Resolved Upgrade from WinXP Home to Win7 Home questions

I presently have WinXP Home Upgrade from Win98. Can I use a Win7 Home Upgrade program? I assume a fresh install would be the best choice. If so, would I insert my Win98 or WinXP Upgrade CD when it asks for proof of previous OS?

I notice Ebay has Win7 Upgrade CDs for sale. Can a previously used Win7 Upgrade be used on a different computer? What do I need to know about this before making a purchase?

Any other advice about this transition would be appreciated.

 

There is an upgrade program and a full program. I'm wanting to know if I can use an upgrade program to move from WinXP Upgrade to Win7 Upgrade.

If I buy a product key from someone who has upgraded their computer to Win8, will I be able to use that key on my computer? Are there things I need to do to be able to do this? Can I use the same product key to upgrade my backup hard drive on the same computer or another computer?

 

I would get a full version of Windows 7. Did you run the windows 7 upgrade advisory tool http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20

 

I ran the upgrade advisor tool, and all looks fine. What would be the advantage of getting the full version rather than the upgrade version?

 

Sorry I should have worded my post That I prefer a full OEM version of win 7. You can still perform a clean install with an upgrade version disk. I prefer a clean install it gives you a fresh copy of the OS to work with. I know some people that had some problems with disks from e-bay,but, for the most part you shouldn't have a problem ordering from them. I get my disks from TigerDirect.

 

What difficulties would I have to deal with if I buy an upgrade product key from someone who has upgraded to Win8?

 

Hi Barry. This link will show what can be purchased:http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Operating-Systems-/11226/i.html?_dmpt=UK_Computing_Software_Software_SR

I just installed W7 Pro 64bit on a Hard drive and I'm posting this message on this unit now. It was cheaper for me to get one from the UK rather than pay twice the price for a DVD from local sources. It arrived in 7days without any problems.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions
Have a look here for differences in editions. Neil.

 

Steve, I'm sensing you are saying a key can't legally be sold to someone else, once that computer has been upgraded to a newer OS. If that is the case, I'll stick to new products only.

Neil, I'm a bit confused about all the Win7 products that are being offered. I'm not sure that UK Ebay offers products much cheaper than US Ebay. People are offering Win7 discs originally designed for Dell or HP, but say they can be used on non-brand home-made computers, also. I made my own computer. There are also discs for refurbished computers that may work the same, along with reinstallation discs. I've always used 32 bit systems. Are there advantages of 64 bit, or will it just be a headache regarding all my other programs?

There is also an OEM Professional System Builder Pack. The cost for this pack is the same as a full Windows 7 Ultimate. Would one be better than the other?

Any clarifications or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-nz/windows/32-bit-and-64-bit-windows#1TC=windows-7
This link will answer questions about 32bit and 64bit and what your System needs to be to handle 64bit.
From your System Details, you're running same/similar CPU to mine and the M/B (Gigabyte) will tell you if it's 64bit capable.
Prices of Ebay UK may not vary much between Ebay US, but I'm in New Zealand and there is quite a difference in money values.
It cost me $126.00NZ to import from UK whereas to buy local W7 Pro 64bit DVD would cost $200.00NZ. Cheers Neil.

 

According to Belarc Advisor, here is what I have:
3.20 gigahertz AMD Phenom II X4 955
256 kilobyte primary memory cache
512 kilobyte tertiary memory cache
64-bit ready
Multi-core (4 total)
Not hyper-threaded

Board: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-790XTA-UD4
Bus Clock: 200 megahertz
BIOS: Award Software International, Inc. F2 12/03/2009

 

With Win 8.2 coming out, is it better to buy Win7 or Win8? They are both about the same price.

 

Apparently, I can run a 64 bit OS, but would that complicate my other programs? I wouldn't want to end up with complications for a little speed improvement. I am open to any recommendations members might have.

 

If you can get win 7 ultimate for the same price as the system builder pack. I would go with the win 7 Ultimate 64 bit. If you can find an OEM version of Win 7 Ultimate that's ok to. I only buy OEM disks but that's my preference. You shouldn't have any problems with programs. Why not back up all important data and then reformat the drive then install Win 7. This way you have a fresh OS to work with, just suggestion. WOW just looked outside what a snow storm we're having. Should have watched the weather channel.

 

The OEM version must stay on and die with the PC.

The Full version can be moved from PC to PC.

 

I'm jealous. We've been going through a drought for too long. It's challenging when you draw your water from your own well.

I noticed the cheaper (by one penny) offer was no longer available on Ebay, so I bought a Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32/64 bit - Full Version, new in box for $90.01. There are still 2 left (at $90.02), if anyone is interested.

I also bought new RAM, raising my RAM to 16GB and will now install Win7 64 bit.

 

Excellent.

 

Don't buy the $90 Ultimate from Ebay. Ebay is pulling all those listings.

 

I have a desktop with an OEM version of Win 7 Ultimate. I replaced all the hardware, used the same OEM version disk, used the same product key, and didn't have a problem with installation.