Using Vista Replacement Disks

I recently had a problem with backing up a notebook pc, onto an external drive, over a network. I was using working with a MS tech, via email, since I only had time to work on it at short stints at a time. Ultimately, after several weeks of trial and error, we finally fixed the problem.

Part of the fix, included having to do an In-place Upgrade. My computer only allowed for a Recovery Disk, so the required Setup.exe file was missing. Since I own Vista Home Premium, both 64 bit and 32 bit, the only way they could send the necessary disks to cover me, was to send the Vista Ultimate Replacement Disks. They are marked on the DVD's as "Requires original purchase of licensed software". A validation key is also included with the disks.

Part of me is confused. To do the Repair, you simply don't include a validation key, choose the product that is already installed, and it merges, and repairs the operating system. Here's the confusing part- What happens is I use the Validation key. Does it format the C:\ drive and install a new version of the OS? Does it have to be the same as the previous OS? If there is no way to detect it, what stops me from using the Validation key to install the Ultimate version, instead of Home Premium?
I realize I'm not supposed to take advantage like that. On the other hand, up to now I've done a lot of workarounds, to do what Vista Home Premium doesn't do. This would simply make life easier, for a change. Thanks

 

As I said before, I realize I'm not supposed to install that way. My question really boils down to what, other than the EULA, stops the installation of Vista Ultimate from this disk. Does it, in fact, detect the prior installation, and require the upgrade, or does it install over everything, as a new installation, irregardless of the previous version?

 

I spoke to MS tech support yesterday. You see, my confusion came from the fact that I got these discs with a Product Key. If the intention was to simply supply me with discs to "repair" my computer, they would have sent the discs without the Product Key. That way, I could choose the current version from the list, and it would do the repair. If I wanted to Upgrade from my current version, I could use the Upgrade Anytime option, contacted MS, and they would give me a new Key for the Upgrade. They inform me that entering the Product key, from the Replacement Disc, is essentially the same as using it as an original Installation Disk. During the re-installation in Vista, one of the options will be to save the current settings, as a file C:\old file. During the installation, if you choose no for saving settings, the drive will be formatted, and a new OS installed. With the Ultimate disc, you can then choose which OS version you wish to install, anywhere from Basic to Ultimate. In fact, with this disc, you can even roll-back to a lower version, after installation, if you wish.
So, all in all, the technician did confirm for me that this Replacement Disc, is in fact a full version Vista Ultimate Installation Disk.
Mind you, I don't have any intentions to change things now. My pc is still under warranty, and I don't want to give them any ammunition to not cover me. I made that mistake before, on my last computer, I learned my lesson from that one the hard way.
I was simply looking to find out what would happen if I entered the Product key, during the In-place Upgrade procedure, instead of leaving it blank, as suggested. I was told, since the disks are original, genuine Vista Ultimate Discs, supplied by MS, I don't have any issues with EULA or anything else. Nice to know.

 

Just to follow-up. I needed to check on an issue with HP tech support the other day. I posed the question, what happens if I decide to Upgrade my version of Vista, either purchasing it thru HP or otherwise. I guess I was curious of their reaction. Their statement to me was, if I change the OS in any way, from what was originally installed, meaning upgrade or downgrade, or change between 64 bit and 32 bit, my software warranty immediately becomes void. They stated "Operating system is an interface between hardware and software. HP sends computer, which works best with the particular operating system." (This was a quote from an email from HP). In my case, I tried to tell them that doesn't follow. I have a customized, Quad core, business type computer, running Home Premium software, at the HP sales person's recommendation. (I purchased it directly from HP). There are business applications that my pc has capabilities of, but the OS doesn't support, such as faxing and virtualization. Needless to say, HP didn't want to hear it. In the meantime, I have 10 months on my warranty to go. I'll just have to wait it out, if I decide to do anything at all.