Renegade2k

I plan on purchasing my new build right after the release of Windows 7. Since it will be a brand new build, i won't have any OS installed on it. What I'm wondering is if this student download program for $29.99 will allow me to install the full version of Windows 7 without currently having Vista or XP to upgrade from. Is this student program the full version or just the upgrade? For $13 more i can get the Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Upgrade 64 Bit Disk Kit. This is essentially the back DVD for Windows 7. Will I be able to perform a clean and full install of Windows 7 from this disk onto a computer that currently has no OS?

Athen

I'm 99.9% sure that the student download of Windows 7 will not get you the full version especially for that price. You will have to wait until October 22 until it's Officially Released. The other 1% is a defininate failure of my knowledge.

BCCOMP

It is only an upgrade version. I believe you will need a Vista OS on your computer for the Win7 upgrade to work. I do not think it will allow you to upgrade from XP to Win7
Bill

jcgriff2

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...b-0ff93d07ce72

Be very, very sure that you can find x64 drivers for ALL devices if you plan on going with Windows 7 x64. ALL drivers must be signed or they will not load.

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Renegade2k

So this website says you can install on a computer that has no OS currently installed on it. My question is what the hell is the difference between the upgrade version that i can do a clean install with and the retail version?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...alling-Windows

TheOutcaste

If it's like previous upgrade versions of Windows, the Upgrade version will ask for the Install disk for the qualifying previous version of Windows if it's not installed on the hard drive to prove you have the previous version. The Full version does not.

They only have the Full versions on TechNet and MSDN, so I haven't been able to test it.

Renegade2k

I have an old Re installation DVD for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 with Update Rollup 2...if i insert this disc when it asks me do you think it will work? or do i have to be upgrading from vista?

BCCOMP

If you are using the win7 upgrade CD you MUST have either XP or Vista installed and activated on the HD. Depending on what you want to do you can do a clean install from there (within windows). With Vista you have a choice of the type of install you want.
If XP is installed you can only do a "clean install"

More info here:
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/new...%99s_installed

kendallt

Clarification please,
is anyone familiar with the license for this?

Most of the 'student' versions of software I'm familiar with were essentially 'OEM' versions, which means the license is only good for the original computer it was installed on. Is this 30 version the retail upgrade version that's good for later builds as well?

My wife and daughter are both in college, and were asking about the student deal. I normally recommend buying retail versions simply because being able to re-use the software on an upgrade is worth the price difference.
But the $30 deal even if it is an oem type license can't be beat.

Thanks
Ken.

Renegade2k

so would i be able to install XP using my reinstallation DVD and then do the clean install from there?

BCCOMP

This pertains only to a win7 upgrade, not the "Full" version

Yes, but XP must be activated (legit).
The only option you will have with XP is a "clean" install.

From the sources I have (seeing win7 upgrade is not out yet), you will need an active (legit) Win2000 (this is where it is screwy, because win2000 does not require activation), XP legal and activated (but your only option is a "clean install") or Vista (which will give you an option for a "clean Install" or a "in place upgrade") on the Harddrive you are installing Win7.
Win7 upgrade uses your "old" XP, Vista Key code (Legit and Legal) to activate.
Win7 upgrade(from my understanding) is not bootable and must be installed in a windows enviroment (win2000, XP (activated), Vista (activated) and even Win7 RC(IMO,
I would not want to upgrade from win7 RC to win7 anyways, but I have yet to confirm this)

If this is the case,(above) and you do either an upgrade or you have a system crash, this means (with the win7 upgrade) you will have to reinstall the "OLD" OS (win2000,XP,Vista) and have it activated, and then reinstall win7 upgrade.

The bottom line means you will have to install 2 OS's to activate Win7 upgrade and you will not beable to install your "old" XP, Vista OS on another computer (activated) even if you purchaed it legit and use it accordingly (one computer=one OS) as MS servers is using your "OLD" OS key code for activation with a WIN7 UPGRADE and will NOT authorize your "old" OS's to be activated on another computer!
BUT, I do not know for sure if you can use the "same" Win7 upgrade to upgrade another computer), as this would mean a "different" key code from a "old " OS

The best thing to do instead of installing 2 OS's is to image the Win7 once it is installed and Legit.

This is my opinion based on the info out there (on the WEB). This is by no means confirmed, but I know MS has tied up a loophole (until the hackers have thier fun).

I can not and will not provide the loophole to bypass MS (supposedly) loophole.

Until MS comes out and confirms this (will find out in OCTOBER), it will be anyones guess! Just makes me wonder what MS is up to besides thawting piracy (they will have your IP address or phone # when you activate)
Bill