Please let me know if this will cause install problems

[Oddbio]

I recently built a new computer so it had no OS on it, and I decided to install the windows 7 RC to test it out. It worked great and the RC expired today.
So now I want to use the windows 7 "upgrade" package to install full windows 7 64-bit.

I understand that I must have a previous installation of windows in order to do this, so what I'm thinking is the following:
What if I were to use a windows install CD I got online to install the full windows XP 32-bit version, and then using my VALID genuine windows XP 32-bit product key from an old laptop I have. I would be fine with never using the laptop again (in fact it doesn't even have windows anymore) so there shouldn't be a problem with moving the product key to my new system right?
Then I would use that windows XP 32-bit to upgrade with the windows 7 "upgrade" package to Windows 7 64-bit
Obviously this would have to a full re-installation and not actually an "upgrade".

I've read that it IS possible to use the "upgrade" media to go from XP 32 to win 7 64.
What I am unsure of is moving the product key from my laptop to this system and then going from there.

Please offer advice.
Thanks.

 

[gregrocker]

You do not need to install XP to use it as qualifying OS for Win7 Upgrade version.

On a new HD, use this workaround: http://community.winsupersite.com/b...-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-the-answer.aspx

Or run a Repair install immediately after clean install which wll allow use of Upgrade version key.

More information, screenshots and options here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

64 bit version will have no bearing on any of this. You can use either 32- or 64-bit with each license, your choice, one at a time.

 

[TimStitt]

I tend to purchase the upgrade version.
Don't put the key in key in when prompted during install.
After install put the key in manually, this works for me.
As Greg mentioned, you can use the 32bit key on the 64bit install, they're the same, providing that it's the same product release of windows (i.e. a key for 32bit Windows 7 Professional works on a 64bit Windows 7 Professional; but doesn't work on Ultimate edition).

PS: I have to laugh, I always see GregRocker and I on these posts.

 

[Oddbio]

Great very helpful guys thank you!

I just foresee one potential problem or source of confusion, the link you have me gregrocker says to

After performing the clean install, ensure that there are no Windows Updates pending that would require a system reboot. (You'll see an orange shield icon next to Shutdown in the Start Menu if this is the case).

Then it continues on to what to do next.

But... what if I DO see updates with the orange shield? What do I do then? It makes no mention of that, thanks.

I think I will give this a shot tomorrow.