TwoCables

Do you really need, want or care about BitLocker? I know I don't.

That's not a "fun" or a "cool" feature. You see, this is what I'm talking about: here's what Vista Ultimate has that no other edition of Vista has, at least according to the website:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...es/extras.aspx

But with Windows 7, it's just not like that. BitLocker and the additional languages are the only things that Ultimate has that the other editions do not. But I'll tell you one thing: for me, having BitLocker doesn't justify the extra cost because Microsoft's website says that BitLocker and the 35 languages are the only two extra features you get with Ultimate in addition to having everything that both Professional and Home Premium have. That's definitely not wort the extra money that I would have to pay for 7 Ultimate.

You see, I have never, ever, ever used file encryption. And I never intend on using it. I personally have no need for it, and I have already seen a few others here on OCN say something similar about BitLocker.

But again: having practically just 1 extra feature is nothing compared to the extras you get with Vista Ultimate.

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Simca

I guess my question is. If I didn't buy a new PC or laptop, but already have vista/xp, can I just get the upgrade and will it come with a key?

Quantum Reality

You would need to ask your laptop's manufacturer.

@TwoCables:

Maybe I'm just being excessively nitpicky but you cannot claim that Win7 Ultimate is exactly the same as Home Prem + Pro combined when Microsoft did put in BitLocker, thereby making it a bit more than just a hybrid of the two.

Anyway, that said I will likely get 7 Pro sooner or later.

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Simca

Okay, everyone seems a bit misinformed. I don't have a laptop. I'm just wondering if the upgrade is for every vista/xp user or if it's only for those that recently bought a new laptop/pc with vista/xp on it. I don't have a new laptop with vista on it. I'm just wondering if my CD key for my current vista/XP is good enough to get the upgrade or if the upgrade will come with a CD key or w/e

I bought Vista/XP a while ago, like before April.

TwoCables

Believe it or not, but you have nothing to worry about. Go ahead and pre-order Home Premimum for $49.99. The box comes with a Product Key, both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions, and you will be able to install it however you want. For example, I am going to use the $49.99 Home Premimum Upgrade version to do a 100% clean/fresh install. As I posted above, the 7 installer makes that really easy. All you will need is proof that you already own a legit previous version of Windows. And it will probably also check to see if you're the only one who has ever activated it. And to do that, it will probably check the Installation ID to see if the system you're installing 7 on is the same system as the one you had the previous copy of Windows on - reglardless of whether you're upgrading on top of the previous version, or if you're reformatting and replacing. I mean, I think Microsoft's Product Key database has the information the Windows 7 installer requires.

On this Windows 7 "How to get it" page, there are two links: one for people who want to buy the upgrade version, and one for people who buy a qualifying PC or have a PC with a qualifying edition of Vista already on it.

So, there is much, much more to read than you have already discovered. Just start here, and click everythingthat you come across. I mean it: don't skip anything. I haven't. I spent about 2 days in a row reading this entire Windows 7 site on Microsoft.com - and I just noticed that there's still much more to read. So, get crackin!
For those who don't care about or need BitLocker (which may end up being most people here on OCN), 7 Home Premium is the edition to get. But with Vista, that was certainly not the case. Vista Ultimate was the one to get.

Oh, and by the way: nice reading fail.

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WeAreNotAlone

A: Upgrade disc comes with it's own key. Upgrade Disc contains both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Key will work for either.

B: There are (3) basic upgrade paths:

1: The "Special-Pre-Order" $50 Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade disc and the $99 Win Pro is marketed towards those people who want to migrate to Windows 7 that have XP, or Vista on their system, the computer (Or OS install discs) being purchased BEFORE June 26, 2009

2: If you purchase a qualifying Vista OS after June 26, 2009- you are eligible for a free Win 7 upgrade package directly from MS. (You mail them receipts, etc showing proof of purchase)
(You may have to pay shipping.)

3: OEM manufacturers are offering free (or low cost) upgrade paths for customers desiring Windows 7 on computers purchased after June 26, 2009.
(You may have to pay shipping.)

NOTE: Customers who purchased BEFORE June 26, 2009. will not get the same pricing.


EDIT:
Where can I get this special pre-order deal?

The Windows 7 pre-order deal is available only online.

In the U.S. it can be purchased from Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Fry's Electronics, Office Depot, Office Max, Sam's Club, Tiger Direct, Wal-Mart, NewEgg.
In Canada, Staples, Future Shop, Best Buy, London Drugs, Amazon, and the Source are supplying the updates; in Japan, Yodobashi Camera, Amazon, Yamada Denki, and Bic Camera carry the deal.

Both special prices upgrades are available for Windows XP and Vista users. Windows XP users will have to do a clean install. Moving from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit one will require a clean install as well.

Where can I purchase a (OEM, or RETAIL) copy of the VISTA OS, and get the free upgrade?

Google around, or head over to Newegg.com


www.newegg.com

Note-keep in mind before you pay big money for a OEM/RETAIL copy of Vista- with the plan of having a dual boot of Vista and Windows 7... that MS if you use their official upgrade paths is probably going to kill any install that you are migrating from- meaning you're not going to be able to "keep" whatever install you are migrating from "officially".

.

TwoCables

Nice, according to Microsoft's website, you can easily have a dual-boot configuration. I mean, you can install the Upgrade version any way you want: upgrade on top, dual-boot, clean-install so that you only have Windows 7, or whatever else you can come up with. The installer makes it extremely easy.

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