Can I upgrade from a registered version of Vista to Windows 7?

Hi.

I recently purchased a laptop computer with a registered version of Vista installed. It's old but functional. It is NOT my primary machine.

I want to upgrade the OS to Windows 7. What do I need to do in order to activate the OS after installation/upgrade? Is it as simple as performing the online activation using the existing product key that the Laptop OS already has associated with it?

Note: I was planning to perform this upgrade using the Supplied discs I received when I bought my primary desktop PC (with Windows 7 Home Premium). I was not planning to perform a clean OS install, because of the fact that the Win7 OS disc was supplied as an OEM purchase.

Thanks for letting me know the process and steps required.

Tom

It makes no difference whether it is a clean install or an upgrade; you have to buy 7.

And OEM disks do not do upgrades.

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Windows 7 does not come for free; you have to buy it.

Microsoft no longer sells Windows 7; try amazon.com.

Warning:

You do not buy a Product Key by itself, as they are normally stolen/pirated, Volume Licenses which are not for private use, or MSDN keys which are not to be sold by the original subscription holder.

Make sure that you buy the complete sealed package (DVD, license)

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There was that free offer years ago; long expired.

How does the Windows 7 Upgrade Option work?

The Windows 7 Upgrade Option is available through participating PC manufacturers on selected PCs and through Microsoft on qualifying purchases of the Windows Vista packaged product. The Windows 7 Upgrade Option applies to Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate editions. Your Windows 7 upgrade will be to the comparable version: so you'll get either Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional (the upgrade to Windows Vista Business), or Windows 7 Ultimate, respectively. The Windows 7 Upgrade Option program runs from June 26, 2009 through January 31, 2010. Some Manufacturers may choose to shorten the Upgrade Option time frame.

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Follow these steps before you buy Windows 7:

Go to your Computer / Laptop Manufacturer's website and see if Windows 7 Drivers are available for your Make and Model Computer / Laptop.

If not available, Windows 7 will not work correctly for you.

Run the "Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor"

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20

Check to see if your System Specifications are compatible for Windows 7:

"Windows 7 system requirements"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements

Windows 7 Upgrade paths:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd772579(v=ws.10).aspx

Cheers.

OK, thanks.

So, even though the docs say that I CAN upgrade to Windows 7, you are saying that it is not possible to do that upgrade using the existing OS disc that I have. I really thought that all I needed was to do the upgrade and then purchase a new Win 7 product key from MS.

I realize Win7 is no longer being supported (or will be unsupported soon), so it was a longshot for me to even consider this... but I had to ask.

I guess I can check to see if the laptop is speedy enough to handle Win 10.

OEM disks are for a clean install, not an upgrade.

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You didn't read my reply to you:

Microsoft no longer sells 7 and you do not buy a product key by itself.

Windows 7 does not come for free; you have to buy it.

Microsoft no longer sells Windows 7; try amazon.com.

Warning:

You do not buy a Product Key by itself, as they are normally stolen/pirated, Volume Licenses which are not for private use, or MSDN keys which are not to be sold by the original subscription holder.

Make sure that you buy the complete sealed package (DVD, license)

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If you want 10, do these checks:

But first make sure that you have the correct system requirements and that your Computer Manufacturer supplies the correct Drivers for 10 for your Model Number.

"Windows 10 System Requirements"

https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/3884/windows-10-system-requirements

https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/windows-10-specifications#sysreqs

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Detailed information on Minimum hardware requirements:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/minimum-hardware-requirements-overview

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Some Manufacturers have listed Model Numberss tested with 10 at their website:

ASUS - Windows 10 - Which model supports upgrade to Windows 10?

Acer - Windows 10 Creators Update

Dell computers tested for Windows 10 October 2018 Update and previous versions of Windows 10

The following Gateway laptops, desktops and tablets have been tested as being suitable to install Windows 10 Creators Update

HP Products Tested with Windows 10

Lenovo devices tested for Windows 10 version 1809 (October 2018

Samsung - Find out if your system runs Windows 10.

Sony - What do I need to install Windows 10 on my PC?

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If/When Microsoft withdraws the exception/s:

How to buy Windows 10:

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en\_US/cat/Windows/categoryID.70036700

Cheers.

Windows Vista does not Upgrade to Win 7,it can/will but the Vista OS is desolved during the 7 installation..Or boot pc to Win 7 cd,set for this in BIOS (cd with Win 7 OS) as 1st boot priority,HD 2nd,save & exit BIOS.Look for Press any key to boot to cd...Rest is Auto,Win 7 has its own product key & once a internet connection takes place,it registers Auto..

OK, thanks.

So, even though the docs say that I CAN upgrade to Windows 7, you are saying that it is not possible to do that upgrade using the existing OS disc that I have. I really thought that all I needed was to do the upgrade and then purchase a new Win 7 product key from MS.

I realize Win7 is no longer being supported (or will be unsupported soon), so it was a longshot for me to even consider this... but I had to ask.

I guess I can check to see if the laptop is speedy enough to handle Win 10.