[Bakleth]

I've asked around in a few retailers and I'm still confused. I'm looking at at OEM copy of Windows 7 Home from Scan for around £70 but:

1) Will I be able to upgrade from XP (someone told me that an install of 7 will wipe my hard drive?) or will I need the full program?

2) Is it worth my looking at the 64 bit version and how would I find out if my processor can run it (Intel E8200)

3) Will I be able to re-install an OEM copy if I change my hardware (new HD or SSD upgrade) in the future?

4) Is 2GB of RAM really enough (I don't do alot of multi-tasking)

Many thanks in advance.

Dave

 

[Wrench97]

From XP to Win7 is not a direct upgrade, you will have to a custom install and format the drive then reinstall all the programs, the OEM version is meant to be installed on a new build and can not be used as upgrade media anyway.

The E8200 is a 64bit CPU but unless have or want more then 3.2 gig of ram 64bit is not needed.

The OEM version is tied to the motherboard so upgrading hard disks and video cards won't effect the license.

 

[Bakleth]

Cheers bud. It's about time my hard drive had a clean out so this is a good excuse. I'm guessing the best thing would be to back up files etc to an external drive and then install the new OS. Would a manual format of C: require reinstallation of mobo, soundcard drivers etc.?

I'm still leaning toweards the OEM version purely on price. What, if any, benefits does the retail version bring?

Many thanks in advance.

Dave

 

[Wrench97]

Only difference is license terms the software is the same, OEM allows install on one system only, the retail allows numerous installations as long as it's removed from the previous system first.