This is something I'm kicking myself for. After reading a post here that Staples had the Windows 7 Family Upgrade package for $150 on Thursday, I ran right out to Staples and got it. A standard upgrade package costs over $100 and that's for one computer. I thought it was a good deal. Today I went to Costco with the Mrs. and they had the same package for $124.99. The package includes both versions, the 32 bit and the 64 bit and will upgrade 3 computers from Windows Vista to Windows 7. It will also upgrade Windows XP but that requires a clean install. It will remove all the files on the computer and then do a completely new install of Windows. (All data and files will be lost). I'm sure you can do a clean install on a Windows 7 machine it you want to. There's always a way. If you're a Costco member this deal can't be beat.
At the time of "activation" a key (different from license key or product key) is generated by a computer at Microsoft, as a result of a "hardware hash," a long sequence of numbers based on a information found in your computer's hardware. The specific devices used are as follows:
1. Display adapter 2. SCSI adapter (if found) 3. IDE adapter 4. Network adapter MAC address (if available) 5. RAM amount range 6. Processor type 7. Processor serial number 8. Hard drive 9. Hard drive volume serial number 10. CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM
This ensures that one person's key will not work on another system.
What if my hard disk crashes or a virus attacks, and I have to reformat? You'll have to activate Windows XP again. However, since all your hardware is the same, Microsoft will simply re-issue you the same key.
gulfwindx said: QUESTION If your running windows 7 RC2 with service pack 2, Do you have to do a new install or somehow enter new product code........TIA
Do an in-place upgrade. That will allow you to enter the new key and activate.
ThePessimist
Ancient Member
posted: Oct. 26, 2009 @ 11:00a
Does anyone know how it validates that you had a prior copy of XP? If it's going to force a clean install anyway, I'd just as soon swap in a new, larger hard drive, but of course that new drive would be blank. I'd hate to have to install XP on the new hard drive just so I can overwrite it.
eaken
Member
posted: Oct. 26, 2009 @ 11:02a
actually you can return software. the license for the software is located inside the package, therefore you can't see it until you open it. as a result, if you don't agree with it you can return it. unfortunately you may have to escalate the issue since the return departments probably won't take it back...
cazper
New Member
posted: Oct. 26, 2009 @ 2:11p
when you install windows 7 it doesnt format your drive it just copies everything you have into a windows.old folder. when you browse it, it looks just like your old c: drive.
once installed you have to activate it which i think is when i had to put the key in. i forget...
ThePessimist said: Does anyone know how it validates that you had a prior copy of XP? If it's going to force a clean install anyway, I'd just as soon swap in a new, larger hard drive, but of course that new drive would be blank. I'd hate to have to install XP on the new hard drive just so I can overwrite it.
I just ran into this issue and ended up reinstalling xp to a drive and then upgrading to Win7. If you buy the 'upgrade' version, as this deal is, you have to install this to a drive that has either xp or vista already installed. No entering in your old xp/vista key like before. So, either clone your existing drive to the larger one, then upgrade, or buy the retail version. Or google it and see if there are ways around it.
It will let you do the upgrade if you have the beta RC of Windows 7 installed on your computer. Kind of a tiny little benefit to people who downloaded and beta tested this software. I didn't have the RC on my computer until I found out about this. I then imaged my old XP install, formatted the drive and installed the RC. When I got the upgrade disk, I restarted my computer and put in the Win7 64 bit upgrade disk. I chose custom install and put it right where the RC copy was. Activated and works fine.
mphuie
Member
posted: Oct. 26, 2009 @ 10:07p
1lossir said: gulfwindx said: QUESTION If your running windows 7 RC2 with service pack 2, Do you have to do a new install or somehow enter new product code........TIA
Do an in-place upgrade. That will allow you to enter the new key and activate.
You can't do an in place upgrade from RC. There is a minimum version check in the installer. Easiest way is to copy the DVD contents to your hard drive, edit the file, then run setup. Here is a step by step guide.
I ran into that problem going from RC X64 to RTM, and that guide works perfectly.
At the time of "activation" a key (different from license key or product key) is generated by a computer at Microsoft, as a result of a "hardware hash," a long sequence of numbers based on a information found in your computer's hardware. The specific devices used are as follows:
1. Display adapter 2. SCSI adapter (if found) 3. IDE adapter 4. Network adapter MAC address (if available) 5. RAM amount range 6. Processor type 7. Processor serial number 8. Hard drive 9. Hard drive volume serial number 10. CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM
This ensures that one person's key will not work on another system.
What if my hard disk crashes or a virus attacks, and I have to reformat? You'll have to activate Windows XP again. However, since all your hardware is the same, Microsoft will simply re-issue you the same key.
So in essence, you get 3 activation keys per license key? otherwise, how would one install to 3 dissimilar computers in the household...
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