Solved: move from vista to Windows 7/

[LouCopits]

I have been offered a slightly used laptop with Vista. How hard (and expensive) would it be to move to Windows 7 instead of Vista?

 

[lunarlander]

Just check out the price of the edition of Win 7 you want on your favorite computer store site?

I don't usually recommend upgrade installation of Windows. It is better to format and install.

 

[flavallee]

What do you mean by "slightly used"?

If it's loaded with the original owner's programs and personal data and other "debris", you really should format the hard drive and do a clean install of Windows 7.

A full version Windows 7 DVD is noticably more expensive than an upgrade version Windows 7 DVD.

Depending on whether you want to upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 or do a clean install of Windows 7 will determine which DVD you need.

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[LouCopits]

Just check out the price of the edition of Win 7 you want on your favorite computer store site?

I don't usually recommend upgrade installation of Windows. It is better to format and install.

The only time I tried a restore I lost all the drivers (not on this laptop).

 

[DoubleHelix]

As long as the computer is legally licensed for Windows Vista, you can use a Windows 7 upgrade disk and license to either upgrade to 7 or do a clean install of it.

 

[LouCopits]

Thanks!

 

[flavallee]

These "How To" articles should help you.

Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-vista-to-windows-7

Doing a clean install of Windows 7

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-vista-to-windows-7-custom

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[neil21stirling]

I have to agree with lunarlander, much better with a clean install with complete version of 7. Slightly more costly but much more worth it.

 

[DoubleHelix]

I have to agree with lunarlander, much better with a clean install with complete version of 7. Slightly more costly but much more worth it.

The difference between a a full and an upgrade Windows 7 purchase is the license, not the technology. If the computer is already licensed for Vista, only an upgrade license is needed. Purchasing anything else is a waste of money. You can do a clean install with an upgrade disk.

 

[neil21stirling]

Doublehelix speaks the truth, however its always much handier having a full copy.

According to Microsoft:
"In order to install the upgrade version of Windows 7, you must have a qualifying Windows operating system installed and activated. You cannot install an upgrade version of Windows 7 on a blank hard drive. The installation procedure does not ask you to insert a Windows disc in the drive for verification, the actual qualifying operating system must be installed."

Hence if for any reason hard drive needed formatted or no imaging software could be used for hard drive upgrades etc, you would still need a full licenced copy of windows 7 to install.

 

[flavallee]

I wanted to do a clean install of my Windows Vista Home Premium SP2(32-bit) computer instead of upgrading it to Windows 7 Home Premium(32-bit), but the Microsoft store wanted substantially more money for a full license over an upgrade license, so I made the upgrade.

I downloaded the upgrade file and was provided an upgrade license. I was also advised that I would be mailed a backup DVD at no cost. When the package arrived, I was surprised to see 2 DVD's in it - 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

It appears the same DVD can be used to make an upgrade or a clean install, depending on whether you have an upgrade or full license.

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[DoubleHelix]

You can do a clean install with an upgrade disk. You do not need to pay extra for a full license simply to do a clean install. You DO NOT need to install another qualifying product first.

 

[neil21stirling]

DoubleHelix, I appreciate that a completely clean install can be done with an upgrade disk but this is slightly againt the law. when installing Windows 7 onto a blank hard drive. You can even use the upgrade disc for doing this, but when it comes to activating Windows 7, you won’t be able to do it with the upgrade licence key, you need to use a key from the full edition of Windows 7 to run a legit copy of Windows 7.

Glad you got it sorted out though Flavellee and since you upgraded, are running a fully legit copy of windows.

 

[DoubleHelix]

It's not illegal. Contact Microsoft if you have doubts.

 

[neil21stirling]

Upgrade licence vs full licence

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/mssmallbiz/...rade-is-an-upgrade-what-you-need-to-know.aspx

and also !!!direct from Microsoft!!!

If you're running a genuine version of Windows XP or Windows Vista, you qualify for an upgrade copy of Windows 7. When you buy Windows 7, you can choose between the upgrade and full version. Both include the same features. If you have Windows XP or Windows Vista on your PC, you can use the upgrade version. If you don't, you'll need to get the full version.