Windows 7 Upgrade Disc

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Tarvos wrote on 2011-05-30 17:23

I've done a bit of research on this topic so far, but, I can't quite find anything specifically about my current situation.

Right now, my current machine has windows vista (I assume the backup disc is OEM). A couple of weeks ago, I ordered a lot of parts for a custom built computer, which naturally right now has a completely blank hard drive. My question is

1) Can I do a clean install of windows 7 (upgrade disc) on my new computer? I've read about the "double install" trick. I refuse to shell out 200 bucks for the full version to micro$oft when I can get an upgrade disc with a student discount for 30. I just want to make sure that this is possible before I order it.

2) Would this install be "legal"? It doesn't exactly matter if it is to me, but, seeing as my current computer has a windows vista license, despite the fact that it's on a different machine, would my new computer having Windows 7 be legal? It's always just nice to know I guess.
Yoorah wrote on 2011-05-31 00:27

No. Windows 7 Upgrade requires you to have an activated OS installed on the machine you're planning to upgrade, so that "workaround" won't work. There may be other tricks around, but that stuff is for lame people and of no interest to me, so I couldn't help you there even if I wanted to. ;(

For the record, the non-upgrade (OEM) version costs $100, not $200. No need to buy the overpriced retail edition.

So you're a college or university student? I suggest you check if you have access to MSDNAA before you hand over any $. It would give you access to a lot of MSFT software for free.
Tarvos wrote on 2011-05-31 23:14

Yes, I'll be attending college next fall, and, as a matter of fact, the geek squad employee at Best Buy (I was going to buy it a day ago) told me my college offers them for free once the semester starts. Of course, I'll have to wait until I start...

I'm not sure if my school is with MSDNAA either.
Yoorah wrote on 2011-06-01 06:33

School search: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/academic/dd861349
There is no guarantee that you will get an account even if your school is enrolled, though. It is often restricted to comp sci/engineering/other computer related disciplines. I dunno what you major in, so. xd
Sapphireoath wrote on 2011-06-01 07:14

I had the same thing with my new PC, what I did was get the installation disc for my Windows Vista (old PC came with it. OEM) and installed that first, then I Upgraded it using my Windows 7 Upgrade disc.
Only problem is, my Windows 7 won't activate because it was already used the max 3 times (Family pack for 3 PC's). Just means you have to go through Microsoft's automated phone system...

~~~Sort of off-topic but seeing as I wanted 64-bit not 32-bit. I had to upgrade the Vista to 32-bit W7 THEN I did a clean install of 64-bit over top of 32-bit W7. That works, but like I said. You can't Activate it over the internet, have to go through their automated phone service...
Tarvos wrote on 2011-06-01 18:37

Quote from Yoorah;462658:
School search: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/academic/dd861349
There is no guarantee that you will get an account even if your school is enrolled, though. It is often restricted to comp sci/engineering/other computer related disciplines. I dunno what you major in, so. xd

Thanks a lot for the link, I couldn't find it on the site before... I'm glad you showed me this, because my school is enrolled and I am (will be) an engineering major. Though, I don't have a user name for the site sadly, maybe I will be able to get one in the future though. I'll keep it in mind, seeing as 32 bit is free, and I'd only have to pay 25 bucks for 64 bit.