Thread: Windows 7 shenanigans - mixing and matching versions and serials - can I do it?

Ok guys, question for all y'all...

I currently have a laptop running 32-bit Windows 7 Home Premium installed from an upgrade disc. It was originally running Vista. It was one of those "buy now with Vista and we'll send you a free Win7 upgrade when it comes out" deals. I'm not happy with how the partitions on the laptop HDD were initially set up out of the box and since the CPU is a Core 2 Duo it can support 64-bit so I'm thinking of doing a reformat.

Since I have a legit retail copy of 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium which I purchased for my desktop I'm trying to divine a way whereby I can reformat my laptop and install full 64-bit Windows 7 from the retail disc I have but using the Windows Vista serial I already have.

I've Googled a bit and while there's a lot of info out there it's hard to nail down any information that deals with my specific situation. Hopefully someone here knows something.

Windows has an inbuilt upgrade system under system info for going from 1 version of windows 7 to another but i cant remember if vista has this.
I would assume it sorta works like the using an XP sp2 cd when your key is only XP sp1, you would need to actually call microsoft to get a legit validation code (or somthing similiar).

If I'm understanding you right;

Afaik, 32bit and 64bit keys differ. Also, afaik, a fresh Windows 7 install won't accept a Vista regardless of upgrade/promo situation.

I imagine you would need to install Vista 32bit, and then install the Windows 7 upgrade again.

Generally you can get away with installing windows 7 with no key. Then installing the windows 7 upgrade and upgrade key off a windows 7 install. No need for vista pretty much.

You should have been supplied with a key for your upgrade disk, you can still do a fresh install with it even though it's an upgrade even on a formatted drive.

I would give up finding ways to use a Vista key, it ain't gonna happen, there are other way though.

Originally Posted by Darren

You should have been supplied with a key for your upgrade disk

You're right - I just took the time to check the Win7 upgrade disc sleeve and there's a label on there with a key. I must have used it when I upgraded Vista to Win7 a few months back but forgot it was there.

Well, that's cool then. I'll have a crack at the reformat next week.