University OS purchases

[jskagg]

I recently bought bought two OS editions through my university. Windows Vista Ultimate for $17 and Windows XP for $5. I got to thinking, are these the full versions of the programs? Are they simply upgrades? I purchased them for use on a new build I am gonna create shortly and thus will be trying to install them on a blank drive. How do I tell if they will work?

 

[jskagg]

Also should I look in to the MSDNAA program at my school? All of this is very confusing to me and I don't know exactly what I need.

 

[Fox5]

From what I remember about vista, it's possible to fool its "previously installed OS" check. I think the trick was to not enter your serial number until after you've installed it and have logged into windows, but check the dailytech's archives (or google) for the exact method.

 

[Aluvus]

They are full versions.

If your school is in MSDNAA, then yes you should look into it.

 

[bruceb]

Agree about joining up to MSDNAA .. you will find lots of stuff you can try
and use and keep .. Stuff that sometimes, is not yet available to the public.

 

[Tarrant64]

Originally posted by: bruceb
Agree about joining up to MSDNAA .. you will find lots of stuff you can try
and use and keep .. Stuff that sometimes, is not yet available to the public.

:thumbsup:

 

[Nothinman]

Also check the agreement that your school has, different schools have different restrictions on the use of their software.

 

[jskagg]

Thanks guys. I will definitely go look in to the MSDNAA program at my university.

 

[tatteredpotato]

When I bought XP from my University the only catch was that if MS canceled the contract with the school I can't use the software anymore. They did that when Vista was released, but needless to say I'm still using my copy of XP Pro. The old contract XP Pro was $15, and the new contract sells Vista Business for $60.