Windows 7 Upgrade on a new partition?

[Altered_Soul]

Hey everyone,

I have a question regarding the Windows 7 Upgrade versions of each edition.

I have Windows XP, and I had the beta and RC of 7 and am looking forward to its release. But after being convinced that I wanted the standard retail version, I am looking into the Upgrade versions and wondering if I should save the cash buying that (x4).

I know I can do a clean install of Windows 7 using the Upgrade discs, but I would like to keep Windows XP operating in a small partition via Dual Booting for random usage/backup. Can I install a Windows 7 Upgrade on a separate parition to XP, or am I forced to wipe Windows XP with the Upgrade? How does installing a clean version of Windows 7 work, does XP be need to be there when I want to install?

What happens if my harddrive bites the dust and I want to reinstall 7? Do I have to install XP again first?

Thanks for your time, I know at first it seems like a common question, but I can't find the answer in any reliable place.

[zanzabar]

i would suggest that u just do a clean format and get win7 pro or better (also get the OEM/OEI dont get the upgrade, they will cost the same), then install virtual XP and setup the boot to vhd, that way u get a cleaner install of xp and u can use it from in windows7

edit-
go to the link and say that u are an it manager
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/cc442495.aspx?ITPID=wtcfeed

[Altered_Soul]

i would suggest that u just do a clean format and get win7 pro or better (also get the OEM/OEI dont get the upgrade, they will cost the same), then install virtual XP and setup the boot to vhd, that way u get a cleaner install of xp and u can use it from in windows7

edit-
go to the link and say that u are an it manager
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/cc442495.aspx?ITPID=wtcfeed

I don't expect to keep Windows XP installed forever, just temporarily. I am looking for a straight answer to my question, unless there isn't one.

Thanks for the help though, but my best bet right now for my multi-PC home right now is the Home Premium Upgrade 3-Pack, depending on the answer to my question.

EDIT: I am not sure what you are suggesting in your edit link to the enterprise 90-day trial.

[zanzabar]

i got that mixed up with another edit, but u can use that to try out virtual xp and boot from vhd to see if u want to do that

[Altered_Soul]

i got that mixed up with another edit, but u can use that to try out virtual xp and boot from vhd to see if u want to do that

No problem, but again I don't want to go that route.

[tomslick.ca]

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/windows_7_upgrade_guide_all_your_questions_answere d?page=0%2C1

What Happens to my old CD Key for Windows XP or Vista? Can I use it Somewhere Else?

Based on the terms as they are laid out in the EULA, no. Users who buy and install Windows 7 using the upgrade media should expect to lose access to the product key from their previous OS. While technically this has always been true with Windows upgrades, before XP, this worked on the honor system. With the debuted of product activations in XP, it is now a simple matter for Microsoft to enforce. During a Vista upgrade, the installer would collect your old product key, and send off a cancellation request to the activation server. Simply put, don’t bother upgrading a version of Windows that you will ever need to install somewhere else in the future (this includes dual boots). If you are hoping to make a multi-boot system, you will need to buy the full retail version of Windows 7, or find another spare copy to sacrifice to Redmond.

As mentioned in the previous step, many Vista users were able to use a workaround to get past this restriction by using the upgrade CD to perform a clean install without XP present. Legally you still aren’t allowed to use this version of Windows anymore, but if you ever chose to go back to the older OS instead, at least you would have that option. This is just one more reason (among many) to take the clean install approach.

[Altered_Soul]

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/windows_7_upgrade_guide_all_your_questions_answere d?page=0%2C1

What Happens to my old CD Key for Windows XP or Vista? Can I use it Somewhere Else?

Based on the terms as they are laid out in the EULA, no. Users who buy and install Windows 7 using the upgrade media should expect to lose access to the product key from their previous OS. While technically this has always been true with Windows upgrades, before XP, this worked on the honor system. With the debuted of product activations in XP, it is now a simple matter for Microsoft to enforce. During a Vista upgrade, the installer would collect your old product key, and send off a cancellation request to the activation server. Simply put, don’t bother upgrading a version of Windows that you will ever need to install somewhere else in the future (this includes dual boots). If you are hoping to make a multi-boot system, you will need to buy the full retail version of Windows 7, or find another spare copy to sacrifice to Redmond.

As mentioned in the previous step, many Vista users were able to use a workaround to get past this restriction by using the upgrade CD to perform a clean install without XP present. Legally you still aren’t allowed to use this version of Windows anymore, but if you ever chose to go back to the older OS instead, at least you would have that option. This is just one more reason (among many) to take the clean install approach.

Thanks a lot, that confirms my fears. I will have to get the retail edition, as I don't want to leave my Windows XP in the dust, yet. Thanks!