[Crowbar]

Windows licensing makes my head spin

I have a friend that wants to upgrade her Vista machine.  64 bit home premium.  To top it off, it's an HP computer.  She want's to do an upgrade, and not a clean install

I want to steer her towards buying the correct Windows 7 version.  I assume (I hate assuming) the HP OEM version is going to give her a hard time.  Can she do an upgrade with a Win 7 retail version?

 

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With the retail version, there should be no problems whatsoever in upgrading from Vista to Win7. No licensing issues either, at least not that I can think of. You're, or she is, simply replacing the existing OEM license for VIsta with the retail license for WIn7. Shouldn't be a problem at all.

[KaoticEvil]

With the retail version, there should be no problems whatsoever in upgrading from Vista to Win7. No licensing issues either, at least not that I can think of. You're, or she is, simply replacing the existing OEM license for VIsta with the retail license for WIn7. Shouldn't be a problem at all.

[phillpower2]

Hello Crowbar,

 

KaoticEvil is correct but for peace of mind I would suggest downloading and running the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor as it should flag up any potential problems with the present HP software, I suspect there will not be any though.

 

The computer can be upgraded to either 64-bit Home Premium or 64-bit Ultimate, HP guide here, Windows 7 media and product key examples here and here both are authorised Microsoft merchants.

[Crowbar]

Thanks guys!
I just had her run the upgrade advisor, so I'll find out about drivers shortly

[phillpower2]

You are welcome Crowbar 

 

Was aware that you mentioned the retail version but Windows 7 on DVD is proving more and more difficult to find + it can be quite costly so suggested the download, once installed I would create a back up image of the HDD or at the very least recovery media from within Windows 7.