Just got a screamer - gateway with a quad core (amd); 2 - 500 gig drives, 3
gigs of ram and an ati video card w/256 dedicated mem.). It came with Vista
home premium. Don't know what to expect there. It's replacing a pentium 4
that is starting to make noises. Now for the bad news...

I've been using draw v9 forever. It suits my purposes and I have very few
problems with it. It's been a good friend over the years so I was going to
install it on the new system but can't find the install CD! I have the other
2 CDs but that one is lost in space. I realize that a popular conception is
that odd numbered versions are the ones worth looking at. I think Corel's up
to X14. Should I go for 13?

Hi Sal,

You should upgrade to X3. You may also want to hold off on the
"screamer" tag until you have your grafx software(s) on. 3Gb of RAM on a
Vista machine is about the equivalent of half that on an XP machine.

If you have access to dry compressed air (canned will do fine), you can
probably blow out the old machine & in so doing find out which fan(s) is
(are) making the most racket & replace it (them). If you're like many,
you might rather keep that one than use Vista.

Best of luck & let us know how it goes,
Vin¢

Thanks the input Vin

Hi Sal,
I've skewed the naming of my email address so it takes a human to
interpret it (reduces spam!). Replying to the group is fine.

As far as an upgrade version of X3, you may want to do some more
research (because I don't know) if v9 is a supported upgrade candidate.
In either case, you won't find it on Corel's site since X4 is out. You
will find it on Amazon, etc. Just be careful & spend some time looking
into it & you'll save tons of money. The Service Packs will always be on
Corel's site; if not, someone here might be kind enough to FTP them.

Vin¢

Sal wrote:

Last I spoke with Corel they indicated I was ok for an upgrade from 9. A quick surf came up with Amazon listing the upgrade for $159 US. Found this also (link on Amazon site, Best Deals) regarding a full - oem - version for under $90: Product Packaging: New & sealed Factory DVD Case with 4 CD oem set, COA and Serial Key. Very tempting but I assume this is not the way to go, correct?

"Vin¢" wrote in message

Hi Sal,
I've skewed the naming of my email address so it takes a human to
interpret it (reduces spam!). Replying to the group is fine.

As far as an upgrade version of X3, you may want to do some more
research (because I don't know) if v9 is a supported upgrade candidate.
In either case, you won't find it on Corel's site since X4 is out. You
will find it on Amazon, etc. Just be careful & spend some time looking
into it & you'll save tons of money. The Service Packs will always be on
Corel's site; if not, someone here might be kind enough to FTP them.

Vin¢

Sal wrote:

Oh yeah, if manuals (including the printed font book) are important to
you, make sure they're included.
Vin¢

I have to say, I'd take it. The only reason to get the upgrade version
is that it's (usually) cheaper. If the OEM set is cheaper, that's a bonus.

Just make sure you research the seller & read their reviews. The more
contact information they give you, the more reputable they are (in my
experience). Email them, or call them if you have any questions. If they
don't put your fears to rest, keep looking.

Best of luck, & let us know how it goes,
Vin¢

Sal wrote:

Did a more thorough search. OEM's don't usually come with manuals and I do
like to have them around for quick reference. I'm also wary of internet
scams...never heard of anyone dealing with Best Deals. Found a "download
only" one for $40 on another search! Cheapest I found that I was comfortable
with was at MacMall (PCMall same thing). At least I know they have been
around for many years. Ordered their last copy - or so he said ($112).

thanks again
sal

"Vin

Sal wrote:

# Online vendors offering original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products
stand-alone without being bundled and sold with the original hardware.
Buying an OEM product separately from original hardware is illegal

Corel's take on "OEM" from
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Content/1152796558890

What hardware are you talking about?
Vin¢

Tim wrote: