Solved How do I upgrade full liscence version of 7 home x 64 to 7 pro x64

[dnh1981]

Good Morning,

I am putting together a new custom build. I currently have windows home x64 (full lis), and intended on reusing the HDD and OS with the "transfer to new computer" tutorial. However, I want to take advantage of 32 GB of ram with the new build and would like to upgrade to win 7 Pro *(full lis) to migrate HDD if i want in the future*, but I would like to keep all my files and settings as they are now. Pictures/songs etc, I am not worried about, but I would like to have all exsisting game programs etc remain installed in thier root directory's through the home to pro full liscence upgrade. Do I need to do anything special to the system besides sys prep, and is thier an upgrade option between to full liscence copies that will not prevent future HDD swaps to a new motherboard/custom build?

Thank you in advance

Dave

 

[bobkn]

The normal way is to do a Windows Anytime Upgrade:

Windows Anytime Upgrade - Microsoft Windows

What I can't tell you from personal experience is whether you can use a key other than a special Anytime Upgrade key to do the upgrade. I believe that you could use either a Win7 Pro retail upgrade key or full retail key, but I don't know from personal experience.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes you can use a Win7 retail full or Upgrade key for Windows Anytime Upgrade - How to - Windows 7 Forums
although you get a price break using Anytime Upgrade key.

Have you compared editions to know for sure you need the few extra expensive feature in Pro version? Compare Windows 7 Editions - Windows 7 Forums

I would make a Win7 backup image of Premium before the Upgrade and then of Pro afterwards, so you don't have to double reinstall in the future. But if you have less than a perfect install of Premium, I'd take this opportunity to follow the same steps as for Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which will assure you have a perfect install.

 

[dnh1981]

I have a full version of home premium, however my key is in storage in another hemisphere. I am using 32 gb of ram in a new custom build I am assembling, and I decided to upgrade to pro to make use of the 32 Gig. I was hoping to retain my files I currently have, and my current OS is still running pretty clean. However, I want to be able to transfer my copy of windows 7 again in a couple of years when I do another build. Upgrading using the retail 7 pro key sounds like it would prohibit future motherboard upgrades. I decided to use my passport and back up all the media and documents. I am going to do a clean install with the win 7 pro dvd, and re-install all the desired programs and drivers, then reload the media as necessary from my WD passport. I was considering using a new harddrive, however I have a 500gb WD that has been running flawlessly for 3 years. I don't want to change it out considering that the drive still indicates optimal function.

 

[gregrocker]

You can migrate any retail copy of Win7 except OEM to any other hardware you want as often as you please. Retail Builders' OEM and Factory OEM stay tied to the same mobo.

The key for a retail copy can be audited from the HD using Belarc Advisor.

If you want to change the HD or OS via image to completely different hardware then first you should SysPrep to move HD to another computer or look into Paragon or Acronis imaging with Adaptive or Univeral Restore features.

 

[dnh1981]

Thank you guys,

Greg, Belarc showed me everything I needed to know, however I decided to go with a new HDD to go along with the new OS that is arriving. I am going to keep this system full OS intact on this rig. Thank you for the great advise.