Upgrading to Win7: What are my options?

Dude, buy a W7 Pro 64 UPGRADE. You will have to do a clean install since you are going 32 to 64, just DON'T erase your HDD before the upgrade. Let the upgrade disc do that and it will work. Its definitely a lot cheaper then buying a full install disc since you don't have to.

 

Paragon was and may still be giving away their version for free.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/notebook-tech-bargains/507796-paragon-go-virtual-free.html

 

if you buy an OEM disk, it only contains the 32 or 64 bit version, however, the license key is valid for both 32 and 64 bit versions. so for example, if you buy a 32 bit install disc, just dont use it, download a 64 bit version, and use the key that came with the disc you bought.

personally, i bought my copy of windows 7 pro when microsoft was having the $30 student offer.

 

The Latitude E6400/E6500 have built-in firmware license tags for use with Windows7.

All of the E6400/E6500s were sold under a program where if you buy Vista, you are eligible for a Windows7 upgrade for free. Home->Home, Business->Professional, Ultimate->Ultimate

I would suggest that make good use of that Dell Pro Support, and request Windows7 media. Your existing Vista key should work, although with the built-in firmware tags, you shouldn't even need to enter the licensing details yourself.

 

not all the E6400/6500's were sold with the free upgrade. Only the ones sold about 3 months before win 7 came out if i remember correct. Also, i have an M4400, which is similar to the E6500, unless im using the original dell media, it asks for a key to be inputted

 

Thanks GK. I ordered Win7 Pro Upgrade from Amazon for $159. Dell finally toldme there was zero advantage in buying from them. I was a little confused in how he described the install process but figured I would read the guide on MS website. He almost sounded like it was easier to install 7 from Vista than XP (?) I'm assuming it won't be too much more difficult than going from ME to XP (which I've since reformatted a few times). It also looks like you mentioned...both 32 and 64 bit are on the DVD, and the Update Advisor said my hardware configuration was good to go

 

Yeah, I went with the Upgrade version, which according to the description on Amazon, has both 32 and 64 bit versions on DVD. Thanks !

 

I think I'm outside the time window for that offer. I bought this thing before MS announced the Windows 7 release date. I'll give 'em a call to double check ;-)

 

I asked Dell to clarify going from XP to 7. The woman said I cannot do a clean install upgrade from XP to 7 using the "Upgrade" version of 7, I would need the Full version. But, I can do a clean install from XP to Vista, then a clean install to the Upgrade version of 7. Does this sound right to you guys?

 

To be clear, you should boot from the DVD and perform a clean install, instructing the Windows installer to format your system partition first before installing Windows. (Gets rid of all of that rootkit malware! ) Backup your data files first to some place else, of course.

GK