Tom's Hardware > Forum > Windows 7 > Question regarding windows 7, licensing, and rebuilding pcs...

Question regarding windows 7, licensing, and rebuilding pcs...

Forum Windows 7 : Question regarding windows 7, licensing, and rebuilding pcs...

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Debeucci   06-26-2009 at 05:34:28 PM

I looked around and couldn't find an answer I was happy with so i'm here to ask the pros on the forums. Please bear with me.

Suppose I buy the "upgrade" version and install it over a existing legitimate copy of Windows XP then in 6 months I buy a new motherboard and HDD. Will I be able to install the "upgrade" on the new HDD?

I'm having trouble discerning the difference between the upgrade and full version.

I reformat my computer at least once a year and sometimes swap out new parts or build a new computer. Will the "upgrade" be sufficient or do I need a full?

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luke12321   06-27-2009 at 02:37:26 AM
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I have a similar set up with Windows XP. Many years ago I bought the XP upgrade and installed it over my Win98. The program actually being installed on my hard drive wasn't required, all the upgrade needed was the original disk. I would assume that so long as you have your disks, you could re-install as many times as you wanted. The only problem I could see is after you register your serial code you'd have to contact tech support and re-register with each new install. It doesn't cost anything, but it is kinda annoying to call and ask to use something you spent around $200 for. Then again, this is for XP, not Windows 7.
I have always used upgrades and to me it's just as good as the full version. With a upgrade you may be missing some drivers for obscure hardware, but a quick trip to the manufactures web page and a download later your good to go.

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aktiondan   06-27-2009 at 10:47:46 PM
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I was wondering the same thing. I've read that you must have a 2000/XP/vista "already installed" on the PC to upgrade. So if 6 months later your HDD tanks, are you forced to first install one of your older OSs, and the upgrade to W7? Or like the previous poster mentioned, can you just use the product key from your original OS and install a clean version of W7?

I've never bought an upgrade before, but the price on the pre-order almost justifies it. Does anyone know what the OEM pricing might be for system builders? Sill, there's no way it'll be only $49. Can anyone find a good reason not to pre-order the upgrade? Assuming you actually want to use Windows 7 and are finally ready to put XP to rest. Seems like a no-brainer to me. I've got 4 PCs and a laptop all running XP that I would love to have running Windows 7. This has to be the cheapest way to accomplish that.

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