Windows 7 version

[dfs4]

I had to call microsoft because I intend to do a clean install on my laptop. And the answer I got from them was that for a clean install I have to buy the full version(premium or ultimate) and the upgrade only if I intended to keep my files and only do an upgrade. She did mention also if I did a clean install with the upgrade version it would expire within a month or so. I know I have read tutorials here where upgrade version can be used for a clean install.. so which one is the better choice here? I am probably gonna go with premium. but your suggestions are welcome.

 

[Petey7]

It depends on your needs. If you don't need XP Mode, the ability change the language of the OS, or bit-locker encryption, just get premium. I know there are some other differences, but most people wouldn't use them. You should be fine with premium. Yes, you can do a clean install. MS just wants you to pay more money for the same thing. Here is the tutorial you need:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html?ltr=C

 

[Night Hawk]

The best thing to do would be comparing the actual differences between the editions themselves before deciding which is the best suited for your own needs. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/14422-compare-windows-7-editions.html

Besides Ultimate and Home Premium the Pro edition comes inbetween the other two while all three editions provide upgrade media as well as full version disks. The Pro edition also supports the XP Mode there as well.

 

[gregrocker]

If you have a qualifying XP or Vista OS which you want to upgrade to Win7, then you are entitled to the Upgrade version whether you do the in-place Upgrade or Clean install.

If MS is telling you that you must do the in-place Upgrade to qualify, ask them how you would then use XP as the qualifying OS since all of their literature says you qualify for Upgrade version if you have XP but must do a clean install.

 

[alphanumeric]

@gregrocker, I've gone from XP to windows 7. You can't do an upgrade where you migrate your installed programs over to 7, but you can do a custom install which will save all your XP files in a windows old folder. I used a full OEM version but if XP is in fact a qualifying OS I would say you could use an upgrade version of windows 7 and do the custom install. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Night Hawk]

Petey7 pointed to the guide that works there for seeing a clean install since XP isn't supported for any direct upgrade path as Vista is. Refer to the guide on how to perform a 7 upgrade at http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1818-upgrade-install-windows-7-a.html

The advantages of a clean install already outweigh the bulk of leftovers as well as any program compatibilty issues between the two versions to consider. 7 is much closer to Vista compatibility wise from the start while surprizingly some old stuff is actually running on the 64bit 7!