I was just consulted on by a teacher who had a student that purchased Windows 7 and just received it in the mail. It was an upgrade, he couldn't find a product key. He was wondering if your current os's product key doubled as your 7 key. I would assume it wouldn't, and he just over looked Microsoft's master of disguise product keys.
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can i somehow use my vista disc at some point to allow the Windows 7 retail install to upgrade the Windows 7 RC AND NOT HAVE TO REINSTALL MY PROGRAMS?
i currently have vista 32 bit home premium. i have the install discs for it too.
i want to create another partition and put Windows 7 RC 64 bit on it (dual boot).
i have Windows 7 home premium pre ordered.
i want to upgrade Windows 7 RC to the retail when it comes out, WITHOUT REINSTALLING MY PROGRAMS.
i read the Windows 7 retail discs will allow you to upgrade the Windows 7 RC, but you will have to reinstall programs.
i am wondering if using the vista disc will allow me to upgrade and keep my programs.
I was looking at getting windows 7 and hoping to do clean installs on a couple of machines and don't know which version to choose. I was looking at the w7 professional upgrade because I read that you can do a clean install with the upgrade disc and it's cheaper but I was not sure because I have an xp pro upgrade disc which says in the manual you can do a clean install but I could not (tried to put it on my laptop and do a clean install over vista but wouldn't let me.)
If you can do that, what is the difference between an upgrade clean install and the regular install disc? My other question is, if I buy the full retail version how many machines can I install it on and will they go into non genuine mode after the product key is used once?
will windows seven retail upgrade over windows seven RC ?
View 8 Replies View RelatedI made an ISO of my genuine Windows 7 Professional upgrade DVD and then downloaded a genuine Windows 7 Ultimate ISO. While I was deleting the ei.cfg file, I noticed that the folders and files are all the same. So is there any difference between the upgrade DVD and the retail DVD?
View 1 Replies View RelatedAre all the pre-order deals for upgrade software rather the full retail versions?
I have shelled out quite a bit on WinXP over the past few years and more recently due to both desktop and laptop falling over at the same time.
I want to be able to install any new operating system I buy on new hardware when that becomes necessary.
I have to be very sure. I am not wasting any more dosh on OEM versions.
It seems to me that just because you get a full version rather than an upgrade, that is something different to the license being OEM or Retail.
Full or upgrade version is not really the issue (although full is obviously better). For me it is about the license to install on new hardware as I upgrade that without buying a new copy of windows.
Does 'full' also mean that the install will not be tied to a previous copy of windows being installed first (or having the key for that version to hand)?
so I'm confused with upgrading to windows 7. i am currently running the windows 7 RC and for upgrading to the full version I'm unsure if i need to buy the retail version of windows 7 or if i can use the upgrade disk for windows 7.
View 5 Replies View Relatedi use xp pro sp2 retail on my main well gaming rig. i ordered the Windows 7 hp upgrade and will ship 10-22-09.
if i read right. when i upgrade to Windows 7 my key for my retail xp pro sp2 will be no more good. i will not be able to install or use my retail xp again. is this right?
well. a bud sent me a oem sp3 copy of xp pro some months ago. its still sealed and i never opened the package. i am afraid of sp3 is why i have not used it yet. so.. but. my question is and if i will lose my retail xp key if i upgrade to Windows 7. should i upgrade to Windows 7 using my oem xp sp3 disc. and keep my retail key etc.
so. id guess first i need to back up and save what i need to keep. files etc. then nuke reformat and install my oem xp. just basic install and i guess register it. and then upgrade fresh install Windows 7. if this will work im fine with it. yes its the extra steps to first install the oem xp version maybe. but id like to save my retail xp key. i do have another computer i guess i could use xp on for a while to come. i have not been using my second pc. ive been afraid to install or use xp sp3.. so i have not used my oem xp sp3 yet.
I have purchased 2 retail copies of Windows 7 Pro for 29.99 with my student discount. If you have questions as to how I achieve this go to this thread
Full Retail Version of Pro For Students only 29.99
I now have another computer that I want to put Windows 7 pro on. I am thinking about purchasing an upgrade key and just using the retail version to install so I don't have to reinstall Vista in order to do the upgrade.
Anyways, do you think I could purchase an upgrade key, install with my retail disk without filling out the product key and then activate with the upgrade key?
I apparently cannot change the product key from a Windows 7 Ultimate eval copy 7100 to a retail Ultimate product key and have it activate properly. The process tells me my key is not valid...is that correct? I do not see anywhere an activation phone number to call.
View 3 Replies View RelatedI have Vista x64 right now and I keep wanting to install the 7100 build beta that I downloaded a while back. I plan to buy the 3 pack of Windows 7 when it comes out but I am wondering if installing the beta build now will make upgrading harder down the road. Doing a clean install is just way to hard considering all the terrabytes of programs and data that I would have to either re-install or manually try to put back into it's original places.
I know a lot of people preach that doing clean installs is so much better. In my experience this has never really helped. I have on numerous occasions done clean installs and they never did seem to work any better or any faster than the upgrades that I have had installed for years. The only time I think you need to do a clean install is if you have stability issues with your hardware causing your OS to go flaky or if you neglect your OS and leave all kinds of crap floating around on it. We have one machine running Windows 2000 since 2000 and it is used daily without any problems or corruption whatsoever.
Is the in-place upgrade to Windows 7 possible with
a) retail versions
b) OEM / OSB / SB version?
Or do I have to buy this special "upgrade version"?
I only get contradictorily information (very frustrating!) and need advice from your side.
P.S. Yes, I know about the pros and cons in general regarding in-place upgrade vs. clean installation.
is it in any way possible to:
1) install windows 7 RC as the home premium version (not ultimate). i heard you can edit some file to allow this.
2) when the retail version of windows 7 home premium upgrade comes out, use that to upgrade my RC installation AND KEEP MY INSTALLED PROGRAMS?
i heard you can do a custom install which makes a windows.old folder. i am looking to NOT do that.
My question involves upgrading a home desktop to Windows 7 Ultimate. I have a copy of Windows XP Professional and Windows Vista Ultimate which are Academic versions I purchased at a discount from my university. (I already purchased the Student Windows 7 edition for my laptop).
**Are the academic versions of Windows Vista Ultimate or Windows XP Professional eligible for the Windows 7 Ultimate Retail Box Upgrade?**
I do not want to purchase the Upgrade retail box version to then learn the Academic version of XP and Vista are not eligible for the Upgrade version of Windows 7 Ultimate. Or will I need to purchase the Full Retail Box version to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate?
what is the difference between upgrade and full retail version of windows 7.
View 3 Replies View RelatedI am waiting to be approved by my school for msdnaa access but am not sure what it offers is what I need. Is what they offer equivalent to a retail version of windows 7, oem or upgrade?
View 1 Replies View RelatedFor people that brought computers with Vista but promised a Windows 7 upgrade, did you get a OEM disk, or you got a retail one with a serial number?
I'm curious because I want to upgrade my desktop (Vista HP x64) to Windows 7 instead of my laptop. Is that possible?
whats the difference between upgrade and full retail of win 7?
View 5 Replies View RelatedHaving read some threads I am under the impression I won't have to purchase another copy of windows but I was wondering what I will have to do in order to continue using the same copy of windows.
Some people have indicated that I will need to contact Microsoft but I couldn't determine if they meant the automated phone number used to activate Windows or if was another number?
Can i use win 7 pro full retail to upgrade from vista business I do not want to have to GO AND INSTALL ALL THE PROGRAMS PUN WITH VISTA?
View 1 Replies View Relatedsay one were to install the windows 7 RTM unactivated. could a "upgrade" retail key activate it? or would it require a "full" retail key?
View 9 Replies View RelatedYesterday i bought a retail key online. I wonder if it is possible to see the difference between a retail or oem key.
View 2 Replies View Relatedhow do I partition the HDD like retail PC's to where that partition has the hidden recovery OS on it. If the big branded companies can do it
View 4 Replies View Relatedhow do I partition the HDD like retail PC's to where that partition has the hidden recovery OS on it.
View 9 Replies View RelatedDoesn't the retail full version of Windows 7 come with SP1? I was looking around online and it doesn't appear to.
View 2 Replies View RelatedI bought a gateway pc about 6 months ago and I am having major issues with it, I have had a few people I game with have alook and they seem to think its a hardware issue. I have reinstalled windows from the recovery partition once with no change. The machine is taking 20 minutes to post, any ways, I have decided to replace the mobo with a better board form a local electronics store. Will I be able to reuse the windows 7 key that came with this machine?I am not opposed to buying another copy but, That will stop me from upgrading a different system to win 7 32. I know that replacing my mobo will void any joke of a warranty i have left but to be So tdlr is, If i replace mobo is factory build pc. do i need to spend another 100 bucks for a os.I will have to buy the install disk anyways but the "new key" would sure be nice on my old laptop that's running vista now
View 9 Replies View Relatedother than the price is there a difference for windows 7 hp oem and retail
View 3 Replies View RelatedToday I have replaced an AM3 motherboard with an AM3+ and I got the usual message 3 days to activate.
I've tried to activate today using the automated phone line and it says my software is not genuine and then automated phone lady says bye bye. There was no "How many Computers is your software installed on, and no waiting to speak to an agent. JUST BYE BYE.
I've tried customer support typed in Product ID, It tells me my licence has expired. Windows 7 home premium I purchased Full version from PC World back in 2009 then a few months later I purchased the anytime upgrade to Professional.
If I retype in product key for Professional it takes me back to the activation screens 4 options. Ive also tried typing my home premium key that does not work, it says I need a Professional licence which I have but expired.
I dont really want to repair or reinstall it when it is working and no conflicts. I do have Vista and linux on another hard drive which is not connected because graphics card is blocking SATA ports, and right angled connectors are to high as well.
I have several computers still running the RC version of win7 and I am trying to pick the most cost effective option for installing legit version.
I had first thought to get the 3key Family Pack, but have obviously far missed my window of opportunity on that option.
I rebuild and test new computer equipment frequently, so I don't want to use a OEM version that is limited to one activation (unless that's changed?)
I've heard mixed info that the retail version is good for 10 activations, is that for 1 PC or multiple PCs running at the same time?
I tend to run 3-4 towers at once at minimum in my home so I need to know if I need separate keys for each PC I am running. Are the activations good, if I make hardware changes to my PC? Swapping motherboards is always a concern so I don't want to be shelling out for a new copy every time I try out a new board.
I have heard that a technet subscription might be an option for me, but I am concerned my use of the 'Evaluation Copy' software isn't really part of the license agreement. I wouldn't be evaluating the windows software, it's normally my hardware I am evaluating.
Can someone give me more infomation on how the Technet accounts work?
I know if I need different keys for each of my PCs then I would probably need 6-7 keys, I don't mind paying $300 a year for a technet subsribtion if my use of it won't be a problem. But I don't want to shell out $300 only to find out should have bought the retail version instead. And then again if the retail version is good for 10 activations, and I can use it on multiple PCs at once, that would also work for me.
I'm currently running a Dell Dimension machine which was purchased with Windows XP (OEM) originally installed on it and has since been upgraded to Windows 7 Home Premium. Even though the original installation of XP was obviously OEM, when I upgraded to Win 7 did it change to a retail licence key and therefore now allows me to install Win 7 on a new machine that I'm building?The new machine will have components out of the old machine and therefore the old one will not be able to be used, but it will be a different MB, CPU and RAM.
View 8 Replies View RelatedSo I just bought Windows 7 Upgrade and there are 3 parts to the Windows 7 download. I downloaded Win7-HP-Retail-en-us-x64 which I think is an install file. But every time I try to run it I get the error message, "The application cannot find one of its required files, possibly because it was unable to create it in the folder. Please make sure that the folder in which this application was downloaded is accessible and not read-only". I threw it onto my desktop, unblocked it from properties, but still it doesn't work
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