XP ending. Upgrading problems.

pickledtink

Firstly sorry for the long post. I have been searching all week till my eyes bleed and still can't find any solutions.
I have been perfectly happy with XP for years but as it's finally being left unsupported in April 14 I have to upgrade on both laptop and net book
Both are around 3-4 years old but fine for my needs still.

Laptop had an included option for windows 7 as it was bought just before 7 was launched. I was too busy at the time traveling and working so didn't try it until later then could find no info anywhere on how to do it. the netbook had windows 7 starter installed but it was deleted or uninstalled by someone I lent it to!
I would prefer to go for 7 rather than 8 anyway so was hoping to at least activate these 2 options as I have basically paid for them at some stage already.
I thought I could reinstall 7 starter on the netbook via download but there is only an XP product key stuck on the bottom. Keyfinder programmes only come up with XP key also yet there 'was' a licensed 7 on here.
I have tried Microsoft website and the manufacturers site as well as numerous tech/geek sites. No result.
I can't find anything at all regarding the product key or download for the laptop ( OS Vista home premium) version either.
is it possible the XP/Vista product keys are also valid for windows 7? I doubt it but could it be that simple? I cannot afford to buy two windows 7 OS right now and am reluctant to leap into Linux but need to sort something out.
Ultimately I had rights to two legal 7 OS but seem to have no product keys even if I can effect a download. How do I prove that?
Any help on this or useful suggestions if I really can't reclaim 7 for either machine would be gratefully received.

WTFH

Normally when you get an option to upgrade to a new OS, there's a time limit on it - within 30-60 days of the new software being launched.
You don't have a "right" to the software, you paid for one licence of one piece if software, but to keep sales going when the new one is announced, they offer free upgrades if you register and do it quickly, but if you didn't register for the free upgrade, then there's nothing you can do about it now.

The license key for XP will not work on 7.

jackieblack

Just because support is ending, you don't HAVE to upgrade.
XP will continue to work fine for some time yet.

NiftyDigits

is it possible the XP/Vista product keys are also valid for windows 7? I doubt it but could it be that simple? I cannot afford to buy two windows 7 OS right now and am reluctant to leap into Linux but need to sort something out.
Ultimately I had rights to two legal 7 OS but seem to have no product keys even if I can effect a download. How do I prove that?

No, XP/Vista keys are valid for XP/Vista.
You don't have any rights to Windows 7. No product key or COA; no rights.

If there was a 'licenced' Windows 7 Starter on the Netbook when new, there would be a COA for Windows 7 Starter on the underside.

What is the brand and full model number of the Netbook?

If you didn't buy the Windows 7 disc upgrade with Product Key for the laptop(at least pay for the 'shipping' at the time of the offer, you are out of luck there too.

Again; Brand name and full model number of laptop.

50Twuncle

jackieblack wrote: »

Just because support is ending, you don't HAVE to upgrade.
XP will continue to work fine for some time yet.

Windows 3.1 will still WORK - But that would be inadvisable (security-wise) !!

I think that I read somewhere that Windows XP updates would still be available for some time - but not via "Windows Update" - if you get what I mean ?
ie) Directly downloaded from MS

jackieblack

50Twuncle wrote: »

Windows 3.1 will still WORK - But that would be inadvisable (security-wise) !!

I think that I read somewhere that Windows XP updates would still be available for some time - but not via "Windows Update" - if you get what I mean ?
ie) Directly downloaded from MS

Yes, I did say 'for some time yet', not 'indefinitely'
Although, I suppose if the machine was not connected to the Internet, eg only used for running spreadsheets/ databases etc, then the security issue is neither here nor there.

50Twuncle

pickledtink wrote: »

Firstly sorry for the long post. I have been searching all week till my eyes bleed and still can't find any solutions.
I have been perfectly happy with XP for years but as it's finally being left unsupported in April 14 I have to upgrade on both laptop and net book
Both are around 3-4 years old but fine for my needs still.

Laptop had an included option for windows 7 as it was bought just before 7 was launched. I was too busy at the time traveling and working so didn't try it until later then could find no info anywhere on how to do it. the netbook had windows 7 starter installed but it was deleted or uninstalled by someone I lent it to!
I would prefer to go for 7 rather than 8 anyway so was hoping to at least activate these 2 options as I have basically paid for them at some stage already.
I thought I could reinstall 7 starter on the netbook via download but there is only an XP product key stuck on the bottom. Keyfinder programmes only come up with XP key also yet there 'was' a licensed 7 on here.
I have tried Microsoft website and the manufacturers site as well as numerous tech/geek sites. No result.
I can't find anything at all regarding the product key or download for the laptop ( OS Vista home premium) version either.
is it possible the XP/Vista product keys are also valid for windows 7? I doubt it but could it be that simple? I cannot afford to buy two windows 7 OS right now and am reluctant to leap into Linux but need to sort something out.
Ultimately I had rights to two legal 7 OS but seem to have no product keys even if I can effect a download. How do I prove that?
Any help on this or useful suggestions if I really can't reclaim 7 for either machine would be gratefully received.

You may find that your netbook has a "restore partition" built in - with the original Win 7 starter OS still there - don't know how this is accessed though....(by changing the BIOS boot order perhaps..)?

pickledtink

Thanks for taking the time to respond all.
Pretty much as I feared. I should have grabbed those options when they were there.
Keeping XP without the security updates support is not an option. I work and travel in all sorts of places. I need to be secure and don't have time to mess about. It's hard enough getting any web connection to post copy frankly and I have to log on where I can.

As for license: I really meant legal I suppose. Which obviously they were but thanks for the heads up on that. It's certainly clear I've lost out on the full windows 7 on the laptop ( kicking myself) so will waste no more time on that. Checked my spec on the netbook this morning. Clearly states windows 7 as 2nd OS. I'll check the number and post in a sec.

victor2

Is a flavour of Linux a possibility? It's free, as is a wide range of software available for it.

I_have_spoken

Are you self employed to be taking your laptop to work? Surely a win 7 pro license can be written off against tax.

You can pick up Win 7 Pro for £30 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/MICROSOFT-WINDOWS-Professional-Version-Reinstall/dp/B00AY1EF1K

NiftyDigits

pickledtink wrote: »

Thanks for taking the time to respond all.
Pretty much as I feared. I should have grabbed those options when they were there.
Keeping XP without the security updates support is not an option. I work and travel in all sorts of places. I need to be secure and don't have time to mess about. It's hard enough getting any web connection to post copy frankly and I have to log on where I can.

As for license: I really meant legal I suppose. Which obviously they were but thanks for the heads up on that. It's certainly clear I've lost out on the full windows 7 on the laptop ( kicking myself) so will waste no more time on that. Checked my spec on the netbook this morning. Clearly states windows 7 as 2nd OS. I'll check the number and post in a sec.

Again; Brand name and full model number of laptop...as well as the Netbook.