If an upgrade installation failed..

What would happen to the a previous OS if an upgrade installation failed to activate ?
Would it be lost, or could it be recovered from a recovery disc/drive or backup for that PC ?
Thanks, derricksmythe68.

could it be recovered from a recovery disc/drive or backup for that PC ?

Yes, it can be.

Be sure to make the Recovery disks to have as a backup to the more stable method of running the Recovery Partition from boot if necessary. Had you mentioned the brand PC we would already have linked you to the steps.

Do you have a genuine Upgrade version Product Key? If so why are you worried about it activating?

Hi Gregrocker. The install upgrade I refer to, is Windows 7 Premium onto an HP Pavilion Slimline desktop, with a Vista OS on it.The Windows 7 disc is an upgrade retail version (Genuine).Which is currently on my present PC. I will be upgrading from my current PC to Windows 8 in the near future. I understand it is OK if Windows 7 is only installed on one PC at a time, but I'm not sure, hence my concern regarding activation. Hope this makes sense.

derricksmythe68

derricksmythe68 said:

I understand it is OK if Windows 7 is only installed on one PC at a time, but I'm not sure, hence my concern regarding activation. Hope this makes sense.

Yes it is OK. One PC at a time.

You may have to go as far as talking to a Microsoft rep on the phone, but there's no reason you can't do it. Then install Windows 8 on the old PC that formerly had the Windows 7 license.

That sets my mind at rest considerably. Thanks very much.
derricksmythe68