Windows 7 - Upgrade question

I have a Windows XP PRO key. I don't have XP loaded on my system, and it's impossible to load (due to the key being OEM, and it being tied to an older computer that got fried). Would I be able to buy the Windows 7 upgrade disks, and use the XP code to validate the upgrade?


EDIT!
Called MS Multiple times, and came to an answer. Windows 7 can upgrade from XP, but I can't activate my copy because it's OEM. I will call MS back tommorow when I finish re-installing XP, and when I attempt to activate. Hopefully they will understand that the manufacturer that I bought from (the old PC) has most likely gone out of business. Headaches. Many headaches.

If there is another way I can take advantage of the upgrade disk, like the re-arm thing or doing the double install process, and the process WORKS, then please inform me ASAP.

I believe you can pop the XP disc into the drive when 7 installer asks - it will accept that.

Otherwise, do the famous double install dance - here's how:

Clean Install From Upgrade Vista - Vista Forums

The thing is, I don't have legal XP disks. I do have *shared* disks, but I'm skeptical to use them.

You can use those "shared" disks for the custom install method. You do not need to enter the previous OS's key. You only need to insert the previous OS during installation to "show proof" that you have a previous Windows OS that is a requirement of purchasing the upgrade disk.

Here is a Windows 7 installation and FAQ guide written by M$ that is pretty much the same thing as the previous guide mentioned here.

Installing and reinstalling Windows

I have a few computers I want to upgrade. One is a laptop I just bought @ bestbuy. It has windows vista 64 on it right now. I also have the windows7 beta on it (Dual Boot) Are we going to be able to buy a serial for the Beta?

I have legal OEM copies of windows XP home for the others. Can I buy the upgrade for all of them?
Best Buy is having a good deal if you pre order, and I want to take advantage of it.

You won't need a serial for the beta, however, it would be a good idea to hurry over to the Windows 7 download site and grab a copy of the Windows 7 RC before it is turned off to downloaders (remember the same key you used for the beta will work. Albeit, if you download a fresh RC from the Win 7 site you will be given a new key, and that will work with the Windows 7 Final when you upgrade. You really don't need the key only the RC, or a copy of Vista/Xp to run the upgrade (OEM's should work fine for upgrading). Enjoy and welcome to Windows 7 Forums.

I added more info to the original post, but here it is again.

Called MS Multiple times, and came to an answer. Windows 7 can upgrade from XP, but I can't activate my copy because it's OEM. I will call MS back tommorow when I finish re-installing XP, and when I attempt to activate. Hopefully they will understand that the manufacturer that I bought from (the old PC) has most likely gone out of business. Headaches. Many headaches.

If there is another way I can take advantage of the upgrade disk, like the re-arm thing or doing the double install process, and the process WORKS, then please inform me ASAP.

Just get an upgrade version for the version of 7 you want to install and do the double install method. It is almost certain to work just fine, however, I think that nobody can be 100% sure the double install method will actually work with the RTM version of 7 and an upgrade key until the RTM comes out and someone actually tries and verifies that it works with their upgrade key (which won't be available until 7 is officially released (i.e., general availability on Oct 22nd).

Both of the links that SIW2 and I have posted here show you how to perform a custom (clean) install with the upgrade disk.

Then it is settled. Windows 7 here I come! (God please let it work!)