Buy a PC Now, Upgrade to Windows Vista After Launch

Today we're announcing something you've all been waiting for -- information on the upgrade process for those of you who are planning to buy a new PC in the coming months but prior to the Windows Vista launch. Well, now you can have both (and Office to boot)!

Here's the scoop:

PCs loaded with Windows XP or pre-installed with 2003 Microsoft Office software can be upgraded via the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista and Microsoft Office Technology Guarantee program. Express Upgrade will be available to consumers and small businesses from 26 Oct 2006 through 15 March 2007.

Check out the Express Upgrade site for details.

Windows Vista 

Windows Vista upgrades may be offered for free or at a discounted price (shipping and handling charges may also apply), so it pays to check with the particular PC manufacturer for details specific to their offer.

Consider looking for "Windows Vista Capable" PCs designated as "Premium Ready," as these PCs are designed to deliver the core Windows Vista experience. PCs carrying only the "Windows Vista Capable" logo may be eligible for the program, but the offer may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Go here for more information about Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready PCs.

If you purchase a PC running Windows XP this holday, you should remember to take into account the upgrade path of the SKU you purchase. In the US, the upgrade path looks like this (but will vary by region):

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 --> Windows Vista Home Premium (nominal fee)

Windows XP Professional --> Windows Vista Business (nominal fee)

Windows XP Tablet PC Edition --> Windows Vista Business (nominal fee)

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition --> Windows Vista Business 64 (nominal fee)

Meanwhile, upgrades of this type:

Windows XP Home Edition --> Windows Vista Home Basic

Windows XP Home Edition --> Windows Vista Home Premium

... are both available at 50% discount from the boxed product upgrade price, plus shipping and handling.

Office

You can upgrade to the comparable edition of 2007 Microsoft Office when you purchase a PC pre-installed with qualifying Microsoft Office 2003 software. More details are at the Express Upgrade site.

Boxed Product (FPP)

Similar programs are available region-by-region for upgrading both Microsoft Office 2003 and Windows XP FPP to Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office; your local retailer will have the particulars.

So with this program, you can buy a PC with Windows XP now and upgrade it to Windows Vista once we've launched commercially. How's that for making your purchasing decision a little easier?

Comments

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  On the Microsoft Windows Vista team website Microsoft announced the strategy to supply consumers with

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  Today was the best indicator yet that Vista is nearing RTM. Microsoft RTWed several Vista technologies

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  If you're in the market for a new computer this holiday season, be sure to ask your retailer about the...

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  Hey dont you answer questions anymore? I asked: "suppose you get the upgrade, is is that you can install Vista only over an XP install or does it mean that your XP license is no longer valid in exchange for the Vista one but you can do a clean install?"

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  I wasn't expecting an upgrade program for Office 2003 aswell.  Good move :-)

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  The comment has been removed

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  The comment has been removed

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  Nice move but not exactly 'Buy a PC Now'.... I just ordered a new xp-pro 64 machine yesterday from Dell. Looks like it shipped today or will tomorrow. So 'Now' doesn't include me. Most marketing promotions like this go back on the calendar to alleviate issues like this. Announcing a promotion like this with a future date leaves those of us that fall in the middle with a bad taste in our mouths. The funny part is that I likely won't have my machine in hand until after the 26th. Had I known, I would have waited two days. -Andy

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  The comment has been removed

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  The comment has been removed

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  I have Windows XP Professional, this means I can't  buy a Windows Vista Home Premium upgrade?  I HAVE to use Windows Vista Business in order to but just the upgrade?

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  I have Windows XP Professional, this means I can't  buy a Windows Vista Home Premium upgrade?  I HAVE to use Windows Vista Business in order to buy just the upgrade?

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  Now suppose you get the upgrade, is is that you can install Vista only over an XP install or does it mean that your XP license is no longer valid in exchange for the Vista one but you can do a clean install?

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  I just re-read the post.  This is just for people who bought XP between those dates.

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  HKLM, I believe you need an OS DVD to take advantage of Vista's "Windows Anytime Upgrade" so that you can install the "premium" features, so it was probably going to happen anyways.

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  Yeah, this is all swell and good, unless you are in the market for a Media Center PC.    Microsoft has officially stated that you will NOT be able to add a CableCARD tuner to an existing PC, so if you buy a computer with Windows Media Center Edition now and want to add CableCARD functionality to it, you're gonna find yourself up selling it on eBay and purchasing a new computer with the tuner preinstalled. Makes you wanna just run out and buy one right now, right?

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  People dont like the Licence rule of 1 transfer http://news.com.com/5208-1016-0.html?forumID=1&threadID=22122&messageID=194542&start=-1

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  Any more info on the Microsoft Office 2007 Technology Guarantee program, the Express Upgrade site seems to have more info about Vista than Office. Specifically which preinstalled versions of Office 2003 qualify for the upgrade program.  Student and Teacher, Professional, Small Bussiness Edition?  Does it vary by vendor? Thanks for the information :-)

• Anonymous
  August 09, 2010
  wow great thanx for upgradation i impressed by upgradation

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