Solved Upgrade To Windows 7

[Del 80]

Hi, Left it a bit late, but planning on updating Windows Vista Home Basic to WIndows 7....first things first, I have checked that my computer is ''up to it''......it is......I plan to borrow an installation disc from a friend, what I need to know, is will the product code or key with the disc work ?......or does the upgrade work by using the old Vista product code ?......any help with this installation appreciated.......Del.

 

[AddRAM]

Are you upgrading from Vista with a upgrade disc ?

Or are you doing a clean install of Windows 7 ?

If your friend has already used the key then you can`t use it.

Answering the above questions will help to determine your options.

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

 

[Del 80]

I was going to do a clean install, I did wonder about using the disc more than once......so only option then is to buy my own copy of Windows 7 ?......it is still available and reasonably priced......what has confused me is that I upgraded from 8.1 to Windows 10 for free on my main computer......obviously this is not possible upgrading to 7 from Vista.

 

[AddRAM]

10 is free if you have Windows 7 SP1 installed or 8.1 Not Vista

The only thing you`ll find today is Windows 7 OEM (which is fine)

You can use your friends disc all you want, but you need a key of that particular version to activate it.

 

[Del 80]

Thanks for that.....thought as much....I think a purchase is in order.

 

[Del 80]

O.k, So are these ''free'' activation keys that I see on various sites, from decommissioned machines, any good ?.....and will they actually work ?.......or is there really no free way to upgrade to Windows 7 ?......I don't mind paying to upgrade, just exploring all the options.......Del.

 

[AddRAM]

There is no free way to upgrade, and I would not buy a key from some website.

You have to find a good retailer in your area.

Examples:

Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit - Newegg.com

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems - Newegg.com

 

[Del 80]

Thanks for that, I can get Windows 7 installation disc, OEM for 32bit with product key, for £24:99 at Amazon.......I think that is the way forward.......my ''friend'' still says that he can install Windows 7, and get it working using his disc........how could he do that without activation key ?........Del.

 

[Barman58]

I would expect to pay nearer to $150 or UK equivalent (£150 ), than the price you are quoting, there are a lot of fakes on the net Even at normally reliable sites such as amazon - try to obtain a shrink wrapped cased product where the actual Key is not visible before opening, (visible keys and opened packaging normally indicate that the key has already been used), that the the only way to be sure - we have had a few members caught by scammers so best be very careful, make sure you get a seller on Amazon that Amazon guarantees, so if the package is re-used or even fake you only lose time

As for your friend's suggestion that you use his disk, it is likely to be a pirate disk and could be complete with extras, the sort that steals your passwords and empty your bank accounts.

of course the use of a pirate copy of software is nothing short of plain theft, so those that do this deserve everything bad that happens to them

 

[Del 80]

O.k, Thanks for that, I guess that I need to research this a bit more, I don't want to end up with a pirate copy or anything......Del.

 

[Barman58]

Not sure of your actual location, but one option could be a local small bricks and mortar store, they often overstock and end up with software they are glad to offload, The checks on packaging and Key visibility would also apply of course but at least you could better judge who you are dealing with

 

[AddRAM]

Your friend is correct, you can pull a windows installation disc off a tree and use it to install windows, but you have 30 days to activate, after that your computer will melt.

A disc is a disc, it doesn`t matter. You can use the same disc to install windows on 100 computers.

As Nigel said, that price you found is too cheap.

 

[Del 80]

O.k, Just been to local computer shop, they have Windows 7 for £84:99.......the guy there said that even though I have run the compatibility tool, there is no guarantee that it will work on my machine (Dell Inspiron 1545) which is about 6 years old........£25 I can write off, but £85 is too much to blow on something that ain't gonna work.......just going to check out the company that's selling it on Amazon.....Del.

 

[torchwood]

Del,
Pop down to Curry's/Pcworlds web site, Business section. they will prob have a refurb section.
Have a look see .
Or phone your local 1


Roy

 

[Del 80]

Thanks, Been to Curry's/PC World this afternoon.....nothing doing......guy said they stopped selling Windows 7 when Windows 8 came out......will still check website though.......Del.

 

[DavidE]

O.k, Just been to local computer shop, they have Windows 7 for £84:99.......the guy there said that even though I have run the compatibility tool, there is no guarantee that it will work on my machine (Dell Inspiron 1545) which is about 6 years old........£25 I can write off, but £85 is too much to blow on something that ain't gonna work.......just going to check out the company that's selling it on Amazon.....Del.

The Dell site shows the Inspiron 1545 is compatible with Windows 7, drivers and downloads are available.
Product Support | Dell US

Do you like Win 10 on your other PC ?
You could test Win 10 on the Inspiron 1545 for free, but you would have to purchase a license and re-install if you want to keep using it.

 

[Del 80]

O.k.....The seller on Amazon seems to check out, it is a LTD. company with an address in London, all the feedback seems to be favourable... although I know that you can't go on this alone.....the product is Dell branded, and the seller guarantee's that the activation code will work......waiting to see what happens with disc from friend, will be asking if it is pirated, if it is then won't use it.......Del.

 

[Barman58]

A dell branded Disk will only legally work with Dell hardware - That is the way that OEM products are sold - Also all support will be from Dell on production of the dell service tag off the purchased Dell hardware - so it should be OK with your system

 

[Del 80]

David E.....Thank you......That was my original intention, to upgrade to Wndows 7 then do the free upgrade to Windows 10 before the 16th July when the free offer ends......I keep getting told that windows 10 won't work on Dell Inspiron 1545 as the hardware will be to old, the same with Windows 8.1, but that 7 should be fine......Del.

 

[DavidE]

If you want to test Win 10, or Win 8.x you can use the Enterprise Evaluation version for 90 days to see how it works for you.
You do need to sign in with a MS account to get the download.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-10-enterprise