Windows 7 upgrade on a new computer?

[knellie22]

I'm building a new computer (as shown here), but I don't know which version of Windows 7 is right for me. I've searched plenty to try and find an answer, but couldn't find a definitive one.

My current computer is a Dell from 4.5 years ago that came with a legit version of 32-bit Windows XP. I've read that you can use the upgrade to go from XP to Windows 7. I think I've read that as long as you own any legit version of XP or Vista you can put 7 on a new computer, even if you aren't putting XP or Vista on it first, but I'm not sure.

Is it possible to get the upgrade version of 64-bit Windows 7 to put on my new computer while keeping 32-bit Windows XP on my old computer, or should I just get the OEM version of 64-bit Windows 7 for my new computer?

Thanks, and sorry if this question has already been answered - I looked for awhile to try and figure it out but couldn't.

 

[saint19]

Hi newcomer and welcome to the Tom's hardware forum.

Like I see ur rig is for gaming, so, usually we uses Win 7 Professional or Ultimate both Professional or Ultimate x64.

Now, u can keep the XP license in the old rig and the new one in the rig that u are building since is impossible do a update from Win XP 32 bits or Vista 32 bits to Win 7 x64.

Buy ur update version and with the update DVD u can do a clean installation of Win 7.

 

[number13]

there is no upgrade path from XP to Win 7, if you want to run 2 OS's on the same computer ( doesn't matter is one is 32bit and the other is 64bit),here is some info:http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html?filter

 

[knellie22]

there is no upgrade path from XP to Win 7, if you want to run 2 OS's on the same computer ( doesn't matter is one is 32bit and the other is 64bit),here is some info:http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html?filter

I'm not sure what you mean by an "upgrade path," but I know XP qualifies for the upgrade version to 7 - it's right on Microsoft's website here - "All Windows XP and Windows Vista editions qualify for a Windows 7 upgrade."

I want to use Windows 7 on my new computer and keep XP on my old computer. I'm not interested in running two OS's on the same computer.

 

[knellie22]

Hi newcomer and welcome to the Tom's hardware forum.

Like I see ur rig is for gaming, so, usually we uses Win 7 Professional or Ultimate both Professional or Ultimate x64.

Now, u can keep the XP license in the old rig and the new one in the rig that u are building since is impossible do a update from Win XP 32 bits or Vista 32 bits to Win 7 x64.

Buy ur update version and with the update DVD u can do a clean installation of Win 7.

Ahh - I'm not even sure what benefits the other versions have - I'm not too interested in anything other than the basic Windows 7.

Thanks for the welcome. I'm loving Toms Hardware - lots of great info and help when you need it!

So how does it work then - when I go to install Windows 7 on my new computer, I'm guessing I have to give a cd-key type thing from my Windows XP on my old computer, then it let's me install the upgrade version as if it was the normal full version?

 

[knellie22]

Best answer selected by knellie22.

 

[knellie22]

Ooh, I got it now.

This article answered most my questions - I can definitely do the upgrade. I just saved some money and now I can get Microsoft support. I'm glad I asked - I was just going to get the OEM version!

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey