Microsoft won't patch Vista upgrade loophole

Microsoft doesn't plan to close a loophole that offers consumers a cheaper way to upgrade to the Windows Vista operating system.

As reported last week, users in a few steps can install the upgrade version of the operating systems as a fresh new installation, even if they don't currently own a licensed copy of Windows XP. The procedure is time consuming, but allows users to save about 35 percent off purchase price for the regular Windows Vista version.

"People without a licensed copy of XP that use this workaround are violating the terms of use agreed to when they purchased the upgrade version of Windows Vista," a Microsoft spokesperson told vnunet.com.

"As such, we believe only a very small percentage of people will take the time to implement this workaround, and we encourage all customers to follow our official guidelines for upgrading to Windows Vista."

The company added that it currently doesn't have any plans to disable the workaround.

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