Install Vista Ultimate over Home Premium

[Dapsone]

Hey -

I may buy a new notebook with Windows Vista Home Premium pre-installed.

I can buy an academic version of Windows Vista Ultimate for $5.

Does anyone know if it would be possible to just install Ultimate "over" Home Premium? Or would you strongly suggest to clean install?

Thanks!

 

[Dapsone]

any thoughts?

 

[exit2dos]

If you don't need any specific features, I recommend not upgrading. For me, notebooks are a little too restricive (memory, drive speed & space, etc.) to put a hungrier Vista version on. If you ever plan on having a desktop - I would get the Academic version and wait until then.

If you do upgrade your notebook, I would install it over Home Premium. Vista is designed to be version upgradable - so it should only install the new features, without disturbing the initial install (In theory - I haven't tried this - nor do I know anyone who has.).

I wouldn't do a "Clean" Install on a prebuilt system. There is a chance the OEM uses a custom driver, or has a custom chip or component. In which case, tracking drivers down could be a real pain. Plus, if you got any incuded software (such as Office) on it, you may not be able to re-install it since most OEM's no longer include the disks.

 

[Dapsone]

If you don't need any specific features, I recommend not upgrading. For me, notebooks are a little too restricive (memory, drive speed & space, etc.) to put a hungrier Vista version on. If you ever plan on having a desktop - I would get the Academic version and wait until then.

Actually, I did some research online today on the differences in versions, and I think I see where you're coming from. Although, I am considering a fairly pimped out notebook build; I'll keep this in mind.

If you do upgrade your notebook, I would install it over Home Premium. Vista is designed to be version upgradable - so it should only install the new features, without disturbing the initial install (In theory - I haven't tried this - nor do I know anyone who has.).

That's exactly what I wanted to know. Thanks!

I wouldn't do a "Clean" Install on a prebuilt system. There is a chance the OEM uses a custom driver, or has a custom chip or component. In which case, tracking drivers down could be a real pain. Plus, if you got any incuded software (such as Office) on it, you may not be able to re-install it since most OEM's no longer include the disks.

Interesting point; I've always built my own PC's, this will be my first notebook (which I suppose you could build... if you wanted?) and so I never thought of this point.

Thanks for your advice, it is well taken!