I'm wondering if you buy the legal copy of Windows Vista Upgrade, and plan to install it over the Windows XP Pro, does it matter of the XP copy is illicit or not? Or should one buy the full version just in case?

It shouldn't matter as it doesn't check for activation or anything when upgrading.

But it wouldn't make the legal copy of Vista illicit because the xp is?

techinically no it won't, (thought you shouldn't be doing if it is, but that is a morallity thing) with the upgrade anything from the XP install is gone and only vista remains,

NOTE:if you ever have to reinstall Vista you won't with the upgrade, you will have to reinstall XP then upgrade it to vista again. the downfall of the upgrade option

I was just wondering since a few of my college friends wanted to know, my computer came with the OEM version of Professional. Too bad the company that build this computer is no longer availible. blah

your best would be to get the full version if you want it, if you are a college student check with your school to see if you deals from MS ( Most do) on software. your schools library or IT dept would know.

Ok, thanks for the answers fizban2. Props.