Question by tonyromofan9: Windows 7 “Upgrade Version”?
How do upgrade versions work? Does it check to see if Vista/XP is already installed on the hard disk? or does it ask you to enter your XP/Vista serial key? Or does it ask you to enter your Vista/XP disc?
Also, i have an OEM version of Windows Vista. If I use that serial key to upgrade to Windows 7, will my Windows 7 edition be OEM as well? Because I plan to move to a new motherboard in the future so I want my Windows 7 copy to work on my current and future PC.
Also, how do you go about reinstalling if you purchase the upgrade version? Like if I wanted to format and reinstall is that possible? Or will it not let me use my Vista serial key again?
I know, a lot of questions. I want to purchase Windows 7 for cheap while it’s on pre-order but I’m not sure if I’d be better off getting the full retail version.
Thanks for the help.
Anon, that didn’t really answer any of my questions…
Best answer:
Answer by Anon
windows 7 and vista service pack 3 are nearly identical. Your vista serial key will not work for 7 and vice versa. You can use your serial key on up to 2 computers for personal use-per microsoft. Hope that helps.
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Since they’re not officially out yet, people haven’t confirmed.
It’s expected you need a genuine copy of Vista/XP installed and/or you need to insert your genuine disc during the installation process. You don’t enter your serial. You’d be able to fresh install via that method.
Your OEM disc may or may not be tied to the particular machine with which it came.
yetis answer is good except that as far as the oem cd goes it will work to upgrade to win 7. The new windows 7 will not be oem but will be retail (you will get a new cd key for windows 7)
An upgrade disk can do both an upgrade or a full install. An upgrade will install over your current vista install, while a full install overwrites the windows folder. When you upgrade you do not need anything except for the vista already installed on your hard drive. For the full install you just need to put the vista cd in when you are told to.