Windows 7 for students

[booly]

So i signed up to get Windows 7 through this deal for $30 and its now 8:30am on 10-22 and i haven't gotten an e-mail or any other notification regarding how to get it yet. Perhaps I'm a lil early?

[Gredival]

I got mine, I don't know what to tell you. However be warned, you must have an *activated* copy of Windows to install the upgrade, even if doing a clean install. Apparently Microsoft no longer feels having a boot up disc of Windows suffices. (Ironically this makes it easier for those on a pirated version of XP/Vista to get through...)

[Pun]

So i signed up to get Windows 7 through this deal for $30 and its now 8:30am on 10-22 and i haven't gotten an e-mail or any other notification regarding how to get it yet. Perhaps I'm a lil early?

I received my email and successfully downloaded it this morning. Are you making sure to check your .edu email address and not your social/work email?

[Sonomaa]

activated this from the copy of 7 I downloaded 3 months ago, works perfect

[Chips]

How long do you have to wait for the serial code and download link? I've purchased the copy but it's saying "processing serial code or unlock code".

[Sonomaa]

mine came in really fast, even I was surprised by it

[Chips]

well I bought it about 40 minutes ago and it keeps saying to click the "download" button, but I don't see one, nor do I have my serial code. Should I be worried?

edit: just got the serial code now

[Merovingian]

Question this is my first time doing a OS upgrade do i have to backup all the data? does the upgrade reformat the whole HDD or does it erase the old OS and doesn't touch the other data?

[kuronosan]

If you're upgrading from Vista (which I wouldn't, but that's just me) you don't need to back up anything. If you're upgrading from XP or doing a fresh install you have to format everything.

Also, if you're upgrading to 64-bit from 32 you have to do a clean install, there is no upgrading.

[Merovingian]

If you're upgrading from Vista (which I wouldn't, but that's just me) you don't need to back up anything. If you're upgrading from XP or doing a fresh install you have to format everything.

Also, if you're upgrading to 64-bit from 32 you have to do a clean install, there is no upgrading.

mine is vista 64bit=>windows7 64bit, would you explain to me why?(bold part)

[kuronosan]

Upgrading tends to be a sloppy process because the registry is copied and remains intact while the new files are all copied over. Sometimes this can totally fuck up the system because keys don't work correctly or libraries don't work correctly. It's just easier to format and reinstall your programs to ensure full compatibility. You don't have to erase any stored files (on separate partitions, mind you) but you will have to reinstall all your programs.

Generally what I do when I upgrade is copy all of my non-essential files to a different disk, then upgrade, then copy them back once I've reinstalled everything. I have no choice but to do that this time because I'll be upgrading to 64-bit.

[Merovingian]

Upgrading tends to be a sloppy process because the registry is copied and remains intact while the new files are all copied over. Sometimes this can totally fuck up the system because keys don't work correctly or libraries don't work correctly. It's just easier to format and reinstall your programs to ensure full compatibility. You don't have to erase any stored files (on separate partitions, mind you) but you will have to reinstall all your programs.

Generally what I do when I upgrade is copy all of my non-essential files to a different disk, then upgrade, then copy them back once I've reinstalled everything. I have no choice but to do that this time because I'll be upgrading to 64-bit.

Thank you very much for your help, this is my first time doing a OS upgrade so i didn't know what could happen, just in case i have everything i care istored on a external HDD so that shouldn't be a problem

[Gredival]

Upgrading tends to be a sloppy process because the registry is copied and remains intact while the new files are all copied over. Sometimes this can totally fuck up the system because keys don't work correctly or libraries don't work correctly. It's just easier to format and reinstall your programs to ensure full compatibility. You don't have to erase any stored files (on separate partitions, mind you) but you will have to reinstall all your programs.

Generally what I do when I upgrade is copy all of my non-essential files to a different disk, then upgrade, then copy them back once I've reinstalled everything. I have no choice but to do that this time because I'll be upgrading to 64-bit.

Lovely news for those upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit... the installer doesn't work. It won't unpack correctly on an x84 system. Microsoft blames DigitalRiver, DigitalRiver blames Microsoft.

There's a workaround in place in which you have to burn an ISO (doesn't always work), but Microsoft promises a fix within a day.

Those who ordered from the Microsoft store themselves with the student discount are fine; only DigitalRiver customers are affected.

[Jaregue]

my question is: i have a pirate copy of vista ultimate
if i were to buy this student upgrade, will i be able to upgrade my vista to it and 7 be a legit copy.

[Vandole]

not from ultimate

[Gredival]

"Upgrade" in the sense your data stays intact, no. "Upgrade" in the sense you can use the upgrade kit to install Windows 7 freshly over your Vista, it depends... it should be yes so long as your OS gives a false confirmation that you are activated.

[booly]

I am an idiot and was checking the wrong mail. got it and currently using windows 7.

[Mayareira]

I am not sure what to do to be honest...the only option is "Home Premium" right?

64-bit Vista I bought(free) from MSDNAA is surprisingly one of the most stable Windows versions I've used..so I may not upgrade to 7 soon.

[Gredival]

You can get Professional at DigitalRiver. I've heard that if you call and order through Microsoft directly instead of through DigitalRiver you might be able to get Ultimate

[Olo401]

Anyone wanna hook me up? I've been out of school for a while..

(I'll send you the $30 via Paypal)