I have a legal full version of Vista Ultimate. I am currently running Win 7 RTM Ultimate. I haven't activated yet. I have two questions: 1. If I buy the Win 7 ultimate upgrade version, can I enter it's product key and then activate? or 2. Can I load the upgrade version on a freshly formated disk like in the old days and then the installer would ask you to insert your qualifying disk for the upgrade. Thanks.
We won't know for sure until next Thursday, But I'm afraid it looks like #2 is a, no.
An upgrade must be installed onto an activated equivalent XP or Vista. It appears MS is closing the old Vista loophole. Another rumor is the used Vista/XP key will become invalid as long as your using the Win7 upgrade key.
Be sure to get a good backup image after everything is running smooth and it's activated. Re-installing will likely require Vista/XP to be installed first activated (by phone to MS) then the Win7 upgrade.
Not exactly sure about what question #1 means. But, Yes you can enter the product key then you have 30 days to activate.
Disclaimer already mentioned.
kegobeer makes a good point.
Anywho, I don't think you'll be able to activate the full version with an upgrade key. It wasn't possible with Vista* so I don't see how it will be possible now.
*With Vista you had to upgrade over top of itself in order to activate using the upgrade key. So, you were actually activating the upgrade install, not the full one. That trick might not work anymore with Windows 7.
1) No you cannot activate RTM with an upgrade key, but you can with a retail key. I just did using the Windows 7 Ultimate Sigature Edition.
2) You need an activated OS (even the RC) on the drive you start the disk from, but you can install to a second hard drive and then swap it with the VIsta/XP HDD. No other drives should be connected. If for some reason the boot loader is put on the XP/VIsta drive, just run startup repair.
1) No you cannot activate RTM with an upgrade key, but you can with a retail key. I just did using the Windows 7 Ultimate Sigature Edition.
2) You need an activated OS (even the RC) on the drive you start the disk from, but you can install to a second hard drive and then swap it with the VIsta/XP HDD. No other drives should be connected. If for some reason the boot loader is put on the XP/VIsta drive, just run startup repair.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the answers. I will purchase the retail version. I have a friend who works for Microsoft so it wont be that much.
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