Built new computer, Win7 Upgrade disc or Full?

Just built my new computer but realized that I can't use the same Windows 7 disc/cd-key that's on my old computer because it's only one per computer when I thought it was 3.

Looking at the prices on the Windows 7, it costs $119 for upgrade and $200 for full retail. From what I have read, when installing using the upgrade disc, it would detect my previous Windows version and if it's older than XP, or if there's no Windows installed, it would not activate Windows as it isn't a proper license and I would need the full retail one. Is this correct?

As much as I love Windows 7, I do not want to spend $200 on it when I can spend $119. I do have a Windows XP install disc lying around somewhere....could I install XP and then use the Windows 7 upgrade disc?

You can legitimately install W7 from an upgrade disk without any prior OS present.

There are some specific steps to take when you activate it, that's all.

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Thanks for the quick response.

What's the point of the $199 full retail version if I can just get an upgrade disc for upgrade/fresh install?

That's one you can ask Microsoft lol...

WiL11o6 said:

Thanks for the quick response.

What's the point of the $199 full retail version if I can just get an upgrade disc for upgrade/fresh install?

If you don't at least OWN a qualifying earlier Windows version (XP or Vista), you cannot legally use the upgrade disc.

But I'm sure a lot of people buy full, even though they own XP or Vista----they just don't know any better.

So technically, they both are the same disc and it installs the same way, but it's illegal to use the upgrade disc if you don't own any Windows version, and there's really no way they can check to see if you do?

I have all versions of Windows, I'm just wondering because it seems kind of silly to have both $119 and $199 versions when they are identical.

ignatzatsonic said:

If you don't at least OWN a qualifying earlier Windows version (XP or Vista), you cannot legally use the upgrade disc.

True, but you forgot to say the W7 upgrade annuls the licence on the former product, so anyone honest would just do the decent thing...

And trash their earlier OS install disk & key...

WiL11o6 said:

So technically, they both are the same disc and it installs the same way, but it's illegal to use the upgrade disc if you don't own any Windows version, and there's really no way they can check to see if you do?
.

As I understand it, it is totally on the honor system.

Your qualifying earlier version doesn't have to be installed and you are not asked to provide the old product key, so obviously MS has no way of confirming you own it.

Let's first clarify the status of your previous Win7 license which you assume is not transferrable, giving a reason which may not be correct. Why didn't you ask us about that first?

If it's a retail full or upgrade license it's fully transferable and can migrate wherever you want for life, unless it's Builder's OEM version which is locked to first mobo installed upon.

Any XP or Vista retail version qualifies for using Win7 Upgrade version, and it doesn't need to be installed. If the installer sees no OS when correctly booted to install Win7, it will reject Upgrade key up front, so leave it blank and do the quick registry workaround linked in Post #2.

The best deal on Win7 out there now is Home Premium 3-pack Family Upgrade for about the price of one license at Amazon, NewEgg and Buy.com.