Upgrade Path from XP

HybridUK · 22 Oct 2009

Hi all,

Hopefully someone here can shine some light on this for me.

I've purchased and downloaded the UPGRADE 64-bit version of Windows 7. I have a blank HDD waiting to go into my machine. Am i able to just do a clean install of this straight onto the new HDD, or do i need the full retail version of this?

I'm currently using XP Pro 32-bit on my existing HDD, hence getting a new one in preparation.

I have a feeling i've wasted some money here.

Any help would be great.

Many thanks.

gregrocker · 22 Oct 2009

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It can be done but has to be booted, from what I have read.

You should probably first try it from XP since that is the method by which they say the qualifying OS activation will be read. It should prompt you to reboot for install.

But it may be able to read the XP activation from boot (which was said to be impossible) as there is a guy posting on Neowin tonight that he clean installed from boot successfully with Upgrade disk.

TheSchaft · 22 Oct 2009

Welcome to Seven Forums, HybridUK!

With the upgrade version, you need to have an installed and activated version of another Windows OS. XP will qualify. It should work if you put the new HD in the machine and point to that for the place to put Windows 7 during the install.

CIS · 22 Oct 2009

Hi Hybrid.

The official "Windows Upgrade Chart" (check here: http://mossblog.allthingsd.com/files...rade-chart.png) appears to make it quite clear that you can do a clean install of Windows 7 on a PC with XP installed using only the "UPGRADE" version (not needing the full retail version).

Near the bottom of the chart, notice the following:

*If you are upgrading from Windows XP, you will need to back up your files and settings, perform a custom (clean) install, and then re-install your existing files, settings and programs.

*To upgrade an earlier operating system than Windows XP (eg. Windows 95 or Windows 2000), you will need to purchase a full-license of Windows 7 and perform a custom installation.

This strongly implies that although you need a full-license version (i.e. not an upgrade version) of Windows 7 to upgrade from anything earlier than XP, you do not need the full version to upgrade from XP.

gregrocker · 22 Oct 2009

You did NOT waste your money if you really want 64, because you are entitled to that version with your XP license, I believe, so at worst you would have to obtain the disk and reinstall 64 bit XP if the Upgrade disk must be launched from it. You have to do a clean install anyway.

Be sure to make a backup image of the finished job so you never have to reinstall either again.

HybridUK · 22 Oct 2009

Thanks everyone. I shall let you know how i get on tomorrow.