Win 7 upgrade using XP CD?

grindy · Dec 23, 2010

Hi all,

I have a system that recently "died" and just ordered the components to build a new one. I had purchased Windows XP for that system (the one that died) and have the CD.

My question is: Does owning the XP CD qualify me for a Win 7 "upgrade"? Or do I have to go thru installing XP from that CD onto my new system (which will no doubt force me to call Microsoft since as soon as I go online with it - it will not be seen as "Genuine" until I go thru that process) before I can use the Win 7 "upgrade" DVD?

I know that, in years past, doing an upgrade would let you simply insert the CD from the old version of Windows and it would accept that - as opposed to finding it already installed on the HD.

gregrocker · Dec 23, 2010

It's not necessary to have qualifying XP or Vista installed on the system to clean install Upgrade version of Win7. You just have to have it on hand and not use it again while it is qualifying for Upgrade.

When you boot the WIn7 DVD, it scans the HD's to see if any other OS is present which passes a flag allowing the use of Upgrade version key upfront - even if you then go on to use Custom>Drive Options to repartition and format.

If DVD doesn't see an OS - such as on a new or wiped HD - then it refuses the key upfront during install. The solution is to not give the key during install but wait until afterwards to do one of the workarounds given here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html Easiest is the registry change - set a System Restore point in case you goof. Then activate at Computer>Properties.

If you don't happen to have XP or Vista installed, then I'd use the opportunity to wipe your HD to overwrite all code since deleting or formatting doesn't erase possibly infected or corrupt code: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

Ivan the SoSo · Dec 23, 2010

Yes you can legally use a upgrade windows...No you don't have to install xp first....No windows 7 doesn't ask for the xp cd....

Dzomlija · Dec 23, 2010

grindy said:
Hi all,

I have a system that recently "died" and just ordered the components to build a new one. I had purchased Windows XP for that system (the one that died) and have the CD.

My question is: Does owning the XP CD qualify me for a Win 7 "upgrade"? Or do I have to go thru installing XP from that CD onto my new system (which will no doubt force me to call Microsoft since as soon as I go online with it - it will not be seen as "Genuine" until I go thru that process) before I can use the Win 7 "upgrade" DVD?

I know that, in years past, doing an upgrade would let you simply insert the CD from the old version of Windows and it would accept that - as opposed to finding it already installed on the HD.

Actually, it's pointless even trying to inplace-upgrade from XP, because it ends up doing a clean install anyway, as all it does is validate you XP is legit. You'll have to re-install all your other software again afterwards.

Only Windows Vista and lower-end editions of 7 itself qualify for an inplace-upgrade.

So save yourself some trouble, if not a few bucks, and go for a full version Windows 7, not an upgrade kit.

But if you already have the upgrade media, then try this: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

MacGyvr · Dec 24, 2010

There's absolutely no reason to buy the full version, ever. The upgrade disc will work in any situation, it just involves a few extra (simple) steps.

mikedl · Dec 24, 2010

MacGyvr said:
There's absolutely no reason to buy the full version, ever. The upgrade disc will work in any situation, it just involves a few extra (simple) steps.

Ever, MacGyvr ... really? There is if one doesn't have a qualifying version of Windows for the upgrade version, MacGyvr.

Technically, the install will go just fine but the licensing agreement would be breached.

Julio Cortez · Dec 24, 2010

MacGyvr said:
There's absolutely no reason to buy the full version, ever.

Well, there's a case in which I build a brand new PC and don't own any XP/Vista media that qualifies me for the upgrade. It's rare, but it can happen (e.g. I have XP installed on a machine but I build a new one while keeping the one I already have in working order > I can't use that XP license to upgrade as I'll be using it again on the "old" machine).

oops, mikedl beat me to it

mborner · Dec 24, 2010

To answer the OP's question directly, yes, XP is a qualifying OS for a Windows 7 upgrade. As gregrocker mentioned, an in-place upgrade is not an option. A clean install of the upgrade can be done and even approved by Microsoft. Just follow the links gregrocker posted.

alphanumeric · Dec 24, 2010

MacGyvr said:
There's absolutely no reason to buy the full version, ever. The upgrade disc will work in any situation, it just involves a few extra (simple) steps.

I bought the full version so I wouldn't have to go though those extra steps. IMHO it was money well spent and I don't regret doing it.

At one time I read that windows 7 wouldn't prompt you to insert the qualifying OS CD. Just having the media isn't enough. Your qualifying OS has to be installed activated and be genuine to be accepted. Mind you I read that many moons ago when Windows 7 was still in beta. Thats not really the case is it?

Ivan the SoSo · Dec 24, 2010

alphanumeric said:
MacGyvr said:

There's absolutely no reason to buy the full version, ever. The upgrade disc will work in any situation, it just involves a few extra (simple) steps.

Click to expand...

I bought the full version so I wouldn't have to go though those extra steps. IMHO it was money well spent and I don't regret doing it.

At one time I read that windows 7 wouldn't prompt you to insert the qualifying OS CD. Just having the media isn't enough. Your qualifying OS has to be installed activated and be genuine to be accepted. Mind you I read that many moons ago when Windows 7 was still in beta. Thats not really the case is it?

My ultimate didn't ask for anything...just follow the extra (simple) steps....but if you need support it would be advised to have the qualifying disk and key handy....

Lebon14 · Dec 24, 2010

MacGyvr said:
There's absolutely no reason to buy the full version, ever. The upgrade disc will work in any situation, it just involves a few extra (simple) steps.

>_>
Sorry but, if you want to stay true by the EULA, you NEED to buy a full version if you don't have a Vista or XP to upgrade from.

As for myself, I don't like to work around stuff I shouldn't worrying about when installing Windows... Also, I don't think an upgrade can be transfered to another PC... like an OEM licence.

My vote goes to the full version.

To OP : You don't need the XP CD at all... just pop the Win7 upgarde disc in... as long as the OS is installed on the hard drive.

Bill2 · Dec 24, 2010

Also, I don't think an upgrade can be transfered to another PC... like an OEM licence.

It can be because its a retail license- provided the requirement of a valid, qualifying underlying OS is fulfilled for the second PC and the upgrade version is completely uninstalled from the first PC.

Dzomlija · Dec 24, 2010

Lebon14 said:
MacGyvr said:

There's absolutely no reason to buy the full version, ever. The upgrade disc will work in any situation, it just involves a few extra (simple) steps.

Click to expand...

>_>
Sorry but, if you want to stay true by the EULA, you NEED to buy a full version if you don't have a Vista or XP to upgrade from.

As for myself, I don't like to work around stuff I shouldn't worrying about when installing Windows... Also, I don't think an upgrade can be transfered to another PC... like an OEM licence.

My vote goes to the full version.

To OP : You don't need the XP CD at all... just pop the Win7 upgarde disc in... as long as the OS is installed on the hard drive.

Me, even if it is more expensive, I'll always go for the full version of any product. Why, you may ask?

For starters, I don't need to jump through hoops to do a clean install with upgrade media.
Installation is quicker
And most importantly, it's a habit I picked up after I used to have to follow this procedure to install Windows 95:
1. Install MSDOS 5
2. Upgrade to DOS 6
3. Apply DOS 6.22 Step-up
4. Install Windows 3.1
5. Upgrade to Windows 95

I've essentially been using full-version media for Windows since I moved from Windows 95 to Windows ME, then to XP, to Vista and finally to Windows 7. And incase you didn't notice it, then yes, I did skip Window 98 (both editions). If ever you want to discuss Windows disaters with me, be sure to put Windows 98 right at the top of the list, ok?

mborner · Dec 24, 2010

Personally, I find the upgrade registry workaround to be so simple, I consider it mostly insignificant to a clean install. It takes all of what, 10 seconds?

MacGyvr · Dec 24, 2010

mborner said:
Personally, I find the upgrade registry workaround to be so simple, I consider it mostly insignificant to a clean install. It takes all of what, 10 seconds?

There's no registry workaround required. You simply install twice. The first time you don't enter a key, and the second time you do. If that's too difficult for someone, there's a larger issue at play!

mborner · Dec 24, 2010

MacGyvr said:
mborner said:

Personally, I find the upgrade registry workaround to be so simple, I consider it mostly insignificant to a clean install. It takes all of what, 10 seconds?

Click to expand...

There's no registry workaround required. You simply install twice. The first time you don't enter a key, and the second time you do. If that's too difficult for someone, there's a larger issue at play!

That's one way around it, sure, but I find that method to be about 100 times more time consuming than the registry/command line trick. Why install twice when you only need to do it only once?

alphanumeric · Dec 24, 2010

MacGyvr said:
mborner said:

Personally, I find the upgrade registry workaround to be so simple, I consider it mostly insignificant to a clean install. It takes all of what, 10 seconds?

Click to expand...

There's no registry workaround required. You simply install twice. The first time you don't enter a key, and the second time you do. If that's too difficult for someone, there's a larger issue at play!

Some of use don't mind paying a little extra to get a full version and not have to do any extra steps during an install. Also I think some people might actually take offense at that "too difficult" remark. I'm willing to do things on the up and up instead of cheating and you're going to insult my intelligence because of it?

Also I've seen at least two threads here where Windows 7 upgrade DVDs, even purchased directly from Microsoft, were not bootable. It ended up being a pain in the butt for those involved who were trying to clean install it.

mikedl · Dec 24, 2010

Dzomlija said:
Me, even if it is more expensive, I'll always go for the full version of any product. Why, you may ask?

For starters, I don't need to jump through hoops to do a clean install with upgrade media.

Installation is quicker

And most importantly, it's a habit I picked up after I used to have to follow this procedure to install Windows 95:

Install MSDOS 5

Upgrade to DOS 6

Apply DOS 6.22 Step-up

Install Windows 3.1

Upgrade to Windows 95

LOL, Dzomlija! Thanks for that.

That takes me back a few years. I can well remember those days. We sure have come a long way.

Win 7 upgrade using XP CD?

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