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Windows 7 full or upgrade

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by frankwhoa

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I am planning on installing Windows 7 on my new blank HD. Should I install my original XP and then install an upgrade Win 7(saving me $100) or should I just fork over the extra $100.00 ?

15 replies

by frankwhoa

Yes I see, my mediocare (and sometimes error infused) experience with Microsoft lends me to believe a clean install would be preferred! Another question if I may, How do I know if I am 64 bit or 32 bit? Can/should I also upgrade this im my laptop?

by purpleskys

go to properties, it should list it there whether or not your xp is 64 bit...and honestly, it depends on what type of work you're doing...and not all programs are compatible with 64 bit operating systems. If you're just your everyday, average joe surfing the net, doing email and whatnot, you're likely just fine with 32 bit

by l-mo

I always go for a clean install when possible. May also suggest the 64-bit version if you're planning to load up memory. Win 7 is fun.

by frankwhoa

How do I know if I'm 32 or 64 bit ? Can I upgrade to 64 if I am not? This has to do with my Intel processor correct?

by purpleskys

good luck :) if you need help with anything else, let us know

by l-mo

FYI - If you plan on using XP mode or any other virtual machine you will want a processor with the feature. as well as plenty of disk space and memory. Have fun.

by thechas

Just a side note here.

Yes, you do have to perform a clean install on a Windows XP system when you move to Windows 7.

That does not mean that you need to purchase the full retail version of Windows 7.

Since Windows 98, you have been able to perform a clean install of a Windows upgrade version. What you need to do, is have your Windows XP CD and key on hand as you will need to cycle the Windows XP CD through the installed so that Windows 7 knows that you qualify for the upgrade.

You may also be able to start the install process and from your running XP system and the installer will qualify that your system can be upgraded. But, I have not tried this yet.

As to 32 versus 64 bit, that depends on your hardware more than anything else. Both the chip-set and CPU must support 64 bit mode in order for you to use the 64 bit version.

Here is the link to the Windows 7 Upgrade Adviser.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

Not sure if it does, but I would hope it would let you know if you can run the 64 bit version.

Chas

by tony hopkinson

Haven't tried it, but theoretically it should work with no problems, given XP recognises all your hardware with no extra drivers etc.
And you do absolutely nothing extra between install and upgrade.

MS OS upgrades are notoriously flakey though, if you get problems later becasue you upgraded, you are going to have to cross your fingers and wait for a patch or purchase a full copy any way, personally I'd cough up the extra 100.

Note if it was a used XP install, there is no doubt at all, full copy and full reinstall is the only worthwhile option.
Which is why any next version upgrade deal by MS is a malicious con.
I've never seen it work, not once ever despite any number of people who've given me a shed load of extra work, by saving money on the full price.

by frankwhoa

Yes I am planning on installing Win7 upgrade on a new install with my original XP disks... I was able to purchase Win 7 Ultimate for $99.00 with a student discount... So now Im saving like $300 ?!?! But I may be able to get the full version at a discount?? IDK yet. So you do not suggest an upgrade version then? Go for the full version?

by tony hopkinson

Someone further up suggested you put the upgrade disk in and it will ask you for the xp disks as proof, that's probably your best shot.

by frankwhoa

Please elaborate on "if it was a used XP install" and "full copy and full reinstall"

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