Basic W7 Upgrade Question

[J1993]

I have built a new computer and have only had W7 RC1 on it. On my old computer, i had XP Home Edition and the product key is on the top on the case, so i do know it. Could i take the upgrade edition of W7 and put it on my new pc using the xp key from the old computer, as it is a clean install so should probably have to ask for a key

[ithompson72]

I have built a new computer and have only had W7 RC1 on it. On my old computer, i had XP Home Edition and the product key is on the top on the case, so i do know it. Could i take the upgrade edition of W7 and put it on my new pc using the xp key from the old computer, as it is a clean install so should probably have to ask for a key

Legally - not sure. Whether you can use it to "upgrade" from an OEM license from a different PC to the one you are actually installing on is questionable - I would guess it wouldn't strictly be allowed but it may be.

From a technical perspective the software is a full version of W7 and therefore should not require any "proof" that you already have an upgrade. So, you should be able to put the media into the new build and install without any technical issues (even without a key or media from previous versions of windows).

[snakedoc]

No, your OEM key is tied to the computer as would your upgrade be. Legally speaking. ALthough it "may" be possible but with Vista you did need an activated and WGA'd install to upgrade. Unlike XP, where you could just pop your old 98/98 cd in the drive. Not sure how they will implement it with W7, may be similar to Vista.