying an OEM or a retail upgrade?

Ah, you should know if you were entitled to an "Express Upgrade" - it would have been clearly stated on the box and in the literature that came with your system.

In the box was the tower, keyboard, mouse, speakers and Microsoft Works 8.5 CD shrinkwrapped and a warrenty card....there is no manual no nothing etc......i had to ring ACER to restore my system as there was no instruction....

Nearly all of the PC's sold since Nov/Dec 2006 were eligible for an express upgrade from the manufacturer. Those sold in January (at my store) were all eligible (HP, Compaq, Gateway, eMachines, Sony). Unfortunately we didn't stock Acer's until after Vista debuted, so I'm not aware of their upgrade policy.

Try checking with Acer for upgrade options (they should have had an agreement with Microsoft on this as did all the manufacturers) - do this soon as the deadline was March 31.

Then, check at the HP and Toshiba sites for their express upgrades. They all use the same service for it, with their company name appended to the upgrade FOUND IT!!!

From this link: http://global.acer.com/support/winvista/index.htm

Sounds like you qualify - so you'll be able to upgrade!

hehe.....i'm ausie so doesn't sound i qualify on that site, on the ausie site i don't find anything about the "Exspress Upgrade"

for $27 without postage is a good saving....i don't know how poeple who don't have a credit card can pay for it as they only have credit cars as payment method....so its discriminating....

i contacted ACER COMPUTER AUSTRALIA and was told i should be able to get the EXPRESS UPGRADE and have until the 30th of March......though trying to pay for it is a bugger as don't have CREDIT CARD......why can't they accept PAYPAL or something....

i will disqualify anyway because i don't have a purchase reciept that crap...you think think that can suss it by activation of windows date.....