Windows 7: In-place upgrade with retail / OEM / OSB / SB versions?

Hello

Is the in-place upgrade to Windows 7 possible with

a) retail versions
b) OEM / OSB / SB version?

Or do I have to buy this special "upgrade version"?

I only get contradictorily information (very frustrating!) and need advice from your side.


Thanks a lot!

Wolfgang


P.S. Yes, I know about the pros and cons in general regarding in-place upgrade vs. clean installation

Yes, in-place upgrade is possible using full retail, or from manufacturer's OEM. Builders OEM is installed to new hardware and then locked in place, but qualify as an upgradable OS to a higher version.

Most economical of course is the Upgrade version, even installed to new HDD as long as you have the qualifying XP/Vista to back it up in case of future elevation to MS phone activation person (rare) during reinstall. But making a Windows 7 Backup Image makes reinstalls never again necessary.

Hope this answers your question. If not, everything is parsed here: What Microsoft won't tell you about Windows 7 licensing | Ed Bott’s Microsoft Report | ZDNet.com

Hey Greg, thanks for your answer!

Strange, but the OEM retail (full-) version is cheaper than the official Upgrade version

Therefore I'd prefer to get the OEM version. But I was told that in-place upgrades are not possible with it. Only with the retail (or the upgrade) version.

So please excuse that I ask this: do you know that an OEM version will work as well for sure (e.g. did you try it by yourself) or do you know a trusted source of this info?

Thank you so much

Wolfgang

I have only ever heard of Builder's OEM being installed to brand new hardware, so others will hopefully know for sure if it can be used to in-place Upgrade Vista. ANYONE?

The greater concern with Builders' OEM is that it is locked to the hardware on that one machine so it cannot migrate if/when that machine dies.

A full retail or Upgrade version can migrate freely as long as it is on only one machine at a time. I have seen a $150 family 3 pack of Premium upgrades, which is the magical $50 each price given us beta testers.

Thanks for the hint, you're absolutely right. And I'm aware about the pros and cons regarding OEM and retail versions. Usually notebooks I buy will have the OS already installed, I just need to upgrade my current machine.

The in-place update is according to my information not possible with the family 3 pack.

I'll be happy for all hints.

The family 3 pack I have seen is an Upgrade license. In place upgrade is therefore available on Vista, but XP requires a clean install. You can also boot from the DVD to do a cleaner install, even to formatted metal: http://community.winsupersite.com/bl...he-answer.aspx

Actually I would like to buy the ordinary OEM / OSB / SB version.

Does anyone know if the in-place upgrade to Windows 7 is possible with this version?

Thanks a lot!

Wolfgang

Hi Wolfgang, we meet again!

Yes. Have done it on two machines. You just have to remember an OEM version is tied to the computer and hardware configuration in which it was installed in the first place. If you make hardware changes or later want to install it on another computer, you have to reactivate it by phone and explain what did you change or why you want to transfer the activation to a new computer.

Retail versions, full and upgrade, can be normally reinstalled and reactivated.

Kari

I will also confirm what Greg and Kari have mentioned.

You can upgrade-in-place from Vista with the Windows 7 OEM version.

Wow, so great to hear, that's music in my ears - THANKS!

So I'll order a OEM version tonight, yupiieee!!

There's a shop that sells the Ultimate OEM for $119 where you only get the key and a link to download the software. Looks serious though.

Do you think that can be trusted and the price is fair?


kind regards,

Wolfgang