Can I upgrade to Windows 7?!

[kchyde]

So heres the story. My MB went out, and a friend of mine installed an Intel DQ45CB MB for me. It worked fine for about 2 weeks, then when booting up, a message box popped up that said my product key was invalid; so I cancelled out, and at the bottom right of the desktop screen it said 'This version of windows is not genuine'. So I called Windows and the lady told me since I installed a new MB I needed to run a recovery, and it would recognize the new MB on start up. So I did, and when it was trying to start up a box popped up that said 'System Configuration Error' 'Code Purple'. Now Windows is telling me I have to reinstall my OS, and then I can install the MB drivers. So I need to know if I can upgrade to Windows 7 while doing this? Even though my PC will not actually boot all the way up can I still install W7? And do I need to buy the full version, or can I just get the upgrade version? And since I have Windows Vista 32 bit do I have to get W7 32 bit? Thanks.

 

[Wallonn7]

So heres the story. My MB went out, and a friend of mine installed an Intel DQ45CB MB for me. It worked fine for about 2 weeks, then when booting up, a message box popped up that said my product key was invalid; so I cancelled out, and at the bottom right of the desktop screen it said 'This version of windows is not genuine'. So I called Windows and the lady told me since I installed a new MB I needed to run a recovery, and it would recognize the new MB on start up. So I did, and when it was trying to start up a box popped up that said 'System Configuration Error' 'Code Purple'. Now Windows is telling me I have to reinstall my OS, and then I can install the MB drivers. So I need to know if I can upgrade to Windows 7 while doing this? Even though my PC will not actually boot all the way up can I still install W7? And do I need to buy the full version, or can I just get the upgrade version? And since I have Windows Vista 32 bit do I have to get W7 32 bit? Thanks.

Hi and welcome to SF!
Yes, you can upgrade to Windows 7. But I suggest you do a clean installation, or do the backup files you need to keep in an external HDD and format the PC. Why?! You've got problems to start the pc, and upgrades from one version to another - on a previous installation - are notoriously difficult and time consuming. 64bit or 32bit version ... once you have 2GB of ram, not a good option for 64bit version, unless you are willing to spend some more and get two gigabytes.
Hope this helps!

 

[Bill2]

I see you have an HP pavilion a6300 desktop and this page tells me it has a foxconn mobo. (Correct me if this info is incorrect)

HP Pavilion a6300f Desktop PC Product Specifications - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Now, this new DQ45CB, is this an HP branded board? If not and if your vista came preinstalled then activation will go bust because OEM activation is tied to the mobo. Strictly speaking, you cant even use this vista copy any longer.

So please let us know- is this preinstalled, preactivated vista you're on? Also, click on Start orb, type msinfo32, then post a snip of that screen or note the contents and paste here.

 

[kchyde]

I really don't know if the DQ45CB is HP branded or not. And Vista came preinstalled on the PC. And I can't click on Start because the PC will not boot up. It gets to the 'System Config Error' screen, and tells me to call support, and that the PC will shut down automatically, and when I click 'OK' the PC shuts down. So about this 7 upgrade, do I need the full version, or just the upgrade disk?
And if I add some more RAM do I have to get the same exact RAM that's already in it (which I believe is DDR2 PC2-5300)? And could I get a 4GB kit to add in, and keep the 2GB in it also?

 

[Bill2]

You can do with the upgrade disk, remember you can also do a clean install with that disk. Only thing, after that you cant reuse that vista because vista + upgrade=win7. In other words the upgrade obsoletes the underlying OS license.

 

[kchyde]

Yeah that's fine. I don't care about Vista anyways. Just figured since I have to reinstall an OS, I might as well install 7. Thanks.

 

[kchyde]

Okay next question; where can I buy a genuine Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for a good price?

 

[DocBrown]

Okay next question; where can I buy a genuine Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for a good price?

NewEgg, TigerDirect, Fry's electronics, Amazon

 

[kchyde]

Okay thanks.