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Question Regarding "Vista Ultimate SP1 NA DVD - Retail"

B

Blitz KriegeR

Senior member
Firstly, I do apologize in advance; I'm kind of a noob when it comes to software.

To make a long story short, I've been waiting to purchase Vista until the SP1 discs are available. I finally found this on newegg. Vista SP1 Retail, great! However, I'm moving to the UK next month, so I'm wondering if OS's have the same region code BS as other DVDs. I don't want to be SOL finding that it is a region 1 only disc when I have to reinstall for the first time. Also, the details on the product seem a little short - SP1 English NA DVD. English version only; perfectly ok with that. NA, I'm assuming that is North American version? What exactly does this mean to me?

All I need is a copy of Vista x64 SP1 that will work for me both in the next two weeks in the US and later in the UK. What would you recommend?
 
There aren't any region limitations that should affect you.
The US/English version is a bit limited in versions other than 'Ultimate' I think in terms of accepting other language packs but if you'd be using UK English or US English configurations I think you'd find no problems.

It isn't locked down 'regionally' in any way other than that that I am aware of.

If there is anything you want to investigate about its flexibility of regional / localization use, that'd be the thing to double check -- language packs / keyboard layouts / localization settings.


To the other fellow who asked, yes, there are 'upgrade', and 'retail' (e.g. full versions not necessitating a previous OS license to be upgrading from), and 'system builder' (basically locked to the first PC system you use it on) versions.

Upgrade is usually the most appropriate for anyone shopping for an OS since many people will already have OEM licenses if they buy a recent PC from a major PC builder, and Retail is really only for the case where you've never owned another Microsoft OS in around the past 15 years.


Originally posted by: Blitz KriegeR
Firstly, I do apologize in advance; I'm kind of a noob when it comes to software.

To make a long story short, I've been waiting to purchase Vista until the SP1 discs are available. I finally found this on newegg. Vista SP1 Retail, great! However, I'm moving to the UK next month, so I'm wondering if OS's have the same region code BS as other DVDs. I don't want to be SOL finding that it is a region 1 only disc when I have to reinstall for the first time. Also, the details on the product seem a little short - SP1 English NA DVD. English version only; perfectly ok with that. NA, I'm assuming that is North American version? What exactly does this mean to me?

All I need is a copy of Vista x64 SP1 that will work for me both in the next two weeks in the US and later in the UK. What would you recommend?
Click to expand...

 
I hadn't looked at the link before. It is "Retail" so that is a rather misguided way of them meaning "full version",
which you can also tell due to the packaging (System Builder versions aren't in the box/case), and Upgrade versions would say "Upgrade".

Also since it is "Ultimate" he doesn't have to worry about language pack incompatibility since Ultimate can run anything.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925471


Originally posted by: kevinf2090
but how come the link the op had doesn't specify if it's a upgrade or full version
Click to expand...

 
Thank you for the reply. At least that is one worry I can cross off the list.

I'll certainly look into any regional / localization restrictions, but I was hoping that wouldn't be an issue. I mean, come on, who cares where I use it? We spend enough for the damn license...
 
sry to jump your thread but can any one PLEASE tell me the difference between
Retail boxed versions of vista, and system builder packs?
im working on my first build, and where i live ppl arn't that bright.

i know that system builder packs r made for stores that build PC to sell,
and boxed versions are for home builders.

if i wouldn't miss anything with the Sys builders pack, i will go for it to save my self a few $.

im going for home premium 64-bit SP1
 
I did not think that there was a specific DVD for Ultimate.
I thought all editions (Home basic, Home premium, Business, Ultimate) came on the same DVD.

It is your key that determines which edition you can activate.
In fact, when you install, if you choose not to enter your key right away, you are asked which edition you want to install.

Can someone explain if I am wrong?
 
They said there would be a special DVD for Ultimate. What ended up happening AFAIK is they include TWO DVDs with Ultimate Retail kits -- one 32 bit, one 64 bit. Other retail distributions don't get 64 bit discs / software included in general, or if they are 64 bit they don't get 32 bit also. So Ultimate's distribution is "special" but only because of an added disc, not that they used a dual layer disc with 32+64 all on one.

Originally posted by: Navid
I did not think that there was a specific DVD for Ultimate.
I thought all editions (Home basic, Home premium, Business, Ultimate) came on the same DVD.

It is your key that determines which edition you can activate.
In fact, when you install, if you choose not to enter your key right away, you are asked which edition you want to install.

Can someone explain if I am wrong?
Click to expand...

 
The MAIN things you should be aware of about "system builder" packs are:

a) They're possibly even "less" returnable to the store if you have a problem with installing them.

b) You probably don't get any technical support from Microsoft online or on the phone.

c) You can't give/sell the OS to someone else after you're done with it without also giving/selling the "computer" it was used on also -- according to the MS EULA which may not be strictly legal depending on where you live et. al.

d) You're supposed to use the system builder software license on "one device" as in PC, and after you use it on that "one device" you're not supposed to transfer it to "another device" ('different' PC) -- EVER! Now you can upgrade, downgrade, repair/replace that PC's parts as needed and that should be OK... Some claim (it doesn't say it clearly in the EULA) that you can change anything but the motherboard.. or you can change the motherboard too if it is for a 'repair' purpose... Anyway the typically vague and very possibly / likely outright illegal MS EULA strikes again creating weird confusion / doubt / fear / uncertainty. As a practical matter I've heard that you can phone in to activate the sys builder licence on a 'substantially different' PC (as in changing also the motherboard + everything else) if you justify it as a repair (fair enough -- PCs do go up in smoke from time to time). YMMV.

e) I think your "upgrade" options may be limited -- I'm not sure if you could later on buy an Anytime Upgrage and try to convert say System Builder Home Basic into Vista Ultimate 64 bit or whatever. I'm not sure to what extent system builder s/w may quality for future versions of windows' "upgrade" pricing either.

Retail OS kits get some limited amount of Microsoft support; you can give just the OS away or sell it to someone without significant restrictions; you can install it on any PC you want any time you want if you change/upgrade your hardware frequently.

Retail versions also support either 32 bit or 64 bit usage even though they usually don't include both install discs. You can order for a few US$ a 64 bit install disc if you bought a retail version of 32 bit though, and your existing key will work with either one. You MAY be able to do this with Microsoft packaged system builder versions -- I'm not sure -- I THINK you can do it; if you had OEM/System builder versions from ANOTHER company like HP/DELL et. al. though you could NOT likely order discount 64 bit install media from Microsoft and use that, though.


Originally posted by: Subliminal86
sry to jump your thread but can any one PLEASE tell me the difference between
Retail boxed versions of vista, and system builder packs?
im working on my first build, and where i live ppl arn't that bright.

i know that system builder packs r made for stores that build PC to sell,
and boxed versions are for home builders.

if i wouldn't miss anything with the Sys builders pack, i will go for it to save my self a few $.

im going for home premium 64-bit SP1
Click to expand...

 
thnx for clearing that up for me.

seeing how the only way to get 64-bit vista where i live is through Ultimate retail At the moment, im just gonna order a system builders pack from the states with the rest of my parts.
 
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