Vista upgrade coupons

[Mark R]

I want to build a new vista comp soon. However, I currently run W2k - and really don't fancy shelling out 400 bones for vista home premium or ultimate.

I've noticed that there are a number of vendors selling 'Win XP MCE 2005' which includes a free vista home premium upgrade voucher. These versions of XP are very, very cheap compared to paying the full price for Vista.

Are there likely to be any catches by buying one of these OEM XP MCE 2005 CDs with my PC - and then sending in the coupon?

Some articles I've read have suggested that these coupons are only valid when sent in with the receipt from your system builder, or other proof that you bought a 'vista-ready' comp.

 

[AndeeG]

I have the same question. If one really gets home premium for free w/ MCE, that's a fantastic deal. However I've heard from a number of places that the coupon only applies to authorized system builders. What's up?

 

[sonoma1993]

I'm curious about the same thing. Will we be require to return the windows xp cd with the coupons?

 

[John]

Originally posted by: AndeeG
I have the same question. If one really gets home premium for free w/ MCE, that's a fantastic deal. However I've heard from a number of places that the coupon only applies to authorized system builders. What's up?

Anyone with a valid upgrade coupon / XP product key / or any other requirement can take advantage of the offer.

Originally posted by: sonoma1993
I'm curious about the same thing. Will we be require to return the windows xp cd with the coupons?

No, they will simply deactivate your XP product key. At least that is what they did when they have the XP Pro upgrade to XP Pro x64 offer.

 

[TG2]

They did? I never had to give them the CDKey from the 32bit Pro's, just the number below the CDKey

 

[John]

The key should still be deactivated. Try to use it and see what happens. If it works you got lucky.

 

[corkyg]

Newegg is offering a whole slew of packages of OEM XP, MC, etc. that include coupons. Read the many individual experiences with them.

NE

 

[hectorsm]

It looks like there is a glitch at the Microsoft upgrade web page. Everyone's redemption form number is being rejected right now. Since Vista is not out yet I would not bother to try until the issue gets resolved.

I will probably wait a month or so before trying to use the coupon. I got my Vista 64 bit coupon from NewEgg also.