So I'm thinking about purchasing the Windows 7 Upgrade through the student 741 deal they have for $29.99. Will the key I get also work with a regular, full install of Windows 7? I'm asking because I want to dual boot both XP and Windows 7, so I don't want to wipe out my version of XP.
Windows – Does Windows 7 upgrade key work on normal version
installationwindows 7
Related Solutions
No problem, the "full" moniker is just a confusion in terms in win741.com.
From Student offer for Windows 7:
The student windows 7 version available thru www.win741.com is the FULL VERSION.
The OFFICIAL answer:
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing Windows 7 Online store.
We understand that you are interested to purchase Windows 7 Upgrade through our online store.
We apologize for the confusion.
The Windows 7 offered in this promotion is a full version. You can install this product even though you do not have a previous Operating System installed in your computer or if you want to make a multi boot using Windows 7. The "Upgrade" included in the product name is just because Windows 7 is the latest Operating System Windows developed.
Sincerely,
Joanna A.
Windows 7 Offer online store
Customer Service
Carey Frisch
EDIT
Curiouser and curiouser. The article Windows 7 Student Offer Now Available In The UK says:
Microsoft have also changed the wording of the offer implying that only upgrade versions of the OS will be available with this offer. Students will be able to download the OS from the 22nd October. They can also order a fully packaged product if they require for an additional £9 and 32 bit and 64 bit editions of the OS are both available. This offer is open to any student with a valid university or college email address and is running for 3 months.
I hope "fully packaged" here means cardboard boxes, not full versions.
Installing the Vista install first is the correct method. Then start install from inside Windows. That's by far the most reliable method. It does also offer the upgrade option from bootup as well.
And you are right, the upgrade DVD does not come with a product key.
Another method is the infamous "double install." What you do is use the Windows 7 disk to install by picking "custom install." Yes, you can do this with the Upgrade media. But uncheck the "Activate automatically." When done, reboot and enter install again and upgrade on top of this install. Then activate.
Hope that helps.
Best Answer
I bought the same $30 upgrade from 741. When I purchased it, they gave me my key and the download site had two options:
I did ask about the .iso option before I bought the upgrade, so if the option isn't there for you, just send them an email and they'll provide the link.
BTW, I went from XP, wiped it, and Custom installed Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (technically it is an "upgrade" license, and I did technically "upgrade")