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General discussion

Upgrading to Windows 7 Pro

Feb 6, 2011 12:47PM PST

I purchased the Windows 7 Pro student upgrade package from the Microsoft site only to find out that it doesn't work if I have Vista home premium. I saw a thread from 2009 but that was a different situation. I have Vista 64 bit. I can't believe Microsoft would sell students useless software. I don't want to do a custom install and have to reinstall everything. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Does not seem useless.
Feb 6, 2011 1:01PM PST

It's a bargain and you get a license for cheap. If you feel you need the full license there is an option there.

Even the upgrade version often fails so let's just call it what it is. Upgrades don't work all the time so let's hope you have a few backups of what you can't lose.
Bob

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Microsoft wants more money
Feb 6, 2011 2:37PM PST
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I found an upgrade chart
Feb 10, 2011 6:37AM PST

Finding the link wasn't easy. I went to their site before I made the purchase but searches did provided the chart. Microsoft should know students wouldn't have vista pro on their computers. Marketing the 7 product to that market specifically is designed to get money, not provide a service.

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I dunno
Feb 6, 2011 10:17PM PST

I dunno... I'm no fan of Microsoft, but given someone provided a link to a FAQ that has existed on Microsoft's website since before Windows 7 launched... It's hard to blame them for you failing to do your homework ahead of time. You made an assumption, that assumption was wrong, so now it's time to man up and accept the consequences.

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Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Feb 10, 2011 3:33AM PST

I'm sorry about your Windows installation dilemma.

Before you move forward, I recommend that you download and run the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor (http://windows.microsoft.com/upgradeadvisor). It helps find potential issues with your computer's hardware, devices, or programs that might affect installing Windows 7, and gives recommendations on what to do. You'll definitely want to back up all of your files before you proceed.

I hope this helps.

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Windows advisor
Feb 10, 2011 6:31AM PST

The first thin. I tried was the window advisor and it said I would be able to upgrade but there may be compatibility issues and to verify this with my computer mfg. I went to the gateway site and there was nothing there about any issues.