Upgrade CD vs. Full Retail CD

Forked from this thread, beginning post #114.

I have recently learned an Upgrade CD can be used to do a clean install. I have a few questions I would like to clarify. Below is a re-post of my inquiry from the other thread:

Britton30 said:

It can be but the Retail Upgrade will have a new license key with it.

Slartybart said:

install using OEM upgrade disc,

I was unaware of the presence of a "Retail Upgrade CD" vs. an "OEM Upgrade CD". I wasn't sure if the Retail/OEM licensing applied to Upgrade CDs as well, so thanks for that info guys.

Is it possible to buy a much cheaper Retail Windows 7 Upgrade CD, perform a clean install, and use the Upgrade's license as if it were the Retail key from the normally expensive Full Retail version?

I'm interested to know since I'll be buying Windows 7 for my Dad. I've mistakenly bought an OEM for myself, so if I can buy a Retail Upgrade with all the benefits of Full Retail (i.e. clean install, PC-to-PC transfer), I can save quite some money.

Can someone kindly confirm my above theory? Is this possible?

Hi marsmimar,

The question here is not exactly "how to clean install from an Upgrade CD", but rather, is it possible to transfer an Upgrade license key PC-to-PC (one at a time) like you would a Retail license?

I have gotten a confirmation from Britton30's kind reply in this thread, but responses to further clarify this matter are still welcome here.

I see. It is possible, but unfortunately, it will be illegal...

My Dad's laptop is second-hand. The original owner bought it with no OS and this owner bought Windows 7 separately. When the laptop was sold to my Dad, the owner took the Windows 7 (now I presume Retail) with him.

What may be your suggestions for a no-OS laptop?