Install Windows 7 Professional over Windows 7 Home

[gbilly]

Help please! I bought my laptop with Windows 7 Home Basic (64 bit). I have a DVD with Windows 7 Professional (64 bit) (MAK). Can I install Professional over Home Basic without losing any of my programs or data?
Thanks guys !!!!!

 

[maxie]

Hi Welcome to Seven Forums.. Read the Tutorial in the Link below ...

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/95744-windows-anytime-upgrade-how.html

 

[Ranger4]

Help please! I bought my laptop with Windows 7 Home Basic (64 bit). I have a DVD with Windows 7 Professional (64 bit) (MAK). Can I install Professional over Home Basic without losing any of my programs or data?
Thanks guys !!!!!

If your computer is private stand alone one & not part of a company that you work for, then no you can't use that DVD, if you do you will have all sorts of problems & you will not be able to activate it. Refer to this MS website for a description on the MAK requirements.

Understanding MAK Activation

 

[gregrocker]

Which of the few extra expensive features do you really need, as otherwise its the same exact OS? Compare Windows 7 Editions - Windows 7 Forums

I would keep the license which came with the PC that you own for life unless you have a clear path to use a MAK key on there from the IT Pro who administers it.

 

[gbilly]

Thanks guys, but because I live in South Africa I cannot do an anytime upgrade. Looks like format and install from the beginning. I need to create a Homegroup and Home Basic cannot do it.

 

[gregrocker]

Use the same steps as for a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 paying close attention to how drivers are handled in Win7 and the Special Note for Samsung Owners at the end.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[gbilly]

Thanks gregrocker. If I do this, will I lose my drivers and programs already installed?

 

[AddRAM]

If you format and do a clean install you will loose everything on that partition.

Get all your drivers while you still have a working machine.

All you really need is your network (ethernet) driver so you can get online.

Windows update will take care of most of the drivers, if you need more then go to the manufacturers website.

Backup all your data before you start

 

[ignatzatsonic]

By definition, a clean reinstall will cause you to lose already installed programs.

You have to do the necessary to reinstall them after the clean install.

You'd get new drivers from the Windows installation disc itself, during the installation process.

If you have hardware issues after the new install, you might consider searching for drivers other than those supplied by Windows, but otherwise no.

You should go to the Samsung website before you begin and download the Ethernet (NIC) driver. It's critical to have after a new install and should be provided by the Windows disk, but get it separately from Samsung as a safety precaution.