How do I upgrade from Windows XP to 7 with just a product key?

Question

I want to install Windows 7 on my computer with XP. I have the product key, but I need to know how to proceed with the upgrade process.

Does entering the key somewhere prompt the system to download and install Windows 7? If so, where? I have a feeling I might need the discs, but I want to be sure, since my dad has the discs at his house and I don't want to have to drive all the way there to get them or risk mailing them.

Any help is appreciated.

Answers that do not contribute to my question or are just here to flame and earn points WILL be reported. You have been warned.

Answer 1

The others answered your question. Computers that came with XP will not perform well with Win7. You should do the Win 7 upgrade advisor.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1b544e90-7659-4bd9-9e51-2497c146af15&displaylang=en

Keep in mind. Even thought it might say you can upgrade, still expect poor performance on a machine that came with XP. I have read complaints about built-in webcams no longer working with Win7 and no patch for it. Sometimes you can get by with installing a driver for Vista. I have seen complaints of printers no longer functioning. Games that no longer display a pointer. Some of your old software may no longer function on Win 7 and the software's website may not have a fix for it. Also your computer manufacturers website may have a list of models that work with Win 7, I know Dell does. And Windows 7 Pro, Ultimate and Enterprise editions have an XP mode.

Answer 2

You can't upgrade without a Windows 7 install disc, looks like you may have to make a trip. And one disc is usually good for one installation (unless you have a 3 user disc or similar) and the software will reject an install key if it has already been used.



Also, there is no direct upgrade path from XP to Win7, when you boot the Win7 install disc it will tell you you need to do a clean install. What this means is you will wipe everything that is currently on your XP installation and replace it with a fresh Win7 operating system.



Be aware that ALL your files and applications will disappear ... FOREVER .... if you don't back them up or if you don't have install discs to put them on to your brand new Win7 desktop.



Win7 is a beautiful thing but READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS before you wind up losing stuff that can't be replaced.

Answer 3

You can not upgrade to 7 from XP only do a clean install. And you need the windows 7 installation dvd as well, you can't normally get hold of just a product key either without buying the disks, though ms do sell just product keys for people doing legal multiple installations like buisnesses

Answer 4

You need the software -- normally wherever you obtain a legitimate key will also provide the software.



Do beware in advance that the key you have needs to match the version of the software you install. If your Dad has OEM Home Premium discs and you have an Ultimate Retail key or something, you're going to have issues.

Answer 5

One can give a number of reasons on why should a XP or Vista user upgrade to Windows 7. I will be focusing only on Vista to Windows 7 upgrade steps that you need to know before starting the actual upgrade process.

To check the Windows 7 compatibility with your system, please use Windows 7 upgrade advisor. Once you get green signal from Windows 7 upgrade advisor, follow the steps given below.

1. Insert your Windows 7 DVD in the optical (CD/DVD) drive. Click Install Now option once you see the screen. If you have disabled autorun, open the root of the DVD drive (Windows 7 DVD) and run setup.exe file.

You can also use an USB stick to install/upgrade to Windows 7. Refer install windows 7 from USB guide to install/upgrade Windows 7 from USB guide.

2. Once you run the setup, you will see two options:

* Check compatibility online

* Install Now

Since you have already verified the system compatibility using Windows 7 upgrade advisor, you can safely click Install Now button.

3. In the next screen, you will see two options:

* Go online to get the latest update for installation

* Do not get the latest updates for installation

If you have the latest version of Windows 7, then you need not to check for updates. You can select Do not check for updates if you wish to check for updates post upgrade process.

4. Accept the license agreement (I accept the license agreement) and click Next to continue the procedure.

5. In the next screen again you will see two options:

* Upgrade

* Custom

Here you need to select Upgrade option to upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7. Click Next.

6. Once again, Windows will check for the compatibility and will generate the report. If Windows finds any compatibility problems, it will display the problem and will save the report to the desktop. If no incompatibilities are found, Windows 7 Setup will proceed without further interaction



http://windows7.iyogi.net/windows-7/upgrades

Answer 6

You need the discs. You will need to choose the Custom Installation option as its not possible to Upgrade from XP to W7. It will create a Windows.old folder that you can access after the installation. However, you will need to re install programs. Good Luck!

Answer 7

You need the disks. Also, you can't do a true upgrade from XP, the system needs to completely remove the previous OS and install Windows 7.

Answer 8

You need to have the disc

Answer 9

also watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om1V_fkHFiM