Win 7 Professional on a Netbook. Licensing question

DoubleCheese · 4 Oct 2009 at 16:44

I need to replace a dead work laptop. Spec wise a Samsung NC10 with 2Gb RAM is ideal, but I need either XP Pro or Win 7 Pro for the OS.
Firstly, are there any licensing restrictions using an OEM disc in the laptop? Secondly, considering XP Pro is about £100, is it possible to put 7 Professional on instead as its only £55 more? My guess is it would be as its the Retail pack right?

Meatball · 4 Oct 2009 at 16:48

You can install whatever OS you want on there as long as you have a licence to use the OS

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theheyes · 4 Oct 2009 at 19:14

Technicially the OEM license should be used only on a new build that you intend to resell. If you go with a boxed retail you will be fine.

If you buy a new laptop with Windows XP pre-installed, you can buy an Upgrade version of Windows 7 providing it is the for the same architecture i.e. 32bit XP > 32bit W7.

DoubleCheese · 4 Oct 2009 at 19:18

I thought the upgrade was like for like only.. So XP Home to Win 7 Home premium, XP Pro to 7 Pro etc.
In my case I need the Pro, but rather than gofrom XP Home to XP Pro (or Vista Business) to 7 Pro, just go to 7 Pro in one step might be easier.

lord filbuster · 4 Oct 2009 at 21:19

No, you can install win7 pro over xp or vista home, you will just lose all the data on the drive. Win7 home can keep the previous settings i think.