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General discussion

What Windows 7 Upgrade Deal Am I Eligible For?

Jun 26, 2009 1:23AM PDT

I have an existing copy of Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition which I purchased an OEM Version from NewEgg.com back in March 2007 when I built my own custom PC. Unfortunately, after several months time of BSODs and other annoyances, I eventually dropped Vista and simply went back to the standard Windows XP Professional 32-bit Edition. I still have the Vista disc and serial and all, not currently being used.

So in short, I am wondering precisely what sort of deal I am eligible for when Windows 7 comes out? I had loosely heard that perhaps I will be able to get Windows 7 completely for free. Is this right? Or maybe I can simply just get a discount on the upcoming Windows 7? Also naturally, I am going to want to get the Ultimate edition of Windows 7 no doubt, however, are their going to be seperate 32-bit and 64-bit versions like in the past? The information I have researched has not clarified this as of yet.

Discussion is locked

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No freebies unless you buy a new computer...
Jun 26, 2009 4:07AM PDT

That deal is only if you purchase a new computer today onward from participating manufacturers. You are, however, eligible for the upgrade edition of Windows 7, which is $100 less.

As to 32-bit and 64-bit, both will continue to exist, as with Windows Vista. Ultimate will include both DVDs while it is unclear if lower editions will. Nevertheless, you can order one or the other for the cost of S&H and use the same product key.

Hope this helps,
John


P.S. Note: You cannot upgrade from Windows XP directly; you must upgrade to Windows Vista first or perform a clean install due to technological limitations.

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Follow-Up Clarification
Jun 26, 2009 4:39AM PDT

I just looked at the Microsoft Store, and it says the Upgrade Edition of Windows 7 Ultimate costs $220. The other two lower editions are $100 or less to upgrade, but not Ultimate from what I can tell. I checked BestBuy and NewEgg for example, and they don't even mention anything at all about an Ultimate Edition Upgrade; only Home Premium and Professional. So is it fair to say then that an Ultimate Upgrade is going to cost $220 no matter where I might potentially shop for it?

And how would the OEM versions figure into all this? Could I hypothetically purchase a cheap piece of PC hardware and get Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit Edition "OEM" for the best deal possible?

Finally, there is a very important purchase I've been considering for too long, and unfortunately with Windows 7 about to come out very soon, I have been contemplating whether I should just wait until Windows 7 comes out, or go ahead and jump on my agenda in question right away. That is, I am in need of a laptop. I will be starting college courses full-time next semester AND my major is in Computer Engineering to boot. I have a lot of math and programming courses ahead of me.

So again, with Windows 7 coming soon, I am wondering if I should just wait to get a laptop until around late October OR jump on a deal right now and upgrade to Windows 7 later when it comes out. With Windows 7 incorporating some touch-screen functionality from what I recall hearing, I have been guessing that the laptop market is expected to dramatically change shortly by the end of this year. If that's the case, and a bunch of different touch-screen laptops are going to come out this holiday season, I'll probably just wait. So overall, if I could get some professional insights on what is expected to happen in the PC laptop market during the remainder of this year, I would greatly appreciate it.

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Editions...
Jun 26, 2009 6:35AM PDT

-> Ultimate edition will have limited availability based on the low demand for Windows Vista Ultimate over the past three years. Thus, many stores may not carry it at all.

-> The prices will be pretty much consistent, though some may offer slightly lower prices (paying the difference themselves) to draw in more customers.

-> OEM versions will be forthcoming, but pricing is not yet set to my knowledge. Yes, you can get a better deal by buying OEM with a piece of qualifying hardware, but remember the limitations: forever locked to the one motherboard and no Microsoft support.

-> Note that, starting today, most manufacturers are offering free Windows 7 upgrades with new computer purchases! With dropping prices to clear out old inventory, it is quickly becoming the time to buy. On the other hand, new multi-touch laptops are expected after Windows 7's release. Prices will be significantly higher, more than current Tablet PCs, but may be worth it depending on your uses.

Hope this helps,
John

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Windows 7 upgrade assessment
Dec 9, 2009 8:23AM PST

This company Crossloop.com offers a Windows 7 assessment and installation service online with a live tech. Is it safe to have files saved by a technician for upgrading XP - I don't have the gear to store the files myself and was thinking about this service. http://windows7upgradeadvise.blogspot.com/

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Genuine Windows
Dec 11, 2009 7:30AM PST

I suggest you purchase your Windows 7 from a trusted retailer and make sure you purchase a genuine copy of Windows: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/genuine. Unless you purchased your Vista after June 2009 or new computer from a manufacturer offering a free upgrade there are no current promotions for free or reduced rate Windows 7.

Tara
Windows Outreach Team

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When I looked at CROSSLOOP I found
Dec 9, 2009 8:43AM PST

People shilling and spamming that .com. That's a bad sign.


But let me share I did get the Windows 7 3 license upgrade package and it's a bargain at 150 or so. I only used one of them for a Vista 64 bit machine and that worked super!
Bob