upgrade from xp to 7, what media ro buy.

[tdrclan]

what windows 7 pro media do I need to upgrade from xp home.
( looking at the PRO version, mainly for the xp mode option)

as I understand it, a clean install is required.
which as i understand it. the retail media version of windows 7 is only version that you can use for this(running about $200+). and the upgrade media version (running about $125) will not work,(even if it was from xp pro to win7 pro.).

TIA
Tim.

 

[BionicJohn]

You can upgrade from WinXP to Win7 (assuming your hardware is adequate) but it's not as simple as inserting the disc and watching it all happen while drinking tea.

You will need to backup all your data and then reload it all, using the supplied utility.

You will save money this way, but if you ever need to re-install Win7 (e.g. after a failure of your C: drive) you will need to install WinXP first, then Win7.

There are supposed to hacks to allow a clean install from an upgrade disc, but AFAIK, none of them are guaranteed to work.

More info about installing and licensing here:

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/clean-install-with-windows-7-upgrade-media-get-the-facts/1505

Liverpool: Capital of Culture 2008
Anfield: Capital of Football since 1892
Iechyd da! John
Glannau Mersi, Lloegr.

 

[vacunita]

Actually according to Microsoft the upgrade path from xp to 7 is not supported. So as was said you'll Ned to perform a clean install.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd772579(v=ws.10).aspx

If you need to run xp mode and assuming your hardware can a tally handle it, you,ll need to buy the full retail version of either 7 Pro or 7 Ultimate.

----------------------------------
Phil AKA Vacunita
----------------------------------
Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

Web & Tech

 

[tdrclan]

I seen the MS video on upgrading from XP and needing to use the custom option/clean install (also using the Windows transfer tool.) but it did not mention which media version was need.

just a few media option that I've seen:
1-windows 7 retail
2-windows 7 upgrade
3-windows 7 system builder
4-windows 7 x86

as far as I know:
(option 1 - needs no previous version,
option 2 - will upgrade Vista but may or may not upgrade XP,
option 3 - may or may not validate, if it not a valid OEM i.e. Dell, etc and may need OPK tools installed and it is only available to registered OEM's
option 4 - ????? not sure what this version is)

I seen too many conflicting posts about which media to use.
(even Microsoft isn't clear about which media to use to upgrade from XP)

Thanks

fyi:
had a copy of windows 7 system builder but after reading several posts (again too many conflicting posts), I did not want to open the package and them not be able to return it, when/if it would not work/install or validate as Genuine.

 

[vacunita]

As said before the upgrade is not supported so the upgrade media is a no go. the retail version should be the only viable option of performing a clean install without any hassle.

As far as the x86 option, that just refers to the pc architecture. X86 is not really an install media type rather a type of computer. X86 for 32 bit pc's and x64 for 64 bit platforms.

Most retail install media contain both architectures for installation.

----------------------------------
Phil AKA Vacunita
----------------------------------
Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

Web & Tech

 

[tdrclan]

Thanks, I'll see what that link can tell me.

like I said too may conflicting posts about it.


( from the "can you get a stright answer from MicroSoft" dept)
and...
according to this microsoft site you should be able to upgrade from xp (all versions) to win7 pro. (using custom option)

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/html/pbPage.Windows_Upgrade_Matrix

 

[tdrclan]

I think the confusion is the MS Terms.

I think upgrade refers to "in place", keeping your files and settings, and non-upgrade means "clean install" only, format you HD and start over.

so, one might be able to use the Upgrade version but will lose the setting and files (if the transfer tool is not used)

But I'm still not 100% on this.

 

[linney]

Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp

Here is something worth knowing.

"It may seem confusing, but here’s the solution: PCmover Upgrade Assistant. XP to Windows 7? No problem! Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Professional? Yep, we do that. How about Vista 32-bit to Windows 7 64-bit? Of course!"

PCmover Upgrade Assistant

http://www.laplink.com/pcmover/pcmoverupgradeassistant.html

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...FamilyID=1b544e90-7659-4bd9-9e51-2497c146af15

How to use Windows Easy Transfer to migrate files and settings from one Windows-based computer to another Windows Vista-based computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928634/en-us

Description of Windows Easy Transfer for Windows Vista or 7.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928635/en-us

 

[BadBigBen]

Here is a Step by Step How-To, even if it talks about the beta version, it still works the same way with the retail version...

Upgrading Windows XP Professional SP3 to Windows 7 Ultimate (beta build 7000)

http://www.petri.co.il/upgrading-windows-xp-professional-sp3-to-windows-7-ultimate-beta.htm

the following may also be of interest:

Windows 7 Upgrade Paths

http://www.petri.co.il/windows-7-upgrade-paths.htm

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[micker377]

I used a simple method. Got a new hard drive, installed fresh copy of Win 7. Installed my Win XP drive as a slave. Put new links to my old programs on my Win 7 desktop as I needed them.

 

[kjv1611]

tdrclan,

I'd want to ask these questions:
1. Do you NEED to do an in place upgrade, or can you in any way see the possibility of doing a clean install, and then installing what of your applications you still need (there may be some you do not even use)?

2. After you install this, are you wanting to keep the same coy of Windows on this same machine, or do you foresee needing to move it to another machine in the near future? If you do not think you'll need to move it, you can go with an OEM copy of Windows 7, and save a little money - without it being an Upgrade disk. For example:
NewEgg Listings for Win7 Pro OEM (32 and 64 bit editions)

I've heard of micker377's idea working before, but right now, if you don't NEED to buy another hard drive, it'd be an expensive route to go, since the prices have skyrocketed (well, I've not checked in the past week).

Also, if you are wanting to do an upgrade to avoid reinstalling programs, that's a bad choice, in my opinion. I think the benefit of a cleanly installed system is far better than keeping all the old settings, not having to reinstall.

And if you are concerned about the time to install the programs you use, it's likely that many of them can be "auto-installed" by the little download application at

http://ninite.com

- assuming this is a home user install, not in a business. For a "pro" license, you have to sign up on a monthly contract, which is rather steep I think.

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

 

[tdrclan]

kjv1611,


Looks like an "in place" upgrade from xp to win7 is out and I prefer to format and start over (get rid of bloatware etc..) was just about ready to format and reinstall XP Home over again but need win7 for BF3


there is a Tranfer tool (MS WET?) that can move files and settings to a flash or HD, which might help but this is a gaming machine, so there are no or few files or settings I need/want to move.

so,
I can't and don't want to pay $200+ for the full/retail media If can get the upgrade media $150 and do the samething.

I had a copy of the OEM version but conflicting posts indicated that the OEM version lic was not the same as it was in win2k and that the OPK was needed to be pre-installed and that you need to be a registered OEM to get the OPK and the OEM MEdia may not validate with MS if you did not install it correctly and you only get one try.(so I returned it, can't afford to take the chance)

so,
I'm looking at either the retail/full or the Upgrade version, and doing a clean install with either. just would like to know if I can use the Upgrade media to install to a machine that has XP or is it going to say "sorry version not supported and you can't even use this disk to do a clean install". every once in a while MS will do this. can't upgrade 4-5 versions back, they're starting to make it 1-2 versions.


I've seen the new egg product which states that XP is a version that the Upgrade media version will support but also saw else where that it may not.

summing up,
what I'm looking for is:
1) did anyone have XP home sp3
2) and use the UPgrade media
3) to do a clean install to windows7 64bit Pro.
4) and validate/activate it as Genuine with MS.

TIA
Tim

 

[kjv1611]

I had a copy of the OEM version but conflicting posts indicated that the OEM version lic was not the same as it was in win2k and that the OPK was needed to be pre-installed and that you need to be a registered OEM to get the OPK and the OEM MEdia may not validate with MS if you did not install it correctly and you only get one try.(so I returned it, can't afford to take the chance)

If it were true that only "real OEMs" could buy it and use it, then the legitimate software vendors, such as NewEgg, would not be able to sell it currently. I can say that I've purchased and installed both the OEM and Retail disks/licenses with no issue with either, so I'm not sure where the problem lies. As far as support from Microsoft anyway, you get one free support call (if I remember correctly), and thereafter, you pay a rediculous price on the hour, and frankly you'll get better support from places like this forum.

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

 

[Freestone]

From

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/windows-7-professional.aspx

(click on the Before you buy tab:

Decide to buy an Upgrade or Full product
All editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista qualify you to upgrade. So, if you're running either on your PC today, buy a package labeled "Upgrade."

Understand the upgrade process for your PC
Moving to Windows 7 Professional from Windows Vista Business qualifies as an upgrade. All other paths, including a move from a 64-bit edition of Windows Vista to a 32-bit edition of Windows 7, require a more detailed re-installation process.

To me, the first paragraph says XP Home is qualified for an upgrade, and the second is saying you'll be doing a clean install.


As far as the OEM version, technically you must be building or refurbishing a PC with intent to sell. NewEgg has a disclaimer prominently displayed for each Windows OEM 7 version they sell referring to the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. And when supplying an OEM license, you, the distributor, assume all support for Windows 7. No free call to Microsoft.

Here is the Microsoft OEM System Builder License, in English:

http://oem.microsoft.com/public/sblicense/2008_sb_licenses/fy08_sb_license_english.pdf

 

[tdrclan]

the concern that I had about the OEM version, was the mixed messages that I found on the NET.

for ex:
A CNET article about the OEM version stated that MS was changing their licensing of the oem version and the some MS websites stated that it was not valid for people like me to install a copy on machines that we build and use BUT other MS websites stated that it was ok to do this.

Tim

 

[kjv1611]

Basically, if you can do without the one free call to MS, which I'd suggest you should if you're installing it yourself anyway, then save a little money, and use the OEM.

The way it actually works is this:
1. You install the OEM copy on Machine1 (whether literally just built or not - the software has no way of knowing).
2. You connect to the internet to activate, success.
3. Machin1 crashes, you build another one.
4. Install same OEM license on it.
5. Try to activate - failure.

The idea is supposed to be that retail = you get Microsoft support, OEM = no MS support. Well, what's 1 phonecall worth anyway? Really.

Anyway, you're totally safe installing OEM, but if it gives you a warm fuzzy to pay the extra $100 to $200, then get your warm fuzzy. Then again, depends upon whether you intend to use the same copy of Windows later on a different machine, or allow it to die with where it's installed.

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

 

[BionicJohn]

summing up,
what I'm looking for is:
1) did anyone have XP home sp3
2) and use the UPgrade media
3) to do a clean install to windows7 64bit Pro.
4) and validate/activate it as Genuine with MS.

I went from WinXP Pro SP3 to Win7 Pro 32 bit, using the Upgrade Disk. (Win7 64 was a non-starter for for me - incompatibility with many of my existing applications and a general absence of drivers for some of my old hardware, though there's more 64 bit drivers around these days.)

Yes it worked, using the Transfer Utility. I transferred all my data/accounts to a NAS drive, and then added them back when Win 7 was installed. It's a messy and lengthy process, and if you use the transfer utility, make sure all you have a second copy your data, emails, address books, fonts, &c. to minimise risk of loss. I certainly wouldn't want to do it again.

Activation was straightforward.

In retrospect, I should have bought an OEM or Retail version Win7 and a new C: drive, and not tried to cut corners.


(BTW Linney, I get a 404 with

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp

)

Liverpool: Capital of Culture 2008
Anfield: Capital of Football since 1892
Iechyd da! John
Glannau Mersi, Lloegr.

 

[linney]

See if this link works any better.

Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media: The Answer

http://www.winsupersite.com/blog/su...indows-7-with-upgrade-media-the-answer-138936

Clean-install Windows 7 from the upgrade disc

http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/clean-install-windows-7-from-the-upgrade-disc/

 

[jlockley]

If this is a desktop, may I make a suggestion, having just done a Vista to 7 upgrade (Which required a clean install). It would also, technically speaking, give you the right to purchase the much more affordable oem version:
Make a dual boot system. Install the new drive and temporarily disconnect the old drive. If you haven't done this before, don't worry, it's kind of like Legos with any machine under eight years old.
Install Windows 7 on the new drive. When it has done all of it's upgrading, etc, turn off the computer and plug in the first drive. When you reboot you will either receive the Post screen, or your screen will tell you to press Tab to get to the POST screen. Your Post screen offers you both systems. Take windows seven. Your original screen will contain your data and an operating system you an resort to if you forgot something or can't use it on Windows 7.

If it is a laptop you can, of course, use a new drive and put the old one in a drive case, which can be used to boot, but I believe you need to visit the bios to do that. Still......