Windows7 upgrade - no disk

[mij]

I was surprised to open my Amazon package which arrived today to find only a Key Number inside. No disk and I have to go online and enter the key number. I would've preferred a re-format of the hdd and entering a fresh OS - especially as this machine has problems I was hoping a fresh install might cure.

 

Does this system work ok? I don't have 'starter' and assumed this worked from vista. Is that not so?

jim

[Jelly Bean]

Hello Mij.

 

Did you buy this key expecting a disk with it,was it advertised as with install disk?

 

You can upgrade Windows Vista via a download:

[h=1]Download Windows 7[/h]

Is there crtification that the key is genuine?

 

If the computer/laptop has issues an upgrade will proberly NOT cure them.

 

Do you want help in trying to fix the issues?

 

Have you tried a system restore?

 

If it is a virus issue that would need to be cured before the upgrade.

 

JB

[mij]

Thanks for the reply jellybean.

 

I thought as much and that is a pity. It was because I've always had a disk in the past. It was from Amazon and no they didn't say anything about a disk - I just assumed. Yes this is a genuine key via Amazon and it is an upgrade via a download.

 

I am being seen to on another page in this forum about this Vista getting slower. It is now just crawling along - barely at that!

 

Hmmm restore? I haven't tried that. We had been analyzing using speccy but saw nothing there so we have gone with OTL and have those reports to digest.

jim

[KenB]

Hi Jim

 

I would try to get the Vista version sorted first before downloading the Win7 upgrade.

( I assume there is no time limit on the download ? )

 

This upgrade will - I assume - keep your files etc in place.

 

As a last resort you can try the upgrade to see if it solves the problem :)

 

Also ............

 

Once you get a working Vista version with no problems it would be worthwhile creating an image of it

(I think Nev mentioned this in the other thread)

[mij]

Thanks KenB.

This system seems to be getting slower by the minute. I'm warming to the fact of a replacement. I do suppose it should give some indication somewhere of the problem with it. There doesn't appear to have a use by date but it does say to upgrade from starter, I hope that includes vista.

jim

[Jelly Bean]

mij have you done a disk cleanup?

 

Open Disk Cleanup by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking System Tools, and then clicking Disk Cleanup.

 

The machine maybe just clogged up with junk.

 

How much free space is left on the computer?

 

In disk cleanup,if windows.old is listed than can be removed if all files needed from it are already removed.

[mij]

Whilst waiting I suppose that wouldn't hurt any but don't want to do anything drastic that will upset our pathway through all this. I'll just check that out but I do usually do a clean up fairly regularly. My wife would dispute that of course.

jim

[Jelly Bean]

What are the system specs?

[mij]

Oh gosh, just 'cleaned disk' and then realized it's popping along!!! I can't believe it. It wouldn't do a restore it just came up with an error of some sorts. I don't know how long this will last though.... I have got rather despondent as the day wore on....

 

It's a Vista but I thought I'd do a reformat and a clean install of windows 7.

It's got 4 Gb of memory and a 500GB hdd.

The processor is a 2.4Gh intel core duo

I have had to put in a power supply some while back (not long after my son gave it me - yes it's a hand me down, I mean up?)

I also at that time (of fitting the power supply) took it all apart, fitted a new casing fan, reseated the processor with some new thermionic thingy stuff and cleaned the contacts. Hmmm was that a year or two ago? It must have that date in the box somewhere.

jim

[KenB]

Jim

 

Let etavares give you the all clear ( other thread ) then we can continue.

 

There is little to be served running 2 threads on the same topic. :)

[mij]

I agree and hence my hesitation in progressing much here. I was seeking clarification on what I had bought - it surprised me somewhat.

ok I'll continue with the other thread.

jim

[Plastic Nev]

Just to add here, I think that upgrade to Windows7 home premium from Windows7 starter may not work at all for you Jim.

 

I will try to explain why.

Windows 7 in all of its versions is actually installed already when any of the Windows 7 systems are first installed. The licence key upgrade path is only a path that opens up the next version that is already there and installed on the hard drive. Windows 7 Ultimate is the only version that actually needs a disk I think, but quoting from a probably corrupted by age memory on that one.

 

So that means that considering Windows 7 hadn't been released or maybe even thought about when Vista first came out, it certainly isn't going to be installed already, to be opened up by just a set of numbers on a license key card. Sorry about that Jim, but I would be sending that key back, explaining you wish to have the full upgrade to Windows 7 from Vista.

That does come on a disk and actually does over write the Vista system. You will find that is quite a bit more expensive if bought directly from Microsoft though.

However, as already stated, first let's get the all clear from etavares before going further.

 

Edit to add, I have found an article and tutorial on upgrading to Windows 7 from Vista, please note, it does say on the second page to insert the disk as that is the only path to upgrade from Vista.

 

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/tutorials/352696/upgrade-from-vista-to-windows-7

 

Nev.

[mij]

Oh deary me--------- and I've already broken the seal to look for the dvd - that wasn't......

Oh wo is me.....

jim

[mij]

Up-date, especially for those like me. Nev is quite right, and I have now ordered the clean install disk from Amazon to upgrade this Vista to Windows7. They have given me instructions and a print-out label to return the other. As this is a bank holiday weekend I'll not hold my breath waiting for delivery.

I dare say I'll be back, I don't remember how I last installed windows. I also got a 64GB stick and have saved all the important files.

Not that anything will go wrong ...... will it!

jim

[KenB]

Not that anything will go wrong ...... will it!

We are talking Microsoft here Jim.

Always expect the unexpected - then you will never be disappointed :)

[Plastic Nev]

When you do get the disk Jim, just go back to that tutorial I found, that link in my previous post. Follow that and all should go as planned.

Remember also, if plan "A" doesn't work out, there are 25 more letters in the alphabet. :D

 

Nev.