Upgrading Windows vista 32-bit (oem) to windows 7 64-bit (oem)

[TheOmegaPixel]

As the title suggest my problem is this,

I have an old Asus laptop that i want to keep using for basic computing functions (eg. word, power point, internet, etc).
It runs vista 32-bit, I want to format the entire HDD and re-install the OS but i only have a windows 7 64-bit oem disc from my current build.
I can't spend any money on new components or operating systems.
How should i go about this?

Thanks

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

 

[TheOmegaPixel]

Thanks for the reply.

So just to clarify and make sure i understand this correctly My current windows 7 cannot be installed on to the laptop?

Also just an update, after doing some digging in old pc boxes i found a vista 32 bit oem disk from a really old system build that i have since thrown out and lost the activation sticker.
but i have also found the windows activation sticker for the laptop.

my question is now this, can i use the vista disk i have at the moment and activate it using the key from the laptop?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

As long as both are Vista you should be fine but you will have to use the phone activation window.It has to be the right sticker for that lapotop because oem is tied to the motherboard.

 

[TheOmegaPixel]

Best answer selected by TheOmegaPixel.