Upgrade CD vs. Full Retail CD

[kathy025]

Forked from this thread, beginning post #114.

I have recently learned an Upgrade CD can be used to do a clean install. I have a few questions I would like to clarify. Below is a re-post of my inquiry from the other thread:

It can be but the Retail Upgrade will have a new license key with it.

install using OEM upgrade disc,

I was unaware of the presence of a "Retail Upgrade CD" vs. an "OEM Upgrade CD". :shock: I wasn't sure if the Retail/OEM licensing applied to Upgrade CDs as well, so thanks for that info guys.

Is it possible to buy a much cheaper Retail Windows 7 Upgrade CD, perform a clean install, and use the Upgrade's license as if it were the Retail key from the normally expensive Full Retail version?

I'm interested to know since I'll be buying Windows 7 for my Dad. I've mistakenly bought an OEM for myself, so if I can buy a Retail Upgrade with all the benefits of Full Retail (i.e. clean install, PC-to-PC transfer), I can save quite some money.

Can someone kindly confirm my above theory? Is this possible?

 

[marsmimar]

Until somebody else provides additional info, have you seen this tutorial?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

 

[kathy025]

Hi marsmimar,

The question here is not exactly "how to clean install from an Upgrade CD", but rather, is it possible to transfer an Upgrade license key PC-to-PC (one at a time) like you would a Retail license?

I have gotten a confirmation from Britton30's kind reply in this thread, but responses to further clarify this matter are still welcome here.

 

[theog]

Is it possible to buy a much cheaper Retail Windows 7 Upgrade CD, perform a clean install, and use the Upgrade's license as if it were the Retail key from the normally expensive Full Retail version?

View attachment 301268

Without the qualifying previous version of Windows, it would be a Illegal install.

 

[theog]

The Family Key is also a upgrade.

You can also upgrade Windows 7 Starter with a Pro Retail full key.
No install files needed.
Only the Upgrade key is need.
Anytime upgrade only adds-on the Programs & Features from version to version.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/95744-windows-anytime-upgrade-how.html

 

[kathy025]

I see. It is possible, but unfortunately, it will be illegal...

My Dad's laptop is second-hand. The original owner bought it with no OS and this owner bought Windows 7 separately. When the laptop was sold to my Dad, the owner took the Windows 7 (now I presume Retail) with him.

What may be your suggestions for a no-OS laptop?

 

[theog]

This is OEM Vista Business upgrade from Win XP. The same Windows 7.

View attachment 301270

View attachment 301271

Also with OEM Vista Business or Windows 7 Pro, you downgrade to Win XP with NO COA for Win XP.

View attachment 301272

 

[jgiels]

I have the family upgrade and when installing I have to do the registry edit of (I think it's re arm some thing) it will then auto register fine am able with family 3 pack to install on 3 different pc's. Yes I have older versions of windows for all three.