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We update this web page when we get new information, so bookmark it and check it every so often.

Latest changes (11/11/2009) shown in maroon.  Prior changes (11/04/2009) shown in blue.

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Upgrade Thoughts And Facts.

Windows 7 Compatibility Center and Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

These tools are available at www.windows.com/compatibility, the place to go for any Windows 7 compatibility questions you might have.

The Windows 7 Compatibility Center helps you easily check the compatibility of thousands of devices and software programs for 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Windows 7. Usually, you won’t need to do anything to ensure compatibility. If you do, the site goes beyond just telling you what will or will not work. It also provides links to drivers and software updates to help get your PC running with the latest software.

The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scans your PC to see if it’s ready for Windows 7. It checks to see if your PC meets the system requirements, lets you know if your processor is capable of running 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and gives guidance on your upgrade options. It also tells you about any known compatibility issues with the most commonly installed software programs and devices connected to your PC. If an issue can be resolved, it suggests next steps for you to take before installing Windows 7.

The Windows 7 Compatibility Center and Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor will be regularly updated.

Windows 7 Personal Media Upgrade Processs.

Installing Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate from a faculty/staff/student option licensed media being less than obvious, Microsoft created a document to explain that process.  Recommended steps are as follow.
1. Download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from the Microsoft web site.
2. Run the Advisor and select the Windows 7 Installation Option that is Right for You
3. Activate Your Windows 7 Upgrade License

For details, please download and read the following PDF document: Windows_7_Personal_Media_Install

Upgrading from Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Enterprise.

Microsoft does not allow upgrades from Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Enterprise (of course, it's Microsoft).
So, what happens to our valid Vista Ultimate users who want to upgrade to Windows 7 Enterprise?  All attempt fails with an error message.
There is a way to bypass that error message an perform an upgrade anyway, and the process is very simple.  Here is how to do it:

  • Go to, Start, Run: and type: regedit.exe
  • Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
  • Change the Key “ProductName” from “Windows Vista Ultimate” to “Windows Vista Enterprise”
  • Change the Key “EditionID” from “Ultimate” to “Enterprise”

Now restart the Windows 7 upgrade. You should now be able to upgrade!

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Windows 7 Enterprise For Departmental Purchases.

We carry Windows 7 Enterprise (32/64-bit) licenses for departmental purchases.

As usual with products covered under our Microsoft Campus Agreement, departments may freely install the software on University owned computers using the standard Microsoft related user name and password.

Departments may also freely image the ISO files from our licensing servers on a DVD for later install, or buy licensed DVD for $6/each (stock # 127389 and 127390, respectively for the 32-bit and 64-bitversions).

In the past we did offer Windows Vista Ultimate Licenses. Today, Windows 7 Ultimate is not a software we can get from Microsoft.

This is not a big deal as Windows 7 Enterprise is functionally identical to Windows 7 Ultimate. Again, the feature set is identical. Ultimate is the same version, renamed, using different MAK/KMS authorization keys, and marketed to other markets (e.g. retail).

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Windows 7 Student Option For Faculty/Staff/Students Personal Use.

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Windows 7 Students Promotion.

Microsoft has launched a website promotion, where students may pre-order Windows 7.  Conditions are as follow:

  • Promotion..: Starts September 15th, 2009 and ends on January 3rd, 2010
  • Eligibility....: Students who attend an educational institution with email address containing the domain suffix .edu
  • Software...: 32-bit or 64-bit of Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium OR of Microsoft Windows 7 Professional.
            Note:  The Pro version is hidden. After receiving an email from Microsoft, if you click where it says “Need to join your school’s network domain? Click here” you can choose 32 or 64 bit Pro.
  • Cost..........: From $13.99 to $29.99 (e.g. download only or shipping on DVD)
  • Ship Date..: Downloading/Shipping will start on October 22nd.
  • Pre-Order..: http://windows7.digitalriver.com/store/mswpus/en_US/DisplayHomePage?resid=-btN8woBAkcAAE@obRoAAAAt&rests=1253533411552

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Links of Interest.

Compare editions: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/compare-editions/default.aspx

System Requirements: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/system-requirements.aspx

Compatibility Center: http://www.windows.com/compatibility

Upgrade Advisor: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx