Problem installing Vista upgrade

[arkavon]

I built a PC with a new harddrive and accidentally got an upgrade version of Vista. Since I couldn't return it, I gota full version of windows 98 and used the product key, hoping it would allow vista to install. Vista said it wasn't a valid key. So then I tried to install windows 98 and received this error:

Device driver not found: 'OEMCD001'

No Valid cdrom device drivers selected
The windows 98 setup files were not found.

I'm guessing it can't detect the newer hardware CD drive. What should I do about this problem? If I can get 98 installed, I'm sure I can install Vista from there.

[shadowpr]

http://www.windowssecrets.com/comp/070201#story1

[RoadStar]

I`m guessing that your HDD is SATA? Second, correct me if I`m wrong but I`m not so sure you can upgrade from a non NT system such as W98, at the least you need W2k. I don`t even think Windows NT will work.

I understand there are workarounds to install the upgrade version with out a prior NT based license and I also understand revealing such knowledge that vilolates EULAs on these forums is strictly prohibited.

I suggest, either install a W2k or above version and upgrade from there or try to return the upgrade version you have and buy an OEM version which is much cheaper and you can do a clean install which is always better.

Just my 2 cents.

[pally01]

I understand there are workarounds to install the upgrade version with out a prior NT based license and I also understand revealing such knowledge that vilolates EULAs on these forums is strictly prohibited.
I'm not so sure about violations of the EULA: http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:BwQvwvPUSRwJ:cfscapecod.org/The%2520Truth%2520About%2520Windows%2520Vista%2520Pricing.htm+vista+upgrade+workaround+sanctioned%3F&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1

[arkavon]

thanks shadowpr - I think its working.

Also, when it recognized my hardware, it said I only had 2GB RAM but I have 2 2GB RAM sticks in the motherboard. I'm pretty sure they're secure - I'm going to check, but is there some software related reason they wouldn't get recognized?

[shadowpr]

Check in your bios to see if all 4gb are recognized.

Unless you have a 64bit version of windows, it will only see around 3gb (give or take a bit).

[arkavon]

how do I get to my bios now that vista is installed? I hit del when booting like it says to do and it loaded windows!

[shadowpr]

Turn off the computer, and as soon as you press the power button to turn it back on, just start hitting the del key. It should get you into the bios. You just have to be quick.

[RoadStar]

pally01, all that site does is confirm that there are work arounds to install an upgrade version of Vista as a clean install even if you don`t have a previous licensed version. I`ve seen plenty of sites giving these instructions and their reasons to justify why it is legal because MS "left a back door open" to do so. Pure speculation. Nothing more than the editorial in the local newspaper reporting that the bank has been letting the front door open at night and apparently they are fine if you decide to come on in and help yourself to what ever money you can find.

Answer me this. 1) Was the wording in the EULA of the upgrade version of Vista changed in anyway stating that it is allowable to install this upgrade without a previous license? 2) Are any of the sites that show how to do this from Microsoft? 3) Do you believe everything you read on the internet? What qualifies this person to publish this information? Yes, whatever is published on the internet is copyrighted material and submisible in a court of law. 4) Are you so sure M$ isn`t allowing this to happen so they can sometime in the future suddenly decide to stop updating illegally installed versions of Vista like they did with XP, requiring you to make a phone call and provide them the the KEY number of the previously licensed version? I`ve had to make such phone calls and make things right with XP. It costs money for those who chose MS as there choice of OS. In fact, I know of companies who have gone out of their way to be compliant with their OS and Office suites and found themselves in violation after an audit. Server side\client side licensing....etc, it`s complex.

Personally, I could care less who installs software in violation of copyright laws ( like I haven`t done it) , but there is a little more to it than simply stickying a site showing how to go around it and some yahoo`s opinion.

[vtfanmv5]

If you have previously purchased a copy of XP (or w/e is required to 'upgrade'), I don't see how it's unethical to use the 'back door' thing. I know when I installed Vista on my new computer, I did that just because I didn't want to go through the hassle of finding and installing XP (the disks were somewhere in my house, did I want to find them? Nuh-uh). Then again, some people who don't have a copy of XP may do it too, but really I can't blame them. With the ridiculous prices M$ charges for their operating systems, and the tough economic times of today, I can't say I wouldn't do it too.

[pally01]

pally01, all that site does is confirm that there are work arounds to install an upgrade version of Vista as a clean install even if you don`t have a previous licensed version. I`ve seen plenty of sites giving these instructions and their reasons to justify why it is legal because MS "left a back door open" to do so. Pure speculation. Nothing more than the editorial in the local newspaper reporting that the bank has been letting the front door open at night and apparently they are fine if you decide to come on in and help yourself to what ever money you can find.

Answer me this. 1) Was the wording in the EULA of the upgrade version of Vista changed in anyway stating that it is allowable to install this upgrade without a previous license? 2) Are any of the sites that show how to do this from Microsoft? 3) Do you believe everything you read on the internet? What qualifies this person to publish this information? Yes, whatever is published on the internet is copyrighted material and submisible in a court of law. 4) Are you so sure M$ isn`t allowing this to happen so they can sometime in the future suddenly decide to stop updating illegally installed versions of Vista like they did with XP, requiring you to make a phone call and provide them the the KEY number of the previously licensed version? I`ve had to make such phone calls and make things right with XP. It costs money for those who chose MS as there choice of OS. In fact, I know of companies who have gone out of their way to be compliant with their OS and Office suites and found themselves in violation after an audit. Server side\client side licensing....etc, it`s complex.

Personally, I could care less who installs software in violation of copyright laws ( like I haven`t done it) , but there is a little more to it than simply stickying a site showing how to go around it and some yahoo`s opinion.
Roadstar;
1) I don't know.
2) Maybe this one: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930985/en-us
3) Nope.
4) I don't think anyone on the planet can be sure of anything Microsoft does/will do.

I pointed out some thoughts on the matter that may or may not be agreeable to those that read them. The beauty of this site and others is the ability for each to make their own opinion - yahoo or not.

[RoadStar]

pally01.....still not TOTALLY convinced with your response to #2, but, your response, "I pointed out some thoughts on the matter that may or may not be agreeable to those that read them. The beauty of this site and others is the ability for each to make their own opinion - yahoo or not." I totally agree with and totally respect your opinion!! I tend to go off and get a little long winded about some things now and then. My intention was not to ruffle any feathers.

[pally01]

Wow. You certainly threw me a curve, Roadstar. I thought things may get a bit nasty, but you have surprised me! Anyways - I too was not trying to ruffle any feathers, merely contribute as best I can. Your reply is appreciated.