Windows 7: Upgrade questions

Hi. I'm currently running Win 7 Build 7100.



I plan on purchasing Home Premium. My computer was originally running Vista Basic. I did a clean install of the beta (no partition, Vista is gone). Can I purchase the upgrade copy or do I need to purchase the copy for new computers? Will I need to put Vista Basic back on my computer if I want to use an upgrade copy? If I can upgrade directly from the beta, is it best to do a clean install? I'm a little confused as to how this process is going to work.

Thanks!

You may not get a clear answer on this until the upgrade versions are on the street. Microsoft has not, as far as I know, published a complete list of requirements.

The safest assumption is you will have to re-install Vista, and activate it, before you can proceed with an upgrade license of Windows 7.

If you haven't deleted windows.old, you can restore the old OS from it:

How to restore a Windows 7-based computer to a previous Windows installation by using the Windows.old folder

It may be possible to upgrade from the RC (I suppose you mean that, as the Beta has expired). It would require making a modified version of the install DVD that changes version checking.

Engineering Windows 7 : Delivering a quality upgrade experience

Assuming I can get Vista Basic back onto my machine, can I use any Windows 7 upgrade, or only Win 7 Home Premium?

Windows 7 upgrade path chart...


source

So if I have Vista basic 32 bit, I can't use the Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit upgrade?

No... you cant upgrade 32 to 64bit... its a totally different architecture.. you will need to do a clean install..

Perhaps I wasn't clear. I plan on doing a clean install regardless, but my concern is whether I have to purchase the full version or just an upgrade copy of Windows 7. I assume that even with an upgrade copy you can perform a clean install. If that's the case, can I use a Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit upgrade copy to do a clean install over Vista Basic 32bit?

Yes according to the chart that was posted above you can

Ok... I thought that you wanted to do an in place upgrade rather than a clean install... Yes you can do as you have described...

Unless MS has changed the policy, The Windows 7 upgrade purchase is only valid for an equivalent level of Vista. See the "What are the "equivalent" Windows 7 products for Windows Vista?" below.

If I understand this correctly, you can't buy Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade and install it on Vista Basic.

But you can buy Vista Home Premium upgrade and load it on Vista Basic. Then after October 22, you'll get a free Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade that can be installed on Vista Home Premium.

Just be sure the Vista home premium upgrade you buy will come with the Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade on October 22. Seems there are some disclaimers that it's possible not all Vista Home premium upgrades will have the free Windows 7 upgrade option.

Hope this helps,

From the MS Windows 7 site.
"Windows 7 Upgrade Option:
How does the Windows 7 Upgrade Option work?
The Windows 7 Upgrade Option is available through participating PC manufacturers on selected PCs and through Microsoft on qualifying purchases of the Windows Vista packaged product. The Windows 7 Upgrade Option applies to Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate editions. Your Windows 7 upgrade will be to the comparable version: so you'll get either Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional (the upgrade to Windows Vista Business), or Windows 7 Ultimate, respectively. The Windows 7 Upgrade Option program runs from June 26, 2009 through January 31, 2010. Individual manufacturers may choose to offer the option for a shorter period on their PCs. Offer details, prices, and upgrade delivery methods will vary. For details for new PC purchases, please check the manufacturer's web site. For purchases of retail packaged software, please go to the Windows 7 Upgrade Option fulfillment site for retail packaged software.

What is the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program?
Specifically designated PCs that are pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, or Windows Vista Ultimate may qualify for an upgrade to the equivalent Windows 7 product. Similarly, in some markets, retail packaged Windows Vista software products (sold separately from PCs) may also qualify for an upgrade to the equivalent Windows 7 product. The upgrades will be provided to qualifying customers when the Windows 7 product becomes available on October 22, 2009.

What are the "equivalent" Windows 7 products for Windows Vista?
Windows Vista Home Premium -> Windows 7 Home Premium
Windows Vista Business -> Windows 7 Professional
Windows Vista Ultimate -> Windows 7 Ultimate"

EDIT:
From the MS site:
"Currently running Windows Vista
Upgrade your copy of Windows Vista today to be eligible for a free* equivalent version of Windows 7 when it becomes available."