Windows Vista, Windows XP, Office 2003, Exchange 2007 and Office 2007 Action Pack Update - my FAQ

David Overton — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 22:55:00 GMT

[last updated 8th Mar 2008

Please read http://uksbsguy.com/blogs/doverton/archive/2008/03/08/action-pack-subscribers-get-full-windows-vista-dvds-not-upgrades-and-they-also-get-a-copy-of-ultimate-too-plus-a-stack-of-materials-to-sell-the-product.aspx to read about how full Vista SP1 will be shipped in the Action Pack

]

Inside Microsoft we have been toiling very hard to provide solutions that answer the most common feedback. To this end, perhaps slightly before all the legal stuff gets finalised, here is my FAQ on the subject, however the headlines are:

You can continue to use the Windows XP and Office 2003 CDs that were supplied in your Action Pack subscription

You can Upgrade from Windows Vista Business to Windows Vista Ultimate. This is not a free upgrade, however you get the benefits of this being thought of as a Not for Resale FPP copy AND it does not expire should you stop using Action Pack* (please see legal statements below) Personally I think this is an amazing offer and I am very grateful to the Windows Vista for taking this unusual step

Questions:

Can I continue to use Windows XP and Office 2003 as previously shipped in the Action Pack, even if my subscription has been renewed?
I understand that Windows Vista in the Action Pack is an Upgrade Edition, however I want to do clean installs - how can I do this?
I understand that Windows Vista in the Action Pack is the Business Edition, but I want Ultimate, how do I get this?
I understand that there are multiple sites available to purchase the Windows Anytime Upgrade from, can I use any of these with the Action Pack DVDs?
I need to build a short term demo system, how can I do that without using one of my keys (for any version - from Home Basic thru to Ultimate)?
I would like OEM media for Windows Vista?
Can I run my business using the Action Pack?
What happens if I need the key again, eg if I have to re-install the OS on the same machine again?
How can I create a system that dual boots Windwows XP and Windows Vista?
Can I upgrade from a Vista Home edition to Windows Vista Business Edition? [updated 15th Feb to point to KB atricle on this subject]
I only have 1 key for Office, but I want to install it more than once, what should I do?
How can I get the x64 version of Vista / Office
I want Exchange 2007 in the Action Pack, can you ship it?

Questions and Answers

Can I continue to use Windows XP and Office 2003 as previously shipped in the Action Pack, even if my subscription has been renewed?

Yes - you are not obligated to upgrade to the new OS or version of Office just because they have been shipped to you (assuming you were a subscriber to the Action Pack when Office 2003 and Windows XP were dispatched). I have put detailed instruction on how to do this here.

I understand that Windows Vista in the Action Pack is an Upgrade Edition, however I want to do clean installs - how can I do this?

The version of Vista supplied is an upgrade edition which means it needs to check for a valid install of Windows 2000 or XP before an install can continue. This means that the install needs to be run from the existing OS rather than booting the DVD. Once the existing OS is booted, insert the DVD and a clean install can then be started (please note that it i a clean install - no part of the previous OS is used in the install and it is moved to one side for easy disposal). Details of this can be found at How to do a clean install using the Action Pack Windows Vista Media

I understand that Windows Vista in the Action Pack is the Business Edition, but I want Ultimate, how do I get this?

N.B. This is not available in all countries. The links here are for the EMEA. The Windows Anytime Update process can be used to upgrade from Windows Vista Business to Windows Vista Ultimate. Once you have been through this process, the individual copy of Vista Business becomes Ultimate with the additional benefit that this is something akin to a Not for Resale Full Package Product version that you can continue to use should you stop subscribing to the Action Pack. Details on the Windows Anytime Upgrade process can be found at How to use the Windows Anytime Upgrade tools.
To better explain the rules around this particular feature the legal team have said:

Unlike all other software distributed through the MAPs program, members of the MAPs program who upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate will be granted the rights identified in the Windows Vista Ultimate end user license agreement (EULA). Specifically this means that users will be able to continue using Windows Vista Ultimate according to the EULA even if they are no longer members of the MAPs program. MAPs members should copy this notice for their records or follow the instructions in the EULA regarding “Proof of License.” Customers should note that the use of all other software distributed through the MAPs program may only be used while customers are members of MAPs.

I understand that there are multiple sites available to purchase the Windows Anytime Upgrade from, can I use any of these with the Action Pack DVDs

Please see How to use the Windows Anytime Upgrade tools for more information

I need to build a short term demo system, how can I do that without using one of my keys (for any version - from Home Basic thru to Ultimate)

You can boot the Vista DVD and not enter a product key - you can then choose which version of the product to install. While not desired, this version can run for a short time (30 days) until activation is mandated

I would like OEM media for Windows Vista

Unfortunately at this time this is not possible via the Action Pack. Of course you can purchase OEM media through your preferred distributor. The reasoning for this are simple. We have lots of piracy for Windows OEM. To put this in perspective, in the UK, the measued piracy rate for Windows XP is in the range of 10-15%. If you are partner competing against someone who is using pirated media then your prices will appear uncompetitive. If your customers are using pirated media, then may still expect top quality service, but have a very cheap view on value for it. As partners you have repeatably "shopped" customers and partners who are abusing the Action Pack media. The easiest way to stop the problem was to make it upgrade only, thus reducing the availability to abuse it. We do understand that this is not 100% desirable, however the ability to do clean installs, demo builds etc is still there and documented here.

Can I run my business using the action pack

The short answer is yes. The long answer is detailed at http://uksbsguy.com/blogs/doverton/archive/2007/01/25/clearing-up-some-things-about-vista-office-2007-and-the-action-pack.aspx

What happens if I need the key again, eg if I have to re-install the OS on the same machine again?

The key is automatically saved in your online digital locker and you can also take a disk image of the hard disk. from the FAQ on the anytime upgrade faq (http://www.microsoft.com/uk/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/windowsanytimeupgrade/faq.mspx) it states:
Should I save the file that prepares my computer to upgrade?

No, you do not need to save the file. A copy has automatically been saved for you in the digital locker website from Microsoft. You should, however, install the file (by downloading or double-clicking the file) on the computer that you are going to upgrade, as soon as you receive the file. This will prevent errors during the upgrade process.
Can I recover my upgrade licence file?

Yes. If you need to recover your upgrade licence file so that you can restore your computer, a copy of your upgrade licence file is available from the digital locker website from Microsoft.
I did not download the file that prepares my computer for upgrade. Is there a link to this file?

A link is provided in an email message that was sent to you when your order was completed. The download link is valid for 30 days after your purchase or for three days once you click the link from the email message. You can also obtain your file from the digital locker website from Microsoft.

How can I create a system that dual boots Windwows XP and Windows Vista?

Using the process described for a clean install at How to do a clean install using the Action Pack Windows Vista Media the only difference is that you choose your 2nd partition or disk as the destination for the install. When you reboot your system the boot menu will offer you your legacy OS boot menu or the Windows Vista installed on the second disk.

Can I upgrade from a Vista Home edition to Windows Vista Business Edition?

You can qualify to use upgrade media, but the actual install will be a "clean install" - for more details, see http://uksbsguy.com/blogs/doverton/archive/2007/02/13/upgrading-from-windows-vista-home-to-vista-business-or-vista-ultimate.aspx and also the KB article http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/932616/en-us

I only have 1 key for Office, but I want to install it more than once, what should I do?

The key supplied with Office is valid for ten installs, so you can install it on ten different machines

How can I get the x64 version of Vista / Office?

We now have a process in hand to get this sent out with a later Action Pack. I can't promise which one and I am pretty sure we have missed the cut-off date for the next shipment, but we will ship x64 capability later this year

I want Exchange 2007 in the Action Pack, can you ship it?

We are working on shipping Exchange 2007 and Windows Server 2003 x64 as soon as possible in an Action Pack shipment

ttfn

David

Technorati tags: Vista Business, Vista Ultimate, Clean Install, Vista Upgrade, Windows Vista, Vista, Action Pack, Windows Anytime Upgrade

Use and learn about Vista, Office 2007 and Exchange 2007 in Virtual Labs

David Overton — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:28:00 GMT

Windows Vista: Virtual Lab Express

In this 30-minute Virtual Lab Express, you will configure new security features in Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Vista. You can also watch our live and on-demand Windows Vista TechNet webcasts.

2007 Microsoft Office System: Virtual Lab Express

Get a quick, hands-on overview of the 2007 Office system. In just 30 minutes, familiarise yourself with the new Ribbon bar, use the mini-toolbar and see how you can take advantage of Live Preview and the Gallery in the Office 2007 user interface. Also, watch our live and on-demand Office 2007 system webcasts for IT professionals and download Office system podcasts.

Exchange Server 2007: Virtual Lab Express

Get a quick, hands-on overview of Exchange Server 2007. In just 30 minutes, familiarise yourself with the Exchange Management Console and Outlook Web Access, and work with compliance and records management rules. Also, watch our live and on-demand Exchange Server webcasts and download Exchange Server podcasts.

Technorati tags: vista, office 2007, Action Pack, microsoft, small business, virtual pc, virtual server, virtualisation

David Overton's Blog : Vista, Exchange

Windows Vista, Windows XP, Office 2003, Exchange 2007 and Office 2007 Action Pack Update - my FAQ

Use and learn about Vista, Office 2007 and Exchange 2007 in Virtual Labs