Windows 7 - Upgrade OR Full Version?
 

So I'm gonna give Windows 7 a shot on one of our PC's this weekend. I'm debating whether to wipe the drives clean and install the full version from scratch or just do the upgrade version (from Vista Ultimate).

Cost isn't a consideration since there's not much of a difference in price between the two products. I'm just thinking the system would be a lot more stable if I install the full version rather than doing an "upgrade" from Vista. I would think doing an upgrade would leave a lot of crap files that are bound to cause problems somewhere along the line. Obviously it'll be more of a hassle to install the full version rather than the upgrade but I'm thinking in the long-term it'll be worth the extra effort.

Any thoughts on FULL vs. UPGRADE from Vista to 7? Anyone here done either yet?

I would never ever just upgrade.
Go buy the full version and get the disk.

I would say full, I am getting mine in a couple of days and I will be doing the same.

Full. I don't like the thought of converting from a different OS.
Not to mention with full you can install later on to a different machine, where as with upgrade it will have to already have Vista on it.

FULL version!!!!!
Upgrading is just plain dumb. What happens 6 months down the road when you get a virus and your whole OS is fucked? What do you upgrade from?
You going to install Vista again, just to upgrade it to 7?

Full. I'd never do a major version upgrade, especially Windows. The silt will just build up.

If its like vista there are ways to install an upgrade as a full install without having anything installed. :winkwink: Running RC version on laptop, plus vista as dual boot, vista on desktop, and probably in the next week or two do a dual install on the desktop as well.

a MS employee told me back in the day the upgrade CD can be used as a full install if you have a cd from a previous version of windows, even if that is an upgrade. when it looks for previous install you pop in the cd and bam it works, done it countless times.. havent bought a full version of windows since 95.

hmmm interesting. With Windows 7 you get 3 installs I believe with a certain version? is it the Student one...anybody know?

Never do an upgrade.

Upgrades are normally never a great idea but I was being lazy. I upgraded from a really new Vista install. It went perfectly without a hitch. I would suggest running their upgrade advisor if you haven't already and find out if you're going to have any issues. Good luck!

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...1-2497c146af15

Fresh new install Ultimate version ;)

You CAN do a fresh install with the upgrade version, it gives you the option to do so. However, it does still save your drivers and throws your old files into a "window's old" file, so I'm not sure how "full" it is.

I think, I could be wrong, but I think if you did a fresh install with it, all you'd have to do is pop in your old vista serial number and it'd install fresh.

ACTUALLY, if you still want a full upgrade disc, head over to NewEgg and pick up their OEM versions, you'll save a few bucks there, you just won't get the box :)

Go with the full version. I did a clean install with a new hard drive and had zero troubles. Upgrading is always a pain in the ass. Better to just wipe Vista off the computer so there's no issues.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! Kinda figured the full install would be the way to go but just thought I'd get some other opinions here. Would love to hear from others who have done the full install of 7 and how they're liking it so far.

I never try to upgrade I just wait and buy a new computer with the new os...
except on Mac, the upgrades are flawless.

When you upgrade you are only bringing with you the data and installed programs... if Vista is working for you, Windows 7 upgrade will work flawlessly...

I upgraded and I am loving it... Didn't have to reinstall a bunch of shit.

Buy upgrade, but install full version on clean drive its just that simple.

If you have a student or an alumni email address from a university you qualify as a
"student" and can purchase Windows 7 Home Premium for $29.
http://windows7.digitalriver.com/sto...=1256365477753

To get the pro version from the above link -

Upon registration in the online store there
will be an email confirmation that will be sent to your email address.
This email confirmation contains a link wherein you can choose which
Windows 7 product you want to purchase. Upon clicking the link you will
be routed to a window to log in. Upon logging in you will be directed to
another window to choose Windows 7 Home Premium to be purchased. If you
need to purchase Windows 7 Professional you just have to look for the
yellow box with the statement "Need to join your school's network
domain? click here". After locating this statement you just have to
click the link saying "click here" and you will have an option to choose
Windows 7 Professional.

I would wipe out everything and setup the system from scratch. It's not that much work... : )
I'm actually doing this after the weekend myself.

Windows 7 clean install from upgrade media:

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/cle...rade_media.asp

i always prefer the clean install :thumbsup

I upgraded the one box I have it running on and had no issues.

like others have said fresh install is the way to go :thumbsup