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    Question about Windows 7 Upgrade

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Penicillin, Dec 14, 2009.

  1. Penicillin

    Penicillin Notebook Consultant

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    Hello again
    I just got my Windows 7 Upgrade DVD with the key, and it's mentioned that it's an upgrade key, I formatted my laptop hard disk, installed Windows 7 RETAIL, entered the key, and it's accepted and Windows 7 has been activated.

    So what does upgrade key mean?

    And I heard that the key is designed to work on one computer, and will pass online activation 10 times before a phone activation is required, how can I prove my property?

    Thanks
     
    Penicillin, Dec 14, 2009
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  2. Penicillin

    Penicillin Notebook Consultant

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    Please help
     
    Penicillin, Dec 16, 2009
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  3. davepermen

    davepermen Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    it activated. no help needed, all is fine.
     
    davepermen, Dec 16, 2009
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  4. Penicillin

    Penicillin Notebook Consultant

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    What's the difference between Retail key and upgrade key?
    I bought two VAIO laptops with free upgrade to Windows 7, and I applied for Windows 7 upgrade, so I received two Windows 7 Upgrade DVDs, and they didn't mention which DVD is for which laptop.
    So I installed Windows 7 on one of both and used a code randomly of two to install it, will that cause any problems?

    And I heard that the key is designed to work on one computer, and will pass online activation 10 times before a phone activation is required, how can I prove my property?
     
    Penicillin, Dec 17, 2009
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  5. Melody

    Melody How's It Made Addict

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    A retail key isn't linked to anything i.e. you can install it on a clean HDD. For an upgrade key, you normally need to already have an existing (and valid) Windows OS installed on the HDD at the time the upgrade is performed(you can however wipe everything and do a clean install). So that's the difference: retail = you need nothing, upgrade = you need a previous Windows installed.

    As for how the keys work, it depends on the company. I'm not familiar with the Sony upgrade program so idk how it works sorry :/ I can tell you however that the upgrade I got with Fujitsu didn't care where it got installed as Fujitsu provided me with an actual product key(rather than an upgrade key) with my CD.
     
    Melody, Dec 17, 2009
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  6. Flashg

    Flashg Notebook Enthusiast

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    I did the same thing on my laptop. I installed a new 128gb ssd drive and it was clean with no software and then installed the win7 home upgrade... no issues and it never asked if i had an older version of windows. So interesting because i saved $$$ vs. buying the full version. I wonder if others know about this?
     
    Flashg, Dec 17, 2009
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