Customer Reviews
Miserable performance, poor compatability, little to gain 
2008-06-16
I purchased Vista to upgrade my Windows XP machine, only to find out that I must then upgrade my computer to work with it. My machine, which was fast by a gamers standards was miserable beneath Vista. I spent most of my time waiting for things to load, accepting pop-up boxes and searching the web for computer upgrades before I finally switched back to Windows XP.
vista gives me a hard time 
2008-06-14
it took me a long time to get this product and I probably should have waited because I put this upgrade on top of windows xp and now I have problems. I'll sort it all out but Vista is a disgrace!
Windows 98? 2008-05-20
Windows Vista? Come on. I upgraded my laptop from XP to this horrible OS and ended up selling it when I found out I could not downgrade...another microsoft perk. The OS itself is nothing but bugs, and windows 98 with a paint job...nothing new here except a few head shaking Leopard rip off's. This OS crashes like there is no tommorw (this was with a 2GB laptop) boot up time takes about 5 mins, shut down time takes even longer, the endless security pop ups are enough to burn the cd in your fire place and unleash a virus into this OS yourself (which is quite easy) and enough windows LIVE crap you couldn't dislodge with a nuke. I even gave this piece of crap a second chance in my Parallels VM on my Macbook pro. I tried it becasue it would run as a guest to OS X and not take over my MAC in the virus ridden Vista way. It worked at top speed but was still just a pain in the backside compared to OS X and Linux which I am also using and made Windows unusable. Windows rates 4th on my list of OS's thats because I have only stuck to 4 OS's in my 15 years of computing. I have used Windows since 3.1, still use XP at work untill they get the Mac's in so I can tell you, VISTA *ucking sucks. OS X and Ubuntu are so much better, easier, open, reliable, dependable, virus free, and they work! So once again Windows was removed from my system altogether and this time for good, so long windows, windows live and MSN, good riddence. FREEDOM!
Clean Install NOT POSSIBLE 2008-05-20
WARNING! All previous "Upgrade" versions of Windows would allow you to perform a clean install, and simply provide proof of your previous Windows version.
NOT WINDOWS VISTA UPGRADE. It's now known as "Windows Anytime Upgrade." Apparantly this means "anytime but when you actually need it -- after a hardware failure."
This version of Windows Vista does NOT allow for a clean install. You will be told that you need to perform an upgrade of an existing, running version of Windows. You CANNOT do a clean install.
And now you start to get a glimpse of why people hate Windows Vista!
Happy with upgrade 
2008-05-10
I bought the upgrade version of vista ultimate with service pack 1. The installer chose the 32-bit version of the os due to my printer (no 64-bit drivers). You can actually open a ticket with MS if you expect a 64b install but don't get it. Remote windows login required domain after username to work. Media center needs to be restarted when going from window to full-screen (minor bug). Love the power management. Almost all drivers were found online by vista! Overall am pleased with this upgrade!
Ultimate... last 2008-05-07
Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 is the choice for those who want to have it all. Easily shift between the worlds of productivity and play with the most complete edition of Windows Vista. Ultimate provides the power, security, and mobility features needed for work, and all the entertainment features that you want for fun. The most complete choice for your business just got better. Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 helps you focus on what matters the most: you, your business, and your customers. Special enhancements and security protocols help make this Vista truly ultimate. This is the most complete edition of Windows Vista - with the power, security, and mobility features that you need for work with fun entertainment features. Windows Vista Ultimate has an advanced, business-focused infrastructure, mobile productivity, and a premium home digital entertainment experience, all in one box. It combines all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium (like Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, and Windows DVD Maker) and Windows Vista Business (like business networking, centralized management tools, and advanced system backup features). It also has all of the security and data protection features that you need. Found only in the Ultimate edition are Windows Ultimate Extras, add-ons that extend the capabilities of your system including:
Windows Defender & Windows Firewall - safeguard your PC against security threats Easier use of a PC with Windows Tablet & Touch Technology - pen-and-ink functionality, improved navigation, improved handwriting recognition & built-in touch screen support Collaborate & share documents with Windows Meeting Space Enjoy Windows Media Center on your TV with Xbox 360 & other devices Business networking connectivity with Networking Center & Remote Desktop
Vista Ultimate Upgrade 2008-05-02
I waited until Vista was available in a retail box so that I would not have to deal with a large download. Amazon was the first place that had the product available. There are many differences between XP and Vista. Learning the newer version takes a little time but it is well worth it. My boot time is 20 seconds compared to my XP's boot time of 45 seconds. There are many new features in Vista. One of my favorites is the sleep mode with a keyboard wake.
SP1 is FREE 
2008-04-27
The reviewer below mentions it costs money to upgrade to SP1 that is not true, SP1 is totally free, and downloadable from Microsofts website, this version of Vista has SP1 for those installing Vista for the first time or after a reinstall.
To others that say Vista is a waste of time, that depends on what outdated or slow computers you have, I built a new computer just a few months ago, Feb. of 2008, and Vista smokes on it, I got the 64 bit version, with a 3.0Ghz dual core 2 CPU, 4 gigs of memory for about a month, and everything flew, all games and programs I use, then I got another 4 gigs of RAM for a total of 8 gigs, I can run Crysis, Test Drive Unlimited, Doom 3, Bioshock and many online games at FULL graphics resolutions. I know that the other hardware I have help with making my graphics run smooth, but Vista Certainly doesn't hinder any of them at all and everything runs in Vista, I have had ZERO problems with Vista running any game or other productivity software I have.
So, some of you really should stop trying to run Vista on an XP machine, with 2 gigs of RAM and a 256 meg video cards, if you do build your own computers and buy the right gear, you'll never go back to XP again.
Upgrade not! (this is a review of the upgrade product-not the OS) 2008-04-25
From the box "You must perform a clean install....unless you are upgrading from...or any edition of Windows Vista." I specifically bought the upgrade w/SP1 to avoid having to download and install the SP separately -- a no brainer for less than $8 difference in price. Currently installed OS is Vista Home Premium base. Guess what? This item can't be installed as an upgrade until and unless you first install SP1! Oh well. Again, the stars are not for the OS but for the "Upgrade" package.
Will Not Properly Uprgrade from the Non- SP1 Version of Home Premium 2008-04-14
I recently bought this product in an attempt to upgrade my new sony Laptop to 64-bit from 32-bit to take advantage of the 4MB installed memory. According the the statement on the package you can upgrade from Vista home Premium to Vista Ultimate without doing a re-format. First off my new system would not accept the 64-bit disc. I then tried to install the 32-bit disc and it would only accept the installation if I was willing to completley re-format the hard drive because I was not upgrading from Windows Home Premium SP1. This is even though I had dowloaded all the latest Microsoft updates to bring it up to SP1 status. Since it was a new computer and I did not want to lose all the bundled software I opted to return it and remain with what I had. It would not be economically feasible to purchase the Home Premium SP1 Upgrade just to install the Ultimate SP1 upgrade behnd it. Bottom line, if you want to save your programs and files (not do a complete re-format) Ulitmate SP1 it seems will only upgrade from another SP1 product.
