Help With Windows 7 Upgrade

[7227Pro]

I have Windows 7 Home premium And I purchased windows 7 pro, but when I went to use the disc to upgrade it tells me I can't upgrade to this version. I have 64 bit version of premium installed now and I purchased 64 bit pro. What should I do?

 

[ronintexas]

If you have the 64-bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium, The Windows 7 Professional should allow you to upgrade. There must be enough free space on the hard drive to install Windows 7 Pro - and you should backup your important data prior to doing this (sometimes things go wrong).

The only time you have to do a clean install is the 32-bit to 64-bit versions.

 

[7227Pro]

I have enough space to upgrade but it keeps giving me a message saying I can't upgrade to this version.

 

[ronintexas]

Did you buy an OEM System Builder version of Windows 7? Some of the OEM Windows products (actually all of them I believe) will not allow you to upgrade - they are a clean install only, as they were supposed to be sold only for use on a new build PC.

 

[7227Pro]

it was just Windows 7 pro operating system. But it does say OEM System Builder on the package. So I take it There isn't Anything I can Do?

 

[photonboy]

it was just Windows 7 pro operating system. But it does say OEM System Builder on the package. So I take it There isn't Anything I can Do?

Backup your important data and do a clean install using the new disc.

*I couldn't find a good answer, but when I looked at upgrading Windows 7 it simply said to use the "anytime upgrade" method which is a DIGITAL purchase method.

I saw no reference that said you could insert a Windows 7 disc to upgrade another Windows 7 installation so I guess a Clean Install is the only option.

I'll post this and put some clean install tips below.

 

[7227Pro]

Thanks for the help.

 

[photonboy]

Clean install:

This is a GUIDE only. PRINT THIS FOR EASIER REFERENCE...

1. Backup critical data, and write down passwords etc. Write down PROGRAM names you use for easy reference to install later.
*If replacing with a different drive like an SSD just keep the drive unplugged so you can bootup later if you forgot something you need. Alternatively use a program like Acronis True Image to make a compressed backup of the partition so you can RESTORE to any drive later and boot into your current version of Windows.

2. Shut down and unhook any other HDD or SSD's other than the Windows drive
3. Boot to DVD (may need to change boot order) and install
*I recommend burning an "ultimatebootcd" www.ultimatebootcd.com then "write zeros" to the entire drive before that but that's optional. I won't get into the details why. I suggest Active KillDisk in the "HDD Wiping" section.

4. Install relevant drivers (motherboard support site, or main PC site if pre-built). May include MAIN CHIPSET, USB3, audio etc.
5. For VIDEO drivers use AMD, NVIDIA or Intel as appropriate even if a laptop
*Laptops usually need video drivers the laptop site supports, but that's not an issue for a generic OEM Windows version. Laptops may have a MODIFIED copy of Windows that won't allow drivers not modified by the laptop company (for shortcut capbility etc).

**For laptops be careful though if you have multiple GPU's like NVidia Optimus as you must use the proper software from the laptop site.

6. Finish Microsoft Updates
7. Install programs (see list you made)
8. Open Device Manager to look for any conflicts or issues.

9. BIOS settings (if applicable):
- "XMP" for Intel for example to set memory/cpu timings
- BOOT order (I have DVD then my main SSD)
- enable or disable audio (disable if you use a sound card)
etc

10. Setup FAN CONTROL software for CPU fan (and case fans if possible). Optimize for noise vs cooling. Set the CPU lowest fan speed so that in basic idle usage you have at least 5 degrees before the ramp up starts (i.e. it's running about 35degC and you ramp up at 40degC).

Not all case fans can connect to the motherboard, and even if they can they may not be variable. I don't even have a case fan for my dad's PC which has an i5-4670K but no graphics card and it runs plenty cool with just the CPU fan.

11. Run TESTS:
- memtest www.memtest.org (full pass)
- Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool (for Intel CPU's)
- Core Temp: run with Prime95 running then note Tjmax in Core Temp and compare to the highest core temp. This is a worst-case scenario so provided no cores are approaching the max temp you won't throttle the CPU. For example, it's nice to have under 95degC after running Prime95 for ten minutes if Tjmax is 105degC. It may be a lot lower as well...

12. Create a BACKUP IMAGE to a different hard drive if possible. I like Acronis True Image and have it automated to update weekly (incremental) and delete older backups.

 

[7227Pro]

Windows installed correcctly. Everything seems to be ok. I have the back up from the old win 7 but I am going to make another of new win 7. Thanks for the Help.

 

[photonboy]

Good luck.