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Resolved Question

Which program do I buy? So confused ..

I have an unregistered version of Windows XP on my computer which I had built for me (long story!). I want to upgrade to Windows 7 but I don't know which program to choose .. there are so many options and I am totally confused! Any help would be very much appreciated.

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bakkabyond-25476798176485932355943440581495 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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There is no upgrade available.
Oct 6, 2013 9:34AM PDT

The upgrades use a prior license and since there are none you need the full version.

For price, most can get by with Windows 7 Home Premium. Here's one at newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

Bear in mind I will not discuss license issues. I suggest we don't ask, don't tell and say you bought it with the PC.

Next you'll find out you need Windows 7 drivers for the rest of your PC.
Bob

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Windows 7 drivers

Thanks Bob. So I will need to do a complete install of Windows 7, then will it prompt me to download the relevant drivers or will it simply not work because I don't have the drivers? Am I better to try to buy a license for Windows XP and forget about Windows 7? I would be happy to ignore the whole problem altogether but I am having issues with my programs and I believe it may have something to do with updates not being installed.

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Yes to the full install.
Oct 6, 2013 11:36AM PDT

There is no upgrade path from XP to 7. As to drivers, even in Windows 8 drivers are the same old story as it has been for over a decade. You install the OS then drivers per your maker's instructions.
Bob

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Drivers .. still not clear

Sorry Bob, perhaps my question wasn't clear. So I install windows 7 first. No problem. Then will my mouse and keyboard and other hardware work so that I have access to the internet to download the correct drivers? My computer came fully installed with the operating system and drivers, etc. I do not have any discs for the operating system or driver CDs for the hardware. If I am to update the drivers I will need to download them from the internet. My question therefore is, after I have installed windows 7, do I need the driver CDs or will everything work ok so I can download them from the internet?

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Before installing a new OS, you must get drivers FIRST
Oct 6, 2013 12:25PM PDT

Do not attempt to install a new operating system until you've FIRST obtained the drivers you will need. For these go to your computer manufacturer's web site. Since you neglected to mention this detail in spite of having it flashed in your face when you posted, we can't be more specific.
When you install Windows, your mouse and keyboard will almost certainly work. So will your monitor and hard drive. However getting on the Internet is a different matter. That will work if and only if you have a driver for your network adapter installed. That is why it is imperative that you download and save all your drivers and helper apps prior to installing any new OS.
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Good luck.

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Thank you

Ok, thanks Bob. Obviously this is not something I can tackle myself as clearly I have no idea what I am doing. I also should not have purchased a computer from a (qualified, registered computer tech) mate who was doing me a favour ... the favour has now turned into a nightmare. Live and learn I guess.