What version do I need?

[Olwe]

I've got a used laptop, a Thinkpad T61. It came with XP (including sticker on the bottom), but the hard drive crashed totally and I've gotten a new HD. Q: I'd like to upgrade to Win 7. What version should I buy, a full or an upgrade?

 

[gregrocker]

You're entitled to use Upgrade version since you have a quaifying XP factory OEM copy tied to that mobo, regardless if it is on the HD at the time of install.

To clean install without XP on the HD, you'll need to leave the Product Key blank during install, then afterwards do the quick registry workaround given here to activate Upgrade version on a clean HD: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

With Core Duo 2.2ghz, up to 4gb RAM, and Windows Vista drivers available for that model you should have no problem running it. There is a more recent BIOS update here: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-67853.html

Let us know if you have any problems with the install.

 

[whs]

Before you get anything, better check whether the PC can handle Windows7 (which is not obvious). Normally one would run the Upgrade Advisor, but for that you need an OS on the system. Find an XP installation disc which corresponds to your key and go from there.