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General discussion

Using Windows Anytime Upgrade Process

May 14, 2010 12:54AM PDT

I just purchased a Toshiba NB305-410BL Netbook. I would like to convert Windows 7 Starter Edition that came with the computer to Windows 7 Home Premium. As I understand it, if I use the Windows Anytime Upgrade to do the upgrade, Windows Home Premium will be downloaded to my computer and I will be provided with a product key that I will have to enter at some point.
Before I lay out $80 or so for this upgrade I would like to know the following:

If my computer fails and I need to restore it with recovery disks or I need to replace my hard drive, will I be able to reinstall Windows Home Premium again without having to pay for it again? If so, how?

Thanks.
Richard

Discussion is locked

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The only time I found someone to pay again was when
May 14, 2010 1:14AM PDT

They had lost the install key. For some odd reason they felt MSFT should track this purchase and cough up keys on demand.

Let's just say we only lose what we didn't backup.

I have a Windows Starter netbook in the collection. Why would I upgrade this OS? It's doing everything fine.
Bob

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You will be fine.
May 14, 2010 2:22AM PDT

Hi Richard,

As long as you are using a genuine copy of Windows and you are not trying to cheat the system (by violating license terms), you will be just fine. If you need to reinstall, it may take a call to Microsoft in order to activate, but that will be relatively painless.

Also, be sure to create a repair disc -http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Create-a-system-repair-disc to have for recovery if you need it.

Cheers,
Cassandra

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W7 Starter upgrade to W 7 Home on netbook
May 14, 2010 3:04AM PDT

Do it the smart way since you will hae downloaded the upgrade.

1. Write down the product key and keep it somewhere...tape to the Netbook.
2. Create an image of the Hard drive on an external drive or if it's small size so that it can fit on DVD then use a DVD.

3. Use can use free imaging programs like Macriem Reflect (CNET) clonezilla, Paragon Home Free Ed, Norton Ghost, or Windows 7 program.

4. Create the emergency disk that imaging program remains.
5. Now you have a complete Windows 7 program...

6. Yes you may need to reactivate...which is why you saved the product key.