Not legally. Technically it can be done, but I'll decline to go into any detail. To be on the up and up here, you'll need some OS that qualifies for the upgrade pricing.
At least you didn't have to learn this lesson paying full retail price.
So I'm building my first computer, and I purchased a copy of Windows 7 Professional 64bit Upgrade from my campus software store. I did not notice until just today that is says on the DVD that a Pre-existing OS license is required, and sadly for me, the item is not returnable. So my question is two fold.
1. Is it possible to install this verison of windows to my fresh solid state HD (Best Buy lost it in the mail, long story, isn't here yet for me to test), without having a pre-existing OS? If not, then is there a workaround.
2. If the above is not possible, I have on my current PC Windows XP, but the computer is a Gateway and I have none of the original disks that came with it. Is it possible to use it, and if so, can I specify that Windows 7 be installed to my solid state HD (Again, hasn't arrived so I can't test this myself).
I've been looking for about an hour now on the internet trying to find some help on the matter and have had no luck... I'm not rich so its not like I can just run out and buy a new copy, I've been saving for this custom job for about 5 months now and I realllly don't want to be out $80. =/

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