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    Choosing the right Win7 Edition for Vaio Z

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Metsn, Oct 25, 2009.

  1. Metsn

    Metsn Maiku Hama Yokohama

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    Hi all,

    for now it looks like Sony will not offer any possibility of Windows upgrade for machines bought before January 2009. So the only possibility will be to buy new OS from MS and install drivers by myself.

    Right now, I have original Japanese Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit shipped with the nb and I'm thinking to upgrade to Win7 Ultimate 64-bit. Is it possible for me to buy just Win7 Ultimate Upgrade for $219.99 from MS Store? Is it possible to make clean install with that? Or do I have to buy Full version for $319.99?

    And what's the difference between OEM and regular version? I have possibility to buy OEM version for much less...but I thought OEM versions are just shipped with new computers.

    Thank you,
    eM.
     
    Metsn, Oct 25, 2009
    #1
  2. caudex

    caudex Notebook Geek

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    Nothing is different between OEM and Retail. However under MS's EULA, a OEM version should only be sold to a person who is buying hardware or making a computer.
    It shouldn't be sold like a retail version. Since retail version doesn't require you to buy hardware.
     
    caudex, Oct 25, 2009
    #2
  3. EmJayPrice

    EmJayPrice Notebook Enthusiast

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    There is no direct path from x86 to x64. It requires a new installation.

    However there is a way to use the upgrade media to perform a clean install. It is just a little "involved" I have included a link on how to do this. A google search should turn up additional information on the process.

    http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp

    Go for X64 ultimate for sure.

    With the driver links from the other thread I have been able to get my Z unit fully functional under 7. I finally know what the button with the arrow above the insert key does ;)
     
    EmJayPrice, Oct 25, 2009
    #3
  4. sniper_sung

    sniper_sung Notebook Evangelist

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    Edit: I think it is forbidden to discuss anything about SLIC 2.1 here, never mind.
     
    sniper_sung, Oct 25, 2009
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  5. arth1

    arth1 a҉r҉t҉h

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    There's another difference. An OEM version gets tied to the machine it was originally installed on, and can not be transferred to a different machine. If you buy a new machine, you have to re-buy Windows.
    A full retail version, however, can be transferred. With later Windows versions, you've had to call Microsoft to activate retail licenses after reinstalling on new hardware, but it's still yours to install on any one (1) machine at a time.
     
    arth1, Oct 25, 2009
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  6. Metsn

    Metsn Maiku Hama Yokohama

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    Thanks a lot, many precious information here. So it seems I'll go for the OEM Ultimate x64 version.
     
    Metsn, Oct 25, 2009
    #6