Upgrade Question

Hi All

I searched but didn't find anything. Hopefully someone can tell me this.

I have an upgrade for 7 ultimate 64bit, which I have used on my desktop. From memory, I put the serial in after the install - so given that...

My girlfriend has just bought a HP laptop that is eligible for the free upgrade to 7, running Vista home Premium 32bit (note my dvd is 64bit). Rather than me paying $20USD to have the upgrade disc delivered, can I use my disc to install, then just use her vista serial to register? Or do I need a 7 serial, so I have to wait for the disc to arrive?

I read that you can change files on the disc so I install the correct version of 7 to make sure it is all legal...

Just trying to save $20USD and the time it takes to deliever. It's a bit of a shame to get a new laptop, then use it a month, get it all working how you like it, then upgrade...

I want to ensure at the end of the day it is legal. I don't want to end up with an unusable copy.

Cheers
Chris

I believe you would need a 32 bit disk

Edit: Take a look here

You need the Win7 activation key which comes with the Win7 Upgrade kit.

A Vista key will not work for Win7 Upgrade ever under any circumstances.

Hi, From that site

Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows?

No. If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows.

If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows, you'll need to back up your files and then perform a Custom installation of the 64-bit version of Windows. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows.

So it looks like that is possible in a technical sence - the catch would be is the serial from Vista going to work though?

gregrocker said:

You need the Win7 activation key which comes with the Win7 Upgrade kit.

A Vista key will not work for Win7 Upgrade ever under any circumstances.

OK, thanks that is what I needed to know.

Bit dissapointed I'll put the order in and wait...

Cheers
Chris

valtonray said:

like greg said you will need the windows 7 upgrade disk because it's the only way you get the key. it's worth the 20 bucks don't sweat it.

yeah I didn't mind the money - just trying to avoid the wait :)

Cheers

You can install the OS in 64 bit if you want, then insert the key when it arrives. You'll be able to extend activation timeout up to 120 days.

Extract files to desktop from your DVD, delete ei.cfg in Sources folder, recompile into ISO to burn to DVD using same dropdown menu on page where ISO is rebuilt: Bootable ISO - Create from Installation Files

Now clean install same version as key will be for: DVD will scan HD during bootup, see prior OS to pass flag allowing Upgrade key. Leave key blank for now, extend 30 days as needed: Use any version of Windows 7 free for 120 days

Suggest you make Vista backup disks in case you ever need to restore to factory condition, or save a backup image of Vista so you have a path back. Always back up files.

Thanks Greg :) I might give that a go.