Comments, Questions and Thoughts on Windows 7

Hello again Johnny :)

  First let me answer your question about the 2 year period. You are correct in assuming that this refers to the Software Assurance benefits and the online License Agreement and not the actual licenses. For more information, visit the Software Assurance page: http://www.techsoup.org/stock/microsoft/ms_assurance.asp

  Second, the Authorization and License number provided are for setting up your agreement online. Neither are used for activating your products. If the license agreement has been added and accepted, you should be able to retrieve the volume license keys (VLK) and product keys for all of the products you requested. For more information, visit eOpen help: (must be logged in to view) https://eopen.microsoft.com/EN/HELP.ASP

Autumn

Thank you Autumn, I'll check out that link.  BTW, is that your cat in the Avatar?

Yes.. that is my cat, trying very hard to get my attention. :)

Autumn

We bought licenses for Vista through Techsoup about a year ago and received media from Microsoft. On our eopen page it shows we also have a key for Windows 7. Can you tell me where to get the media? Is there a download site or do we contact Microsoft directly. Thanks.

Gino

We have a number of desktops/laptops, purchased over time, which have all been upgraded to XP Pro using an MS VLK purchased through TechSoup.  The SA has expired on all of the desktops/laptops.  The desktops/laptops are a mix of both 32 bit and 64 bit hardware.

1)  Can the MS Windows 7 Enterprise Upgrade License offered through TechSoup be used to upgrade the TechSoup MS XP Pro VLKs to a Windows 7 Enterprise License?   I know it will require a "new/clean" installation - that is my problem, the question pertains to the upgrade license validity.

2)  The TechSoup Windows 7 Enterprise Licenses are offered in both 32-bit and 64-bit options.  Is that distinction necessary or can I simply order ALL 64 bit licenses and install 32-bit or 64-bit as needed for each desktop.  I know that the retail MS Windows 7 license upgrades allows for either choice.

3)  I have the 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 installation kits downloaded from the MS TechNet Plus site already.  Are they compatible with the TechSoup Windows 7  licenses or do I need to donwload again?

Thank you!

We ordered both Win7 and Office 2007 Pro the Monday after the Win7 offer started.  I requested one set of media for both.  The Office Pro media has already arrived but not Win7.  I'm wondering how long it should take to receive the Win7 media.

It never fails.  It arrived today.

Hi Tony,

  Essentially, the answer to your question is yes. XP Professional can legally upgrade to Windows 7 Professional or Enterprise. The one thing you may need to do (either through TechSoup or Software Assurance) is to make sure that you have an installation disk for both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Your organization has only requested one out of the six titles allowed during this two year period so you could certainly request both product versions from us at this time.

Autumn

Hi Gino,

  You can request the media through Microsoft's Software Assurance for around $25 - either online (eOpen) or by phone.

Autumn

Hello Megan,

I currently run windows vista basic and would really like to upgrade to a windows 7 pro, what would be the steps? Im concern that because I have Windows vista BASIC      It would be impossible to upgrade to windowas 7 PRO  what should I do?

thanks

Radek

We just purchased Win 7 and Office Pro 2007 in the same order.  I know for MS products I now have to wait a year before buying any other, but is Win7 different?  Can I buy more licenses of Win7?  In particular, I'm thinking I could have goofed in buying only the 64 bit version.  I might have a couple of users that need the 32 bit version.

A comment on Windows 7:

I built a new (home) system in October, motivated by the release date of W7, and pre-ordered a commercial OEM version of W7, and waited a few days. In the mean time I installed Ubuntu 9.10 beta (final release was one week after W7, but there were no great changes in the final release). When I got the W7 disc, the license on the box says I cannot install it on my own computer, but only for a computer I sell to a "third party." There is no way for me legally to install Windows on my new computer, unless -- maybe -- I sell it to someone else, and then buy it back? I'm not ready to overwrite Ubuntu with Windows and face criminal charges. (Heck, I'm not even willing at the moment to go through the very convoluted installation process for W7 OEM, which requires downloading and using (with more license restrictions) a big OEM installation kit from Microsoft.) So I returned the unopened W7 package for a refund. I have to admit that I am very cynical about MS, but habituated to using Windows; now they have driven away another customer. Fortunately there is no Windows software I need at home.

Thanks Autumn!!

I received my 64 bit dvd and put it in my computer and the computer reads to see it there is a dvd there, but it never boots from the DVD... other boot dvds work, but it acts like it can't find the install part of the disc... could i have received a bad disc? 

From what I've read, the Upgrade DVDs for Windows 7 are not bootable.  You have to boot into the qualifying upgradable OS first (like, run Windows XP or Vista) then stick the DVD in.  It will still give you the option to do a custom (clean) install and wipe the drive for you, then reboot and continue the install.