VISTA to Windows 7 Upgrade

[dforrestSV]

I am looking to download or purchase an upgrade for my currently installed VISTA Home Premium 64 bit to upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. I want to do an upgrade install not a clean install. I am not sure what I need to get to do this. Can someone please asist me?

 

[Bongo]

Welcome to the Seven Forums

You will need to purchase Windows 7 Home Premium and the only versions available anymore are OEM like this one at Newegg.
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Newegg.com

Look at this tutorial it should help you.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1818-upgrade-install-windows-7-a.html

Jerry

 

[Barman58]

Windows 7 is now not being sold by Microsoft, as It is into extended support phase, which means that you will need to shop around, you may be able to obtain either an upgrade or full install, (which can also do an upgrade), but these are likely to be OEM rather than Retail, (the OEM is tied to the hardware of the system it is first installed to whereas the retail can be transferred to another system as long as it is only on one system at any time).

Not sure what market place you would fit into but the going rate for a copy of Windows 7 is about $150 US - offers for a lot lower than this can be found on the net but they tend to be scams so make sure you get a warranty from a reputable supplier, it may be worth checking any local Bricks and motor technicians in your area who may have stock

 

[dforrestSV]

I am now even more confused. Barman58 tells me that I can probably only buy an OEM version and Bongo refers me to a tutorial from which I understand that I cannot use an OEM version for the upgrade install I want to do.

 

[Barman58]

As far as I am aware the only difference between the Retail and the OEM version is the legal clause relating to the system being tied to the first set of hardware installed to - the physical disks are the same, the License is what actually differentiates the two

 

[Bongo]

I don't see where it says you can't use a OEM version, can you pointed it out in that tutorial?

Jerry

 

[dforrestSV]

I don't see where it says you can't use a OEM version, can you pointed it out in that tutorial?

Jerry

It does not say so directly but at the beginning, in "Information" there is the statement "A upgrade installation allows you to keep intact the files, settings, and programs from your current version of Vista SP1 or SP2. This will show you how to do a upgrade installation with a Upgrade version of Windows 7 from Vista.".

Is an "OEM version" an "upgrade version"?

 

[Barman58]

In my experience if you attempt to install from a Full version, and the disk contains a previous version of windows (that meets the allowed upgrade policy, which yours would), the installer will pause and offer you the option of upgrading the existing OS or loading a complete new version

 

[Barman58]

Just found this which appears to confirm my experience

Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 - Windows Help

 

[dforrestSV]

In my experience if you attempt to install from a Full version, and the disk contains a previous version of windows (that meets the allowed upgrade policy, which yours would), the installer will pause and offer you the option of upgrading the existing OS or loading a complete new version

And this applies to an OEM version?

The following disclaimer is from the description for an OEM CD sold by Amazon "Intended for distribution with a refurbished PC. This product is not an upgrade, it is meant for a clean installation on a new or reformatted hard drive that has no existing OS on it.Does not work on MACs! For PC only".

Amazon.com: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit, System Builder OEM DVD 1 Pack (For Refurbished PC Installation)

 

[Barman58]

When I saw that disclaimer I immediately assumed it was Amazon covering themselves with the expected legalese.

Just wanted to check & I did find this ...

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/41386-place-upgrade-retail-oem-osb-sb-versions.html

where senior members confirm that it is possible to upgrade with an OEM disc.

so it should be possible, if not then there is a way to save all the user data and program settings to an external device, and restore them to a new install, but this still requires re-installation of the actual programs

 

[Del 80]

If it's any help, I have just upgraded from Vista 32bit to Windows 7 32bit.......£24 :99 on Amazon......Del.

 

[Bongo]

When I saw that disclaimer I immediately assumed it was Amazon covering themselves with the expected legalese.

Just wanted to check & I did find this ...

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/41386-place-upgrade-retail-oem-osb-sb-versions.html

where senior members confirm that it is possible to upgrade with an OEM disc.

so it should be possible, if not then there is a way to save all the user data and program settings to an external device, and restore them to a new install, but this still requires re-installation of the actual programs

That's good to know, Thanks

 

[Barman58]

Jerry I think a lot of the statements made about this are simply legalese, rather than technical restrictions.

Now This is fine for Microsoft and everyone when all the possible versions are available but in the situation we have recently where the only legit copies of install media are the OEM copies I would rather see a user install the OEM as an update or clean install than take a chance with illegal pirate copies.

I don't think it makes any real issue for Microsoft as they are the ones who withdrew the other versions from sale, and they have likely had payment for the OEM copies now on sale.

The other thing is that a lot of these Win 7 Installs are actually people wanting to take up the free upgrade offer to Windows 10, so it's Win, Win for Microsoft.

The OEM windows 7 are actually about the same price as the few prices I have seen for Windows 10 actual commercial Media so for those going from XP or Vista and intending to go to Ten could possibly do it for a similar cost

 

[hazel123]

You can sometimes buy a second hand copy of Retail Windows 7 upgrade edition on ebay - I've done it. You need to read the selling description carefully and ask questions if it's not a sealed one - like has it been removed from the old machine and the old drive formatted. The upgrade editions tend to go for less money than the full ones, which might be better. I paid about £30 for one. I'd only look at private sellers though, on the auction section, as more likely to find a genuine seller. Or follow the advice of the experts re OEM