Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Fun

So last night I ventured out into the world of my options for Windows 7.

You can purchase it online and download it today here:
http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft/Windows-Windows-7/category/102

Or grab the OEM system builders edition over at newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Store/Software.aspx?name=Software

I didn’t want to wait for my shipment from newegg so I decided to purchase it via the Microsoft Store and download the ISO. I went with the Home Premium 64bit upgrade for 119.99. Downloaded the 64bit and 32bit iso’s and went to work. I loved the fact that you could download both versions.

My system is 64bit compatible but previously I’ve ran a 32bit version of Vista. I decided to go with the 64bit for obvious benefits.

What’s great is on Microsoft’s storefront for windows 7, they explain that Windows XP and Windows Vista are applicable for the upgrade.

Quoting the storefront here:

Decide to buy an Upgrade or Full product
All editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista qualify you to upgrade. So, if you’re running either on your PC today, buy a package labeled “Upgrade”.

You cannot upgrade from XP to 7, you must do a clean install. But your Product Key won’t work because it isn’t licensed for a clean install, only an upgrade. But wait, how do I upgrade from XP to 7? How do I upgrade from 32bit Vista to 64bit Windows 7?

Microsoft wanted me to do a clean install, then an upgrade. Seriously? Two 7 installs to get my product activated? What happened to the old days of inserting your previous software to verify you own it?

This post is tagged: 7, home premium, Windows, windows 7