Windows 7 Upgrade or full, Whats the Difference?

[nav13eh]

I am preparing for the upgrade to windows 7. But I'm am confused over the difference between the upgrade and the full version. I want to save some bucks by purchasing the upgrade version but at the same time want to do a clean install? Does anyone here no what I should do?

[gadget_nut]

If it's anything like previous versions, you can do a fresh install with an upgrade. That is, assuming the Vista install isn't OEM.
Just format your drive, start the 7 upgrade installer and, when asked, insert the Vista disk and key in the Vista product key.
If the Vista installation is OEM, you won't be able to upgrade(IIRC). You're stuck buying the full version. Unless, of course, you got in on the recent "Free Upgrade" offer.

[nav13eh]

If it's anything like previous versions, you can do a fresh install with an upgrade. That is, assuming the Vista install isn't OEM.
Just format your drive, start the 7 upgrade installer and, when asked, insert the Vista disk and key in the Vista product key.
If the Vista installation is OEM, you won't be able to upgrade(IIRC). You're stuck buying the full version. Unless, of course, you got in on the recent "Free Upgrade" offer.
So what if my computer came with vista preinstalled. Am I Stuck?

[gadget_nut]

That's OEM(Original Equipment Manufacturer). IIRC(someone correct if I'm wrong), you can't upgrade OEM. You have to buy a full version.
I know it's different for the recent purchases that include a free 7 upgrade. But I'm pretty sure OEM is typically excluded from the upgrade path.
So, yeah. If memory serves, you're stuck. You'll have to buy the full version.

[nav13eh]

I`m stilled confused though. If I read correctly I have to use the vista install key (Which is on the bottom of my computer).

If it helps the computer is a Sony VAIO VGN-NR120E.

[gadget_nut]

In order to upgrade, you need a Windows 7 upgrade disc, a Windows Vista Installation disc(non-OEM) and the product key from both. The upgrade needs to verify the Vista product key against that of the Vista Installer.
If the OS was shipped already installed on the computer, that's OEM. Again, if memory serves, you can not upgrade an OEM install.

[davmoo]

The information that you can't use a Windows 7 upgrade disk to upgrade a machine with OEM Vista is wrong. it will work fine. And you use the key that comes with Windows 7, not the one on the bottom of the machine.

The only thing you can't do with an OEM Vista that came with an off-the-shelf PC is use that Vista key on another PC...that key is tied to that machine for life, and is not transferable to another machine.

Now, whether or not your new Windows 7 upgrade will be tied to that machine for life in the same way I do not know. But yes, you can do the upgrade with a regular upgrade disc.

Edit: Unfortunately I cannot find a good link covering this at Microsoft's site. All I can find are explanations on forums, and even when its Microsoft's own forums I don't really call that 'authoritative'. I have to go work for a client right now, but when I return I'll continue searching for a solid link.

Edit again: One thing that I did find out is that when you upgrade, the Win7 license will supersede the Vista license, thus your upgraded machine will be consider Windows 7 Retail, and not Windows 7 OEM, so you could in fact transfer the Windows 7 upgrade to another machine at a later time and revert that machine back to Vista if you so desired.

[nav13eh]

Unfortunately I cannot find a good link covering this at Microsoft's site. All I can find are explanations on forums, and even when its Microsoft's own forums I don't really call that 'authoritative'. I have to go work for a client right now, but when I return I'll continue searching for a solid link.

To that I could not find anything either, thats why I know the Tekzilla community will always help me out and,


One thing that I did find out is that when you upgrade, the Win7 license will supersede the Vista license, thus your upgraded machine will be consider Windows 7 Retail, and not Windows 7 OEM, so you could in fact transfer the Windows 7 upgrade to another machine at a later time and revert that machine back to Vista if you so desired.

Thanks for all the help! Thats what I thought made more sense. But I wanted to confirm that here. I will preorder Windows 7 Home Upgrade. If anyone else has anymore Suggestions I`m all ears to anyone!

Also I Don`t think that Windows 7 would be tied to the machine for life if it is like windows XP.

[davmoo]

Here's two things to keep in mind on will Microsoft let one update an OEM install.

First, they have never blocked upgrades of OEM installs in the past.

And second, Microsoft may be the 800 pound gorilla, may have bad ethics in some areas, and so on. But one thing they aren't, contrary to what some may think, is they are not stupid by any stretch of the imagination. The majority of Windows PCs sold are big name OEM boxes from megastores. The majority of people buying the upgrade discs will be those wanting to upgrade those OEM boxes. Microsoft sells software, not hardware. They *WANT* people to buy those upgrade discs, because they make far more money on those sales than they do on OEM sales (as I've said before, anyone who thinks the big OEMs pay retail prices for Windows is sniffing the wrong brand of glue). Plus they want to be able to yell "Rah rah rah!!! Look at all the people upgrading!!! Rah rah rah!!! Take that, Apple!!! Take that, Linux!!!" If they blocked OEM-machine owners from using upgrade discs, they would only be hurting themselves. And Microsoft doesn't do *anything* to purposely hurt their own sales.

[nav13eh]

Here's two things to keep in mind on will Microsoft let one update an OEM install.

First, they have never blocked upgrades of OEM installs in the past.

And second, Microsoft may be the 800 pound gorilla, may have bad ethics in some areas, and so on. But one thing they aren't, contrary to what some may think, is they are not stupid by any stretch of the imagination. The majority of Windows PCs sold are big name OEM boxes from megastores. The majority of people buying the upgrade discs will be those wanting to upgrade those OEM boxes. Microsoft sells software, not hardware. They *WANT* people to buy those upgrade discs, because they make far more money on those sales than they do on OEM sales (as I've said before, anyone who thinks the big OEMs pay retail prices for Windows is sniffing the wrong brand of glue). Plus they want to be able to yell "Rah rah rah!!! Look at all the people upgrading!!! Rah rah rah!!! Take that, Apple!!! Take that, Linux!!!" If they blocked OEM-machine owners from using upgrade discs, they would only be hurting themselves. And Microsoft doesn't do *anything* to purposely hurt their own sales.

That is very true.

[pianoplayer88key]

What would I need to do to upgrade from 32-bit Windows XP Home OEM to 64-bit Windows 7 Professional? (I'm choosing Pro for the XP mode among other things.) I don't think I'll go for Ultimate, as I don't need alternate language modes (that said, I do want Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Hebrew, Russian, etc. characters to display properly, which they currently do not on my XP install) and can live without BitLocker. Home and Starter are both too limiting for me... in fact in XP Home I miss having the Group Policy Editor, for example.
I do plan on buying some hardware at the same time (hard drive, CPU, RAM, mobo, or some combo - haven't decided what all yet), so could probably get an OEM 7, or would you l33t h4x0rs recommend something else (besides Ubuntu, which I also will be running)?
I'm hoping to get 7 Pro for < $150 like you could do with XP Pro, but the lowest I see is $199 for upgrade, and I don't see OEM.
So would it be possible to get Windows 7 Pro, add 4TB of hard drives (using no more than 2 physical drives, one of which would be a backup drive), upgrade to a decent triple or quad core CPU (just running firefox (with flash) and CS:S pegs my CPU usage at a nearly solid 100%) that my Gigabyte GA-MA69G-S3H mobo will support (or get a better mobo), maybe another 2 or 4GB RAM (note that all 4 slots on current mobo are full so I would be going for 4 x 2GB sticks), all for a total of under $400 shipped including taxes if applicable, before rebates, and no later than early/mid November?

[davmoo]

I have not tried an upgrade like that myself (although I may try it on a spare system just to confirm what I'm about to say), but everything I read says you can upgrade from 32 to 64 just as easy as from 32 to another 32 or 64 to another 64. Just make sure you buy the 64-bit upgrade.

[nav13eh]

Just make sure you buy the 64-bit upgrade.

I'm Pretty sure every Disc comes with a 32-bit and 64-bit Version.

[computoman]

Not a fan of trying to upgrade a 32 bit install with a 64 bit media. Might work, but caveat emptor, When you upgrade, you always have the chance to carry over problems form the original installation, but then you might not be able to take advantage of what you had either. Two one half dozen of another, I will say that in the past you could actually do a full install from an upgrade disk, but Ms will never tell you that. As to whether you could do that with w7 is not within my knowledge. Having prepared images for mass corporate type installs and installs for individual mswindows machines for a living, my personal preference is do not do upgrades except as a last resort, In any case back up your machine first!!!!!!!! Image it if possible, so you can always put it back the way it was if the upgrade foobars.

[oldmartian]

you can always use something like this, http://www.laplink.com/, then you can upgrade and save a lot of touble that comes with a fresh install, which might be better, but if you are going from XP to Win 7, it shouldn't matter as the core files are completely different so are completely overwitten

[computoman]

Yes, it will more your profile and settings, but it will not make your programs automatically compatible with w7 which is more of an issue.

[nav13eh]

Not a fan of trying to upgrade a 32 bit install with a 64 bit media. Might work, but caveat emptor, When you upgrade, you always have the chance to carry over problems form the original installation, but then you might not be able to take advantage of what you had either. Two one half dozen of another, I will say that in the past you could actually do a full install from an upgrade disk, but Ms will never tell you that. As to whether you could do that with w7 is not within my knowledge. Having prepared images for mass corporate type installs and installs for individual mswindows machines for a living, my personal preference is do not do upgrades except as a last resort, In any case back up your machine first!!!!!!!! Image it if possible, so you can always put it back the way it was if the upgrade foobars.

I Say That have To agree with that. Make sure you always keep a backup.

[jessicad]

Nav12eh,

If your computer came pre-installed with Windows Vista then you will need to purchase the full version of Windows 7. You can pre-order your copy of Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional today. For more information, see the Windows 7 Pre-Order offer page here: http://tinyurl.com/nldc8p

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team

[nav13eh]

Nav12eh,

If your computer came pre-installed with Windows Vista then you will need to purchase the full version of Windows 7. You can pre-order your copy of Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional today. For more information, see the Windows 7 Pre-Order offer page here: http://tinyurl.com/nldc8p

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team

Everybody is telling me different, What do I do? Microsoft wants you to buy the full version, but don't they have enough money already? jessicad, I checked your link and it doesn't talk about full versions.

[davmoo]

Nav12eh,

If your computer came pre-installed with Windows Vista then you will need to purchase the full version of Windows 7. You can pre-order your copy of Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional today. For more information, see the Windows 7 Pre-Order offer page here: http://tinyurl.com/nldc8p

I see no such requirement on the page you link to, nor on the pages that page links to. Instead, I see statements all over the place that say "You qualify for Windows 7 upgrade versions if you are running genuine Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Windows 2000 on your PC." No mention is ever made of OEM Vista versus retail Vista (and in fact I don't think the average user would understand the difference). Please provide a DIRECT link to information that states you cannot upgrade an OEM install. Its put up or shut up time, kids.

[nav13eh]

I agree with davmoo, Microsoft makes this so confusing. Which is yet again why I am here.

This thread has become large Very Quickly.

[davmoo]

I don't think its Microsoft that's making it confusing. For the most part Microsoft doesn't even distinguish between OEM and retail. I think its a problem with "My brother's secretary's best friend's lawyer's shoe shine boy said his girlfriend's sister's co-worker's uncle in Italy said the guy who changes his oil said you can't upgrade an OEM version".

[nav13eh]

Does anyone have anymore suggestion before I buy a copy of Windows 7 Home Upgrade version. Please, please comment!!!

[frankiethewaffle]

Yeah, without being too confusing. I suggest the full copy of Windows 7 and a clean install. Just make sure your hardware supports it.

Also, back up everything you want to keep. Maintaining data you want easily, is the only reason to only buy the upgrade. A clean install is more work, but well worth the effort. Kinda fun sometimes too. If you like doing that kind of work.

I will be getting the full version of W7. Maybe just replacing my RC partition or totally eliminating my whole Vista partition too. Not sure yet.

[davmoo]

A clean install can be done with the upgrade disc. In fact, the discs between versions are identical. The determination of what you have is done solely by the key you enter.

[nav13eh]

Yeah, without being too confusing. I suggest the full copy of Windows 7 and a clean install. Just make sure your hardware supports it.

Also, back up everything you want to keep. Maintaining data you want easily, is the only reason to only buy the upgrade. A clean install is more work, but well worth the effort. Kinda fun sometimes too. If you like doing that kind of work.

I will be getting the full version of W7. Maybe just replacing my RC partition or totally eliminating my whole Vista partition too. Not sure yet.
As long as I can do a full clean install with an upgrade disc, Wiping Vista completely (I'm going to image before) and then bring back everything the way I want it (not the windows wants it to be) and put my data on a separate partition, I am not going to waste money on the full version. I am currently testing my hardware for windows 7 (Drivers, ext...) with the RC in a separate 16 GB Partition.

[davmoo]

You shouldn't have any problems doing that with an upgrade disc. Like I said before, Microsoft didn't prevent that with a Vista upgrade disc (or XP, or Me, or 2000, or 98, or NT, etc), why should they change now?

[nav13eh]

One other thing I figured out was that when I recently installed a version of Windows XP Home On a second computer with the same disk. I activated both with no issues and realized the disk said it was an OEM version. It WORKED!?!?!?

[tokenuser]

As a twist to the discussion.

Microsoft have just announced student pricing for the Win7 upgrade ... a fairly impressive $29.99.

The Official MS "741" Website (http://www.win741.com/).

Ironically, I found out about this through a story on the Macrumors website (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/18/microsoft-matches-snow-leopard-price-with-windows-7-but-only-for-students/), where they were saying that this pricing is in response to the Apple Snow Leopard pricing. But seriously, would a user with a Windows machines say "Screw Microsoft charging me $150 for an upgrade ... I'm going to buy a $1200 Apple Macbook Pro so I can pay $30 for a Snow Leopard upgrade."

The marketing logic seems flawed to me, especially since Microsoft doesn't charge $30 for what is essentially a Service Pack release (Leopard to Snow Leopard).

[nav13eh]

As a twist to the discussion.

Microsoft have just announced student pricing for the Win7 upgrade ... a fairly impressive $29.99.

The Official MS "741" Website (http://www.win741.com/).

Ironically, I found out about this through a story on the Macrumors website (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/18/microsoft-matches-snow-leopard-price-with-windows-7-but-only-for-students/), where they were saying that this pricing is in response to the Apple Snow Leopard pricing. But seriously, would a user with a Windows machines say "Screw Microsoft charging me $150 for an upgrade ... I'm going to buy a $1200 Apple Macbook Pro so I can pay $30 for a Snow Leopard upgrade."

The marketing logic seems flawed to me, especially since Microsoft doesn't charge $30 for what is essentially a Service Pack release (Leopard to Snow Leopard).

I agree with you. Actually some tests that PC World have done show that Snow leopard crashes more often than Windows 7. They also show that Snow Leopard is less secure than Windows 7, and (here is the in your face part for Apple) Windows Vista SP2. Can you believe it! I couldn't either. Apple is just another Software company, and this is one of there more bad times. Besides, Apple just released a 64-bit OS (a little late, Windows XP had 64-bit). When macs become more popular more viruses will be targeted toward them and Apple won't be prepared. It will need security software too.

Blue Screen of Death, Spinning pinwheel of death. It's all the same.

[davmoo]

When you cut through all the BS and get right down to reality, the *ONLY* difference between Apple and Microsoft is Apple has better marketing and "snob appeal".

[tokenuser]

I agree with you. Actually some tests that PC World have done show that Snow leopard crashes more often than Windows 7. They also show that Snow Leopard is less secure than Windows 7, and (here is the in your face part for Apple) Windows Vista SP2. Can you believe it! I couldn't either. Apple is just another Software company, and this is one of there more bad times. Besides, Apple just released a 64-bit OS (a little late, Windows XP had 64-bit). When macs become more popular more virus will be targeted toward them and Apple won't be prepared. It will need security software too.

Blue Screen of Death, Spinning pinwheel of death. It's all the same.OSX has been capable of running 64bit applications for quite some time now. Snow Leopard just upped the ante and is now a 64 bit OS in its own right (which is a significant part of how it got its recent speed boost). You'll notice that Apple dont distinguish between OSX and OSX-64 like Microsoft did with Windows - because it doesn't need to.

There is a lot of rhetoric about the security of Windows vs OSX ... but most of the viruses in the marketplace today are actually Malware, and not actually viruses. The difference is that Malware is a Trojan Horse, and needs to be invited onto your system. To install software on a Mac, you need to explicitly grant access by typing in your password (provided you have admin rights). Most Windows users just log in with admin rights to begin with, and the challenge/response step of installing software is skipped over anyway. Finally, being based on a Unix kernel (BSD) the underlying architecture is inherently more secure from the issues that Windows has in terms of buffer overflows executing wayward code in unaddressed memory space.

So - yeah, on the surface, OSX is less secure, but its also less susceptible because a) malware needs to be explicitly installed, and if you get infected via those means your a damn fool anyway, b) fewer OSX machines does mean that the OS is not as good a target as Windows boxes, c) the underlying BSD kernel is tighter than Windows.

I am running OSX (10.5.x) and XP SP2 on different machines. Both are rock solid, and neither BSoD/Beachball unless I do something stupid on them.

My point on the pricing was that it doesn't really mater what MS charge - the users aren't running OSX, and are unlikely to switch to OSX because the Snow Leopard upgrade is cheaper, so price wars are pointless.

Oh - another brief point. Apple are not a software company, they are a hardware company. They only have an OS so that they control the total platform. Apple makes its money on the hardware - the margin on software is minimal.

[nav13eh]

OSX has been capable of running 64bit applications for quite some time now. Snow Leopard just upped the ante and is now a 64 bit OS in its own right (which is a significant part of how it got its recent speed boost). You'll notice that Apple dont distinguish between OSX and OSX-64 like Microsoft did with Windows - because it doesn't need to.

There is a lot of rhetoric about the security of Windows vs OSX ... but most of the viruses in the marketplace today are actually Malware, and not actually viruses. The difference is that Malware is a Trojan Horse, and needs to be invited onto your system. To install software on a Mac, you need to explicitly grant access by typing in your password (provided you have admin rights). Most Windows users just log in with admin rights to begin with, and the challenge/response step of installing software is skipped over anyway. Finally, being based on a Unix kernel (BSD) the underlying architecture is inherently more secure from the issues that Windows has in terms of buffer overflows executing wayward code in unaddressed memory space.

So - yeah, on the surface, OSX is less secure, but its also less susceptible because a) malware needs to be explicitly installed, and if you get infected via those means your a damn fool anyway, b) fewer OSX machines does mean that the OS is not as good a target as Windows boxes, c) the underlying BSD kernel is tighter than Windows.

I am running OSX (10.5.x) and XP SP2 on different machines. Both are rock solid, and neither BSoD/Beachball unless I do something stupid on them.

My point on the pricing was that it doesn't really mater what MS charge - the users aren't running OSX, and are unlikely to switch to OSX because the Snow Leopard upgrade is cheaper, so price wars are pointless.

Oh - another brief point. Apple are not a software company, they are a hardware company. They only have an OS so that they control the total platform. Apple makes its money on the hardware - the margin on software is minimal.

Basically what I am saying is that apple is not the perfect little company it portrays to be. Nothing is perfect. Every company has its ups, and downs. Microsoft had it with Vista, and now Apple is having the same kind of problems with Snow leopard. Macs are awesome, don't get me wrong, but they aren't perfect.

[tokenuser]

Basically what I am saying is that apple is not the perfect little company it portrays to be. Nothing is perfect. Every company has its ups, and downs. Microsoft had it with Vista, and now Apple is having the same kind of problems with Snow leopard. Macs are awesome, don't get me wrong, but they aren't perfect.As a shareholder of Apple, they ARE the perfect company ... and all the fanboy drones who need the latest and greatest shiny thing from Cupertino just push up the EPS rating on the stock ;)

[nav13eh]

As a shareholder of Apple, they ARE the perfect company ... and all the fanboy drones who need the latest and greatest shiny thing from Cupertino just push up the EPS rating on the stock ;)

I guess being a share holder you have to like apple, because you get money from them.

[tokenuser]

I guess being a share holder you have to like apple, because you get money from them.You are confusing the products with the company. I like the company. They make products people want.

I get no money from Apple. I give them money - and they give me a (virtual) piece of paper that says "Thanks for giving us money, we'll pay you back when you choose to sell. It might be more, it might be less ... it depends on the fanboys and Steve are doing."

This thread isn't about Apple - and that was not the intent of my post. I was pointing out that the price for a Win7 upgrade could be significantly cheaper (in line with Snow Leopard) if you are a student.

[computoman]

At the educational institution where I used to work, if you were a cs student you could get XP pro for five dollars and office was under twenty dollars. I would have to ask my brother whether there are any deals in place for w7.

[nav13eh]

This thread isn't about Apple - and that was not the intent of my post. I was pointing out that the price for a Win7 upgrade could be significantly cheaper (in line with Snow Leopard) if you are a student.

I agree, but I feel it is necessary for a pc user to get what they deserve from Microsoft Windows 7 will help do that.

[tokenuser]

At the educational institution where I used to work, if you were a cs student you could get XP pro for five dollars and office was under twenty dollars. I would have to ask my brother whether there are any deals in place for w7.My wife gets a similar deal - but it depends on the pricing negotiated with the university. Faculty have been advised to hold back software purchases with MS until Oct 1 when new (better) pricing comes in.

[nav13eh]

At the educational institution where I used to work, if you were a cs student you could get XP pro for five dollars and office was under twenty dollars. I would have to ask my brother whether there are any deals in place for w7.

If you no of any deals, that would be great!

[davmoo]

At the educational institution where I used to work, if you were a cs student you could get XP pro for five dollars and office was under twenty dollars. I would have to ask my brother whether there are any deals in place for w7.

A few years ago the universities near me didn't limit it to CS students. If you were a student or faculty of anything in the University that produced a valid university ID, you were entitled to discounted software. I was taking a class at the time and bought Office 2003 FOR $5. Even the local community colleges had deals like that.

As far as I know they still have the deals in place, but I have no idea what the pricing is now. Microsoft ain't dumb. They know that what you use as a poor and penniless student is probably going to be what you stick with when you graduate and (hopefully) have money.

[nav13eh]

Ok so I'm thinking of running 64-bit, my computer supports it and has 2GB of RAM. But reading around, I am told that you would need 64-bit drivers, which Sony doesn't have (why offer 64-bit support than).

[tokenuser]

Ok so I'm thinking of running 64-bit, my computer supports it and has 2GB of RAM. But reading around, I am told that you would need 64-bit drivers, which Sony doesn't have (why offer 64-bit support than).Windows has built in generic support for much of what you'll find on a computer.

Can't find a 64bit driver for the Buffalo Super Giga Ethernet Combo Wifi Card /w BT?? Chances are that the Broadcom chipset is supported.

Ditto graphics (there are a limited number of manufacturers), northbrodge/southbridge controllers, etc.

The drivers found in W7 should be more inclusive that those available in Vista. Google around "sony 64bit driver" and see what people are complaining about.

[nav13eh]

Windows has built in generic support for much of what you'll find on a computer.

Can't find a 64bit driver for the Buffalo Super Giga Ethernet Combo Wifi Card /w BT?? Chances are that the Broadcom chipset is supported.

Ditto graphics (there are a limited number of manufacturers), northbrodge/southbridge controllers, etc.

The drivers found in W7 should be more inclusive that those available in Vista. Google around "sony 64bit driver" and see what people are complaining about.

The only problem with the generic driver, is that there is a device in sony laptops called sony event device, and basically what that is are quick launch buttons near the power button. I've got all of these working in a dual boot with Windows 7 RC using all the Vista drivers. They all work 100%, even though Sony hasn't released Windows 7 support yet.

[nav13eh]

I've just learned that Windows 7 OEM is about 100 dollars cheaper than the retail version. should I get this version instead. What is the difference???

[davmoo]

I've just learned that Windows 7 OEM is about 100 dollars cheaper than the retail version. should I get this version instead. What is the difference???

The biggest difference is the key is permanently tied to the first machine you install it on. You cannot move it to another machine later (which you can with a retail copy).

If you don't intend to do major upgrades to your machine, like changing the motherboard, after you install Windows 7, then go for the OEM and save a few bucks. If you like to upgrade a lot, however, go with retail.

[nav13eh]

I might just go with the retail then.

[davmoo]

I might just go with the retail then.

For Joe Average User the OEM version is fine. That's what ships with Dell, HP, Toshiba, etc. Its tied to the machine.

But most viewers of Tekzilla are not Joe Average User. We like to upgrade things. And since Microsoft won't tell us specifically what triggers having to re-register the key, and thus what kills that OEM key, the OEM version is almost like playing Russian Roulette...with 5 bullets.

[nav13eh]

But most viewers of Tekzilla are not Joe Average User.

Well not Joe average or I wouldn't care.

[nav13eh]

With Windows 7 coming out next week, my new question is, who is upgrading?

[davmoo]

My main laptop and media box are already running Windows 7. My main desktop is dual boot (actually triple, because Linux is on here too)...I have so damned much installed on it that I don't immediately want to go through all that again to reinstall everything. I'm seriously considering the idea of, after doing a full backup, doing an in-place upgrade just to see what happens.

[nav13eh]

Check out this pole life hacker did on who is upgrading to Windows 7. Very surprising 86% are upgrading. And in the comments, there is a very angry Mac addict called MacAttack7388. the name fits his attitude.

http://lifehacker.com/5385153/86-of-you-are-upgrading-to-windows-7

200 posts already!

[nav13eh]

Windows 7 is coming, fame or shame vote here:

http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31130

[nav13eh]

I have one very, very last question (sorry, I keep saying that), just to confirm all the tutorials, articles, and info I have read or been given. Do I absolutely need the full version of W7? Before I buy I want to triple check. Lets say I have a valid XP Disc full version (which I do) can I install fresh without an OS?

[tokenuser]

I have one very, very last question (sorry, I keep saying that), just to confirm all the tutorials, articles, and info I have read or been given. Do I absolutely need the full version of W7? Before I buy I want to triple check. Lets say I have a valid XP Disc full version (which I do) can I install fresh without an OS?Yes, but you will be prompted to insert the XP disc or enter the product key at some point in the process.

[davmoo]

I have one very, very last question (sorry, I keep saying that), just to confirm all the tutorials, articles, and info I have read or been given. Do I absolutely need the full version of W7? Before I buy I want to triple check. Lets say I have a valid XP Disc full version (which I do) can I install fresh without an OS?

If you can stand to wait a day or so, I'm going to check this on an install in the morning just to make *abso-friggin-lutely* sure this still holds true after release. But with Vista and Windows 7 up to now I have used the following method and not had to produce a disc of a previous version even when using "upgrade" keys (its your key that determines whether you have an upgrade or a full version, the media is all the same).

Back up what ever data you need and wipe your hard drive clean. Boot up with the Windows 7 media and start the install process. When it asks for your key, do NOT enter one. Leave it blank and let it install as a 30-day demo. After the installation is completely finished, open up the "System" screen and click on "change product key". NOW enter your actual product key and let it authenticate online with Microsoft. And wham-bam-thankyoumam you should be good to go. Without having to find your old disks and keys and shuffle the damned things around.

Like I say, if you can hold off a bit on purchase I'll verify that this still works now that the release is official. But it worked for me as recently as this past Monday before release.

[davmoo]

Okay, here's the poop on that.

If I use the media that is *downloaded* from Microsoft using the links that come with the upgrade keys bought through the Microsoft Store, I cannot install using the method I described above.

If I use the downloaded media from my Technet Plus subscription, however, it works perfect using those very same keys that I just got Thursday.

The Technet media is *supposed* to be the same as retail media, but I'm not positive on that. I won't have an actual "known to be the same as what's in the store on the shelves" DVD for a couple of days yet.

I do know that the ISOs downloaded from the Microsoft Store are NOT exactly the same as what comes in the retail package.

So at this point I'm going to suggest that if you go with an upgrade package, make sure you know where those old XP or Vista disks and keys are.

[nav13eh]

Ok, that pretty much answers it! I most definitely will not be downloading anyway. But say it didn't work can I just input the XP Disk or key instead of installing it and then installing W7. If I can do what Davmoo, and Tokenuser, mentioned I don't mind holding onto the XP disk. No Problemo.

One more thing, can I install it on more than one PC.

[davmoo]

One more thing, can I install it on more than one PC.

Not with the same Windows 7 key, no.

[nav13eh]

Not with the same Windows 7 key, no.

If it works with XP and W7 RC why not with the RTM?

[nav13eh]

I have decided that I'm going to pick up a copy of the Windows 7 Home Upgrade at my local staples, they have it $15 off! After reading fourm posts like this:

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1462259

and blog post like this:

http://windows7news.com/2009/10/22/how-to-clean-install-from-windows-7-upgrade-media/

of people testing it out yesterday to find an answer.

Once I pick up the disk at my nearest convenience (it could be a few days) I will report back on what you can and cannot do with a upgrade disk. It should answer mine, and everybody else's questions.

Wish me luck!

[davmoo]

If it works with XP and W7 RC why not with the RTM?

Because starting with Vista, Microsoft massively tightened up on key checking...one key, one installation...unless you happen to have a quantity license like HP or Dell, etc.

The RCs for Windows 7 only had a handfull of keys. Nobody got "exclusive" keys. The final release goes back to those exclusive keys.

[nav13eh]

So I got my W7 Home Upgrade Disk and installed it in a Virtual machine for one test, can you install to an blank disk with upgrade media? The answer: Yes, somehow, yes?!?! So I'm wondering, How in the world did that happen? It doesn't make any sense. Isn't the upgrade disk suppose to check for a previous Windows install?

[tokenuser]

So I got my W7 Home Upgrade Disk and installed it in a Virtual machine for one test, can you install to an blank disk with upgrade media? The answer: Yes, somehow, yes?!?! So I'm wondering, How in the world did that happen? It doesn't make any sense. Isn't the upgrade disk suppose to check for a previous Windows install?Were you prompted for an XP/Vista key/disc at any point? Upgrade media can be used for a clean install ... but in the past it has asked for a disc/key to be inserted to authenticate.

[nav13eh]

Were you prompted for an XP/Vista key/disc at any point? Upgrade media can be used for a clean install ... but in the past it has asked for a disc/key to be inserted to authenticate.

No, It didn't ask for anything. It just installed like a full disk would.

[davmoo]

No, It didn't ask for anything. It just installed like a full disk would.

The one thing that is consistent about Microsoft is their inconsistency :-)

[nav13eh]

The one thing that is consistent about Microsoft is their inconsistency :-)

Well I have got everything prepared for tonight. I'm install it on my currently vista Laptop (Sony Vaio NR120E). Sony is retarded because they saying that my system doesn't support W7, though I know it does so there nit offering W7 drivers. though the Vista one I've tested and work fine. Once I have on me primary machine, I'm going to do some testing to see exactly what you can and cannot do.

[nav13eh]

Just Installed W7, Five thumbs up! One tip for anybody that uses Kaspersky internet security 2009, it doesn't work. Download the trail version of the 2010, and put in your 2009 key, it works like magic! (not really, but it helps). It didn't know WMP 12 supports apple formats.

[johnl12]

I have not tried an upgrade like that myself (although I may try it on a spare system just to confirm what I'm about to say), but everything I read says you can upgrade from 32 to 64 just as easy as from 32 to another 32 or 64 to another 64. Just make sure you buy the 64-bit upgrade.

This is not completely correct. You can only do a "in-place" upgrade if your going "32 bit to 32 bit" or "64 bit to 64 bit" OS. To do a 32 bit to 64 bit or 64 bit to 32 bit must be a clean install.

Windows 7 upgrade path explained
http://mybroadband.co.za/news/Software/10145.html

No matter which path you choice you can use the upgrade disk.
Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media
http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp

[nav13eh]

OK so I'm rock'n Windows 7 (Gangster sign intended) and to reply to me recently saying just to get Kaspersky 2010 if you 2009, ignore it. Why? Well there is a bug that runs a quick rootkit scan that actually takes for ever. Kaspersky does know about it and are working on it. But if you already here is how you disable that scan:

http://forum.kaspersky.com/lofiversion/index.php/t141678.html

trust me, it is not as easy as one might think.

I will work on testing the clean install with upgrade media myth.:)

[nav13eh]

Well Kaspersky 2010 really messes up the glory of a fresh W7 install, so if i'm always going to be behind a Router firewall could I use Avira Free for antivirus for about 2 months, until the 2009 Kaspersky subscription runs out on the other computers and I get a new security suite. My question is, will I be safe?:rolleyes:

[nav13eh]

OK so My hard drive every so often goes inaccessible, with the HDD light gone solid. Does any one know what is happening? remember, my computer is not freezing, just access to the hard drive.

[tokenuser]

OK so My hard drive every so often goes inaccessible, with the HDD light gone solid. Does any one know what is happening? remember, my computer is not freezing, just access to the hard drive.How much RAM you got? What are you trying to run at the time? Have you tried to manually configure the memory usage yourself or have you let Windows do its thing? What virus scanner are you using? Is this a clean install and could it be trying to index files for its search indexing?

Lots of questions, but I think you can see where I am going.

Might be worthwhile putting the process manager up on the screen full time so you can see if there is a particular process that is also maxing out when the HDD goes full on.

[nav13eh]

How much RAM you got? What are you trying to run at the time? Have you tried to manually configure the memory usage yourself or have you let Windows do its thing? What virus scanner are you using? Is this a clean install and could it be trying to index files for its search indexing?

Lots of questions, but I think you can see where I am going.

Might be worthwhile putting the process manager up on the screen full time so you can see if there is a particular process that is also maxing out when the HDD goes full on.

1- I have 2GB of RAM.
2- Sometimes just a Google Chrome.
3- I never touched it (if your talking about the paging file).
4- I use Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 (regret it).
5- Clean install, never thought about indexing (disabled it in Vista).

I've run resource monitor and was lucking enough to have it happen. What is really bizarre is the Disk I/O went to nothing and the highest active time went to 100% for almost exactly 60 secs. The Disk is spinning, but not making any noise. the temperature is fine too.

Weird, right?

[nav13eh]

Windows 7 has been running well for a week, except for the above issue^ Does any one know what could be happening? Just reinstalled W7, didn't change a thing. Thanks in advance!

[davmoo]

Windows 7 has been running well for a week, except for the above issue^ Does any one know what could be happening? Just reinstalled W7, didn't change a thing. Thanks in advance!

Are you sure the hard drive is good?

[nav13eh]

I've run some scans with HD Tune it it comes back good. But what I'm wondering is if an incompatible chipset driver is causing this. I've also posted in W7 Forums to see what they think. I might post on Microsoft forums too.

[davmoo]

I was going to ask if you've looked at the SMART status, but when looking it up I find that HD Tune does that, so the answer is yes you have. So yeah, I'm gonna have to go with "driver issue" too until someone can show different.

[johnl12]

OK so My hard drive every so often goes inaccessible, with the HDD light gone solid. Does any one know what is happening? remember, my computer is not freezing, just access to the hard drive.

Okay this is a new issue. You created this thread about Windows 7 upgrade or full version. I just reread this en-tired post and found no system specs listed.

This really should be a new thread. This thread is now at 8 pages and now has a new topic at 8 pages. This makes it hard to follow. Anyone who wishes to help will first read the all 8 pages which have nothing to do with you new issue.

This is now a Tech Support issue. Please start a new thread.

[nav13eh]

Well I have got everything prepared for tonight. I'm install it on my currently vista Laptop (Sony Vaio NR120E). Sony is retarded because they saying that my system doesn't support W7, though I know it does so there nit offering W7 drivers. though the Vista one I've tested and work fine. Once I have on me primary machine, I'm going to do some testing to see exactly what you can and cannot do.

So answers to the questions. You can indeed install W7 with an upgrade disc on a blank HDD with a registry trick, or a double install. You CANNOT install on more than one computer with the same Product key (I respect that) it will just give you a message like; "You can't install this product key on more than one PC" and then gives you options to buy a second key. I hope this clears up some trouble as now I have confirmed all the news.