Question concerning Windows 7 Family Pack Upgrade

Later in the month I'll be helping my dad build his new PC, and I've been leaning towards the Windows 7 Family Pack so we can upgrade all our PCs to Win7 64-bit. The only problem with that is the fact that it is an upgrade version. Right now I still have my Windows 7 32-bit OEM CD, so I've been thinking:

Would I be able to upgrade my Windows 7 first, then install the 32-bit OEM version on my dad's new PC, and then upgrade his? If this wouldn't work then I can just tell him to buy a single license HP or Professional, but it'd be nice if we could upgrade all of our PCs to Windows 7 64-bit.

You can use either 32 bit or 64 bit with each license, and Family Pack has 3 separate licenses which can be used if there is any qualifying XP or Vista which came with the machine, or a retail copy you have on hand and don't use during the time it is serving as qualifier.

You do not need to buy another license to reinstall 64 bit for your OEM version, just get a 64 bit installer. What version is it?

gregrocker said:

You can use either 32 bit or 64 bit with each license, and Family Pack has 3 separate licenses which can be used if there is any qualifying XP or Vista which came with the machine, or a retail copy you have on hand and don't use during the time it is serving as qualifier.

So would my OEM copy work with the method I described, or would I need a retail version instead?

gregrocker said:

You do not need to buy another license to reinstall 64 bit for your OEM version, just get a 64 bit installer. What version is it?

My OEM copy came with a bundled kit from Tiger Direct, and they told me I'd need to buy a new license if I wanted 64-bit. It's the 32-bit version, and I don't have any 64-bit install CD.

You can use either 32- or 64-bit with each Win7 license no matter what Tiger Direct told you. These are terms of the Win7 EULA, not something that a third party retailer can legally modify.

I would not give up the OEM license without trying to reinstall in 64 bit using the official Win7 with SP1 ISO here: Official ISO Downloads Windows 7 Home Premium x64 English.

Download and burn to DVD or write to flash stick using this tool: Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool

Then boot the installer to clean reinstall following these steps to get a perfect retail OEM reinstall - same as for factory OEM: Reinstalling Windows 7

If necessary Activate Windows 7 by Phone - Step-by-Step Guide.

bigmck said:

The second one can be used on your Dad's IF he has a retail XP or Vista that he is not using on this machine. The disk can be laying in a drawer, it does not need to be installed.

Ah, then I guess that won't work then. His current machine he bought from Compaq, and as far as I know he doesn't have any retail version; just the Windows reinstall discs that came bundled with it.

gregrocker said:

You can use either 32- or 64-bit with each Win7 license no matter what Tiger Direct told you. These are terms of the Win7 EULA, not something that a third party retailer can legally modify.

I would not give up the OEM license without trying to reinstall in 64 bit using the official Win7 with SP1 ISO here: Official ISO Downloads Windows 7 Home Premium x64 English.

Download and burn to DVD or write to flash stick using this tool: Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool

Then boot the installer to clean reinstall following these steps to get a perfect retail OEM reinstall - same as for factory OEM: Reinstalling Windows 7

If necessary Activate Windows 7 by Phone - Step-by-Step Guide.

Wow, wish I knew that about two years ago. Thanks for pointing that out.

Since I'll be able to upgrade my version for free, and because my dad doesn't have a retail version of a previous Windows, I guess I'll just tell him to get Professional instead. Thanks for the help.

If you or your Dad know anyone with a retail copy of XP or Vista laying around which they are willing to give up then you have the qualifier "on hand." It doesn't need to be installed.

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version