Windows 7: W7 Prem Home Authenticity/Upgrade Qstn

I recently bought an HP Pavilion 6213w-b that came with Win 7 (64-bit) Premium Home Edition preloaded. I didn't get any CDs with it.

I also didn't get an installation ID string of 20 or more characters with it either, or if I did, I don't know where it is. The box that the PC came in is up in the attic full of Christmas decorations, so while I CAN get to it, it's a bit of a hassle.

So, if I upgrade to Windows 7 Pro Edition online, I've been told that all I'll probably get is an email with a new ID string, but will I need the old one to tell Microsoft that I have an authentic edition?

Regardless, I suppose I should have the current Home Ed's ID string written down someplace, so where can I find it or get it?

Also, I've seen some discussions on here on the value of doing a clean install vs upgrading, but I'm not all that PC literate, and I don't really want to risk losing what I've already transferred from my old PC to my new one plus any new stuff. Plus, being unemployed (the money used to buy the new PC was part of a job exit settlement), I'm pretty much played out financially when it comes to PC enhancements, so an upgrade copy sounds a lot less expensive than buying Windows 7 Pro's complete package.

Any ideas would be very much appreciated. I Googled something like "help for problems with Windows 7" and SevenForums.com came up - I'm so glad there's a central point for information and discussions from rational PC users who speak and write in English, mostly.

Thanks,

K3yP1ayer

If all you want is the key, without destroying the attic filing system, try this:

Magical Jelly Bean Software - Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v2.0.1

I think that is the number that you are referring to. It is the only one you may need.

Nice program richc46 bookmarked it for later. Fabe

TY Fabe, nice of you to comment.

Most computers have the Product Key on a Certificate of Authenticity attached to the back or side of the tower, or the underside of a laptop.

If you buy an Upgrade for another Windows 7 version you'll have to do a clean install, as MS wants you to use Anytime Upgrade between versions of Windows 7.

There is a way however to do an in-place Upgrade/downgrade between Windows 7 versions by adapting this popular workaround: Upgrade the Windows 7 RC to any retail version Icrontic Tech

This is redundant since the Magical Jelly Bean app was given, but Belarc Advisor will also give you your key plus keys for other programs that you have installed.

Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit

Your licence will look like this: