Windows 7 is an operating system from Microsoft. Windows 7 Upgrade CD upgrades a computer with an existing operating system to Windows 7.

Getting Started

Determining Your Operating Systems Eligibility for a Windows 7 Upgrade

Microsoft only provides a license to upgrade to Windows 7 under the UB Agreement. You must have a qualifying operating system on your computer to be eligible for an upgrade. All computers bought from major manufacturers are shipped with an operating system.

Qualifying Operating Systems under the UB Agreement:

• Apple Macintosh (for use with Boot Camp, Parallels, VMWare, etc.)
• Windows 98 2nd edition
• Windows NT
• Windows 2000 Professional
• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7 Basic or Home versions

Checking If Your Computer is 32-bit or 64-bit

You cannot upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows XP or Vista to a 64-bit version of Windows 7.

Before you purchase Windows 7, check your computer to see whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit:

• Windows computers
• Mac computers with Boot Camp, Parallels or VMWare

Verifying Compatibility with Existing Software

Some programs have compatibility issues with Windows 7.

• We have a list of known issues related to academic software used at UB.
• Visit Microsoft's Windows Compatibility center to download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and search by software name for compatibility with Windows 7 before you purchase Windows 7 Upgrade.

Purchasing Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade

Purchase the upgrade for the version you have: 32-bit or 64-bit.

You are entitled to one upgrade, either a 32-bit or 64-bit version. Read Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade Considerations for more information about upgrading.

• Personally-owned computers: Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit editions) is available to eligible UB students, faculty, and staff.
• Institutionally-owned computers: UBIT Node and IT Service Area directors should contact UBMicro to obtain Windows 7 installation media.

Managing Your Operating System Upgrade

Upgrading from Windows

Purchase the version (32-bit or 64-bit) that matches your current version.

• Windows XP: You cannot upgrade directly to Windows 7 Ultimate. See Microsoft's Step by Step "custom install" instructions.
• Windows Vista: You can upgrade directly to Windows 7 Ultimate. See Microsoft's Step by Step instructions.

Installing Windows 7 on your Mac

Purchase the version (32-bit or 64-bit) that matches your current version. See step-by-step instructions:

• Boot Camp
• Parallels
• VMWare

If you get an error message, see Installing Windows on a Mac for directions.

Building a New Computer

If you build a computer from scratch and it is not loaded with an operating system:

• You are not allowed to use the UB Windows Upgrade to install Windows
• You must buy a full version of Windows

Use of this product for system building is prohibited by Microsoft and UB. The Windows Upgrade product is required to be registered and activated to ensure it is legally obtained and installed.

Find Answers

I built my computer. It has an older version of Windows. Can I use the Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade?
Yes, you can upgrade it if it has a previous version of Windows.

Can I purchase more than one copy of Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade?
No, you can only purchase one copy. Purchase either 32-bit or 64-bit, depending on which is on your computer.