Windows 7 - Vista Ultimate to Win7 Home Premium?

Super quick question.

OS Install Path:

XP Home OEM 32-bit
Vista Ultimate Retail Upgrade 64-bit
Windows 7 RC1 64-bit

Can I buy a Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional retail upgrade and use the valid license from the Vista upgrade or do I need to purchase the full retail version?

Thanks much!

You can buy the upgrade.

I don't recommend that path, though. I recommend doing a clean install. It is possible to do a clean install with an upgrade version.

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Too much junk will get left behind upgrading from XP.

Take a look at these posts:

http://www.sevenforums.com/installat...-problems.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/installat...ng-windows-7-a.

Questions to use for help with Installation Issues

Clean Install Windows 7

USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create

Jon, thanks for the quick response.

A clean install is what my intention was; apologies for not being clear.

The initial purpose of my question was if the Vista license would be usable with an upgrade version of Windows 7, alleviating me from having to purchase a full retail version - saving me some money.

You don't even need to touch Vista. XP is a qualifying OS, so therefore you are qualified to do a clean install with the Upgrade license.

No, a Vista license will not work for 7. You need to buy a key. Upgrade keys can be purchased for $120.

Yes, your Vista license is a qualifying OS.

Maybe I should clarify. You cannot activate Windows 7 with a Vista key.

woah, hold on.

when i upgrade from xp to vista ultimate, the vista deactivated my xp key. that's what the installer notified me off, at least.

now, i have that vista retail upgrade with the standard issue key that came with it. 16 digits or however long it is.

can i use that key when the windows 7 upgrade prompts me for it? or, do i need to purchase a full retail version of windows 7?

You can use the Win 7 upgrade.

Yes you can use a Windows 7 key, but not the Vista one. I wouldn't say it's common, but there's a misconception that you can use a key from the previous OS to install the upgrade of 7.