Going to be buying Windows 7 but confused...

Spirit of Iron said:

Bill2 said:

The Upgrade disk can be legally used for a clean install only if one owns a previous qualifying license (XP/Vista), its an honor system. A full version can be used without such a requirement. As a result, the upgrade version is somewhat restricted. In your case E.g. you have an OEM vista I think. So lets say you move to win7 with the upgrade disk, now say after a few months this computer dies- to use the upgrade disk with another computer you'll need another qualifying license (XP, Vista) because as per EULA the vista oem license will die with the original computer.

OTOH, a full license is freely transferable as long its being used on only one computer at a given time. But yes, the price difference is substantial.

Regarding the install, yes I would format the existing windows partition (using the drive options offered), then install win7 there. If you dont, a windows.old folder will be created containing files from the previous windows install- these files can actually be recovered from that folder so if you've already backed up everything important, you can ignore this option. There are good tuts here, go through those.

Thanks for they advice guys!

Bill2 I checked my If my Windows copy is genuine and it is, but you also correct it is an OEM like what you said. What does that OEM mean? Will it hold me back on some things?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and as such you'll get no support from Microsoft if the DVD proves to be faulty, unfortunately.

As Bill said, an OEM disc is tied to the computer it was first installed on so it is a bit restrictive if you want to install it on another computer if yours gives up the ghost.

However you can migrate the Win7 upgrade version to any other computer of your choice for life, as long as a qualifying XP/Vista OEM or retail copy exists and is not used during the period it is serving as qualifier.

So for example, if an HP laptop which has it's Vista upgrade to Win7 dies, the Win7 can migrate but needs another Xp/Vista copy to be used on the next machine, which can be OEM (came with machine) or retail (which also can migrate freely).

Spirit of Iron said:

What does that OEM mean? Will it hold me back on some things?

I would definitely go with the upgrade option.
Here's a brief description of license Product key types. You will have an OEM:SLP
Differences Between OEM Channel SLP, NONSLP and COA License Product Keys « My Digital Life

Yes, as mentioned earlier there is no big difference.
Regarding installation. I always like to format the driver before installing a new OS. Just to get everything cleaned out and started from scratch.