Windows 7: Win 7 upgrade using XP CD?

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.

It's not necessary to have qualifying XP or Vista installed on the system to clean install Upgrade version of Windows 7. You just have to have it on hand and not use it again while it is qualifying for Upgrade.

When you boot the Windows 7 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: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version 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: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

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....

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

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.

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

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.

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....