Solved What is the Difference?

[Deception]

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Full - Retail

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade - Retail

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM


I really am so confused with Newegg and how everything is being sold for Windows 7. Can some one enlighten me please.

Sean

 

[Jonmor68]

Full retail you get support from Microsoft and allows you to move it to another computer if you want to buy/build another or do major upgrades like a new cpu and motherboard. It does not require you to have a previous version of an OS.
The upgrade is similar, but requires that you have a previous qualifying OS.
OEM you get no support and is tied to the computer on which it is installed, and can't be moved to a new one.

 

[Deception]

EDIT: So what would be my best option if I have a 64bit Vista Ultimate OEM?

 

[pparks1]

No, you can have differing versions. Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate. And each of these, can have retail, upgrade and OEM. You linked specifically to Ultimate on yours.

 

[nate42nd]

It's starting to make me sick that I didn't get full retail. I have to stop thinking about it. I hope I never need it. I think I will order another full retail. I have two systems.....damn all these versions on top of versions. Makes may head spin.....

 

[Deception]

EDIT: So what would be my best option if I have a 64bit Vista Ultimate OEM?

This is truthfully what I want out of this thread.

 

[Lordbob75]

EDIT: So what would be my best option if I have a 64bit Vista Ultimate OEM?

This is truthfully what I want out of this thread.

You want Seven Ultimate 64bit if you plan to do an upgrade.

~Lordbob

 

[Deception]

EDIT: So what would be my best option if I have a 64bit Vista Ultimate OEM?

This is truthfully what I want out of this thread.

You want Seven Ultimate 64bit if you plan to do an upgrade.

~Lordbob

But isn't that all 3 of the options I posted? What would be better to get?

Sean

 

[Lordbob75]

Oh alright I see what you are asking.

If you plan to do an upgrade from Vista, then you want the Upgrade version. If not, then the other two. From there, if you plan on never needing to install it on another computer, then get the OEM. If you will want to install it another computer, then get the retail version.

~Lordbob

 

[Deception]

Oh alright I see what you are asking.

If you plan to do an upgrade from Vista, then you want the Upgrade version. If not, then the other two. From there, if you plan on never needing to install it on another computer, then get the OEM. If you will want to install it another computer, then get the retail version.

~Lordbob

By "upgrade from Vista" you mean what exactly?

Some information: I plan on having both Operating Systems working at first to see if I thoroughly enjoy Windows 7, and then maybe after awhile I will kill Windows Vista. I just need to make sure all my programs are compatible and stuff.

EDIT:Will the upgrade version be able to do this?

Sean

 

[Lordbob75]

Upgrade means that you will install OVER you vista install, but it keeps your programs and files.

If you are planning to dual boot you cannot use the upgrade version.

~Lordbob

 

[pparks1]

It's starting to make me sick that I didn't get full retail. I have to stop thinking about it. I hope I never need it. I think I will order another full retail. I have two systems.....damn all these versions on top of versions. Makes may head spin.....

What version did you buy? An OEM?

I did the same thing. I don't plan to get a new computer for awhile. So, with the $100+ that I saved, I can hold onto it and use it for other things. If down the road, I want a new copy of Windows on another machine, I'll have a decision to make then as to what version to get.

Relax...everything will be alright.

 

[Deception]

Upgrade means that you will install OVER you vista install, but it keeps your programs and files.

If you are planning to dual boot you cannot use the upgrade version.

~Lordbob

And with this upgrade version is it just a one time thing? Or can I use it on mine and my brothers computers?
I really do appreciate your help!

Sean

 

[pparks1]

You can only use it one time "per cd key". You would have to have another key for your brothers computer if you wanted to install it there.

 

[Deception]

You can only use it one time "per cd key". You would have to have another key for your brothers computer if you wanted to install it there.

Thanks for all your help!

I think I will just buy the Full then, just in case.

Sean

 

[pparks1]

The full version can only be installed 1 time per cd key as well. If you want to install on your computer and your brothers computer, plan to buy 2 copies then.

 

[Lordbob75]

You can only use it one time "per cd key". You would have to have another key for your brothers computer if you wanted to install it there.

Yes, but no.

You can use the disk to install on as many computers as you wish. But the KEY will only work ONCE.
That goes for ALL versions.

~Lordbob

 

[Jacee]

So then, you have to call Microsoft and purchase another key for the second OS, using the same install disc in order to activate and validate

 

[gregrocker]

There is some confusion between the Upgrade disk and the options which are on the Upgrade disk, which are also called "Upgrade" and "Custom" for clean install.

You can buy the Upgrade disk and use it to "Upgrade" Vista which will transfer all of your files and reinstall your programs, starting up pretty much like your Vista left off. Or you can choose the "Custom" install option and clean install over the Vista (files go into windows.old for later access), install to a formatted partition, or to a primary formatted second hard drive.

As far as portability, Upgrade disks supposedly inherit the lock (OEM) or portability (retail) of the underlying qualifying operating system, however MS has no mechanism to check whether it is migrated to other hardware, only that it is not used on more than one machine at a time.

 

[Bibbster]

There is some confusion between the Upgrade disk and the options which are on the Upgrade disk, which are also called "Upgrade" and "Custom" for clean install.

You can buy the Upgrade disk and use it to "Upgrade" Vista which will transfer all of your files and reinstall your programs, starting up pretty much like your Vista left off. Or you can choose the "Custom" install option and clean install over the Vista (files go into windows.old for later access), install to a formatted partition, or to a primary formatted second hard drive.

As far as portability, Upgrade disks supposedly inherit the lock (OEM) or portability (retail) of the underlying qualifying operating system, however MS has no mechanism to check whether it is migrated to other hardware, only that it is not used on more than one machine at a time.

so if i buy the new win7 Ultimate to upgrade from my win vista home premium i could click on custom install everything would go into a windows.old folder and i could bassicly delete all that ?