Upgrade question/confirm what i'm thinking?

Hi...i've finished doing a clean install of 7 h.p. on the desktop (retail disks through Amazon pre-order program) and i'm ready to do the same to the laptop. Now, since my wife's grad-school is still valid, i took advantage of the $29.99 offer to students and i have the product key and download link from Digital River to pick it up. But i'm thinking i could just use the retail disks i already have (rather than the download) and simply use the new product key purchased through the student program... right? Just want to make sure that the product key is not somehow tied to the download product only.

Also, when moving from 32bit to 64, there is no upgrade option, correct?

thanks all!

papaSmurph said:

But i'm thinking i could just use the retail disks i already have (rather than the download) and simply use the new product key purchased through the student program... right? Just want to make sure that the product key is not somehow tied to the download product only.

Hi! First, product keys are only tied to the edition of Windows and sub-edition (In Windows 7's Case: Professional, Ultimate, Home Premium etc.).Now according to this site: Windows 7 US Online Store - Student Registration the offer is for Home Premium, so you'll have to make sure that the Retail Disks are Home Premium. If not then you should use the download.

papaSmurph said:

Also, when moving from 32bit to 64, there is no upgrade option, correct?

No, there isn't any upgrade option from ANY 32 bit system to a 64 bit system.And Vice-Versa. This is because they use different core drivers and system files.

ZeshanA
(Click the "Scales" Above a users post and click "I Approve" if they help you!

thanks for confirming my suspicions. Yes the disks are also Home Premium, so that shouldnt't be an issue. And it turns out the files from Digital River do not contain an actual ISO, they would basically be designed for someone who wanted to download and only upgrade (not clean install) the machine they're downloading to! There is an easy way to create the iso files: How to make a DVD of that student-only Windows 7 you bought for $29.99 but if i can just use my existing disk with the new product key, then that's what i'm doing.

He wants to know if he can use his HP disk to install Pro.

Should not be a problem.

When you are asked for the P.K. it should adjust to that key and install that version.

example:

You have a HP disk and a Ultimate code. Use the HP disk when you enter the ultimate code you would get ultimate.