bStro - it actually checks for a physical install??? I thought you could install an upgrade with just the serial from your original full version.

Cliff Etzel - Solo Video Journalist
bluprojekt

Sorry Cliff but the B&H version is a "'special" one :-(

Mike

It requires a physical install (says so on the box).

My experience:
Trying to install v8 upgrade on a Vista machine without an earlier version, the install told me an earlier version was required to be installed and would not proceed.

On another machine, I had had to do a reinstall of Windows. Since I partition my HD with one partition for the OS and another partition for installed applications, after the reinstall, I had my earlier Vegas 6 install on the apps drive, but no Vegas 6 information in the registry of the new Windows reinstall. I tried installing the V8 upgrade (which had not been installed on the system) and it seemed to recognize the presence of the V6 files on the computer because a V6 dialog box popped up asking for my V6 install key. However, when I put in the V6 key, I would get an incorrect serial error message. So I reinstalled my old copy of V6, but did not activate it. This time when I tried to install V8, I got the V6 dialog asking for the serial, and this time when I entered it, it was accepted and the V8 install could proceed.

So V8 upgrade definitely wants more than just an earlier serial, or even the mere presence of the files (or install disc) of an earlier version.

Rob-

Glad I asked! I searched all over the site for upgrade terms but came up empty. The previous "buy on Ebay & upgrade" tips I've read here must have been for unopened/unused copies.

Thanks!

It can be used just not used for an upgrade. I speak from experience having bought a used copy of V4 off eBay. I used that to upgrade to V7 and then V8.

The way it used to be:

Buying a physical CD/DVD directly from Sony, you could install upgrades without a prior version present on the machine ( because they have your account and could verify upon purchase that you're entitled to buy an upgrade )

Buing from anybody else, you'd need a previous version installed before installing an upgrade.

Probably still the same way

I don't believe the statement is true that you can only upgrade once. I've owned my last full price Vegas as Vegas V 3.0. I have been taking the advantage of the upgrade price each year. I never skip a year. In addition, the license allows us to install the full package on two computers. I have the same licensed software installed on a laptop and a desktop. Same holds for Sound Forge. Then you can install the Vegas editor on two other computers for a render only system to render farm application. Combined with being able to launch multiple copies of Vegas on the same machine, Sony Vegas is the most license friendly software I own.

One more thing, when you upgrade you can leave a copy of the older version on the computer too for what ever that's worth.

What you describe is how it is, Don, but that is what is meant by upgrading once only.

Like you, I've upgraded from Version 3 as each new version has come out, but if I, you or anyone, having upgraded, sold their previous version, then it could not be used by the new owner to qualify for further upgrades.

The ability to have the software installed on two computers is I agree a good policy, but that is a separate issue to qualifying for upgrades

"Buying a physical CD/DVD directly from Sony, you could install upgrades without a prior version present on the machine ( because they have your account and could verify upon purchase that you're entitled to buy an upgrade )

Or downloading directly from Sony.... which is what I do and I have never been asked anything about previous versions. Even when I do a complete OS re install I am never asked for previous versions. It's all handled through my Sony account.

"Sony Vegas is the most license friendly software I own. "

Absolutely true!

I have never had any problems at all with Sony software. Even when doing things like running dual boot and having vegas on 2 different OS's.

To the other extreme.... my Adobe Audition2.... every friggin' time I even LOOK at that thing the wrong way, I have to call their automated system and start punching in serial numbers, and old serial numbers... and.... and....

I don't believe the statement is true that you can only upgrade once. I've owned my last full price Vegas as Vegas V 3.0. I have been taking the advantage of the upgrade price each year.

We're referring to one upgrade per license. Each time you buy Vegas (whether as an upgrade or as a full purchase), you get a new license.

When you upgraded to V4, you used the uprgrade discount that was afforded to you for registering V3. When you upgraded to V6, you used the upgrade discount that was afforded to you for registering V5. You weren't re-using the upgrade rights from your original V3 purchase. That's the point that I and the others were making.

In addition, the license allows us to install the full package on two computers.

For the record, you're not even limited to two computers. It's as many computers as you own so long as it is only being used on one computer at any given moment. (Not that they can check, really, you're on the honor system.)

Rob

As far as upgrading with SCS it's easy to check. Just go to My Software X & C a serial number and do the first qualifying step of buying an upgrade.

That's where it gets interesting. My V4 serial number is no longer valid for an upgrade. Either because the limit is one or the person who sold it to me (who resides in Madison, WI) upgraded once and I got the second upgrade, don't know the answer. My V7 I used once for V8 but it will allow me to buy a second upgrade ( no need I won a copy at NAB.) My V8 serial is not valid for a V8 upgrade.

I don't know how this will play with the B&H boxed upgrade.

This offer may be of interest expires tomorrow call 1.800.577.6642 North America / +1.608.204.7703 to order

Upgrade for $234.95
Purchase Vegas Pro 8 before April 30, and you'll receive both the Vegas Pro Seminar Series and Digital Video & Audio Production, a $149 value, free.

Full email below:


On Thu, Apr 10, 2008 at 7:01 AM, Sony Creative Software <news@mail.sonycreativesoftware.com> wrote:
>

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> To help you master Vegas Pro 8 software, we're including two of our training products when you buy or upgrade before April 30, 2008. First is the Vegas Pro Seminar Series training DVDs. This unique system provides you not only with a guided and interactive tour through the new features of the program, but also with all of the content you'll need to get the most out of the experience. You'll also receive Digital Video & Audio Production — a hands on guide to creating rich multimedia with Vegas Pro software.
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> *Offers expire on April 30, 2008. Qualifying Vegas serial number required for upgrade pricing. Pricing displayed in US Dollars. Customers outside the US may be charged in local currency. Offer available only when purchasing direct from Sony Creative Software.
>
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I bought the Vegas Pro 8 upgrade from Videoguys for $149.95 last week . They also threw in Spot's DVD about the new features in the upgrade (for free).

The boxed package included the serial numbers for the Vegas 8 and DVD 4.5 upgrade. I didn't use the included CDs but just downloaded the latest versions from Sony's site and installed those. No problems.

When I installed it, it did ask for my Vegas 7 (or other) serial number during the installation.

http://www.videoguys.com/vegaspro8.html