We purchased a new computer for my daughter to take to college, and waited until the free upgrade to Windows 7 option was available. Now, we go through the Upgrade process at HP computers- and discover the quirks and bottlenecks.
A note for those looking for information on upgrades from other manufacturers:
Need to find out about an upgrade from another manufacturer? Read this article for a general overview of the upgrade process for all OEM PC manufacturers, and find links to information to get you started on your upgrade.
For your HP upgrade, read on.
We bought my daughter a new desktop for going to college; one that we hoped was current enough to last her four years without a replacement. After a lot of searching, we settled on an HP Pavilion Elite E9180F, Intel Core i7 920(2.66GHz) 9GB DDR3 1TB NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit machine, which seemed to have a good reputation and the power and graphics speed she would need as a computer science / computer art double major- and which didn't break our bank. We ordered from Newegg.com. We also waited until we were into the time period that Microsoft was providing free Windows 7 upgrades for the matching Vista version on the computer.
Here, you can read how to Get an upgrade for Windows 7 directly through Microsoft.
However, for the large PC manufacturers, Microsoft decided they would have them do the processing for Windows 7 upgrades for their computers. They gave the PC companies a lot of latitude in how they ran the upgrade program as well. Every computer manufacturer has different requirements, the ability to charge a fee, and the ability to restrict Microsoft's time frame for the free upgrade they are offering. I clicked on HP, listed in Participating PC Manufacturers, Country United States, computer OEM manufacturers.
HP gives more latitude than some other companies, because they are allowing some refurbished computers purchased in the time frame to get the upgrade, and some other PC manufacturers do not. But they do ask for some eligibility proof which you don't need to provide at some other OEM.
Here is the process for getting your free Windows 7 upgrade through HP
First, we went to the Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Option web page.
I selected HP as my OEM.
This brought me to Window 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP
On the page are links to some HP resources:
- HP Consumer Support Forum
- HP Business Support Forum
- What's New with Windows 7
- Getting Ready for Windows 7 Forum
I selected my country- United States- English There is a list of three eligibility requirements to be met to qualify.
1 Your PC* must be purchased between June 26, 2009 to January 31, 2010
2 One of the following Windows Vista versions must be factory-installed on your PC*:
- Windows Vista Home Premium
- Windows Vista Business - opens simulated dialog
- Windows Vista Ultimate - opens simulated dialog
3 Your PC* must be on the Eligible Models list
I meet the first two requirements immediately.
Eligible models
Clicking on Eligible Models: There are categories for consumer notebooks, consumer desktops, personal workstations, Business notebooks, Business desktops
HP is allowing the majority of the refurbished computers they sell to be included in the offer, and those are listed below the new computers in the various categories.
They have a link called NEW to see a complete list of eligible HP Consumer Desktops, which should include what I purchased. I click it.
There is a similar link for all the categories.
Product number
They give a link to find where the product information is located on your system.
I have already had my daughter give me a copy of the serial number of the computer, which is with her at school, before I started.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP
They give another link to additional eligibility requirements in HP FAQs.
I look at the question: How much does the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP cost? as I know some PC manufacturers are charging a fee.
HP says: There is no charge for the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP; however, shipping, handling, and other fees (including taxes depending on local and state laws) might apply depending on the retailer or reseller where you purchased your eligible computer. They offer no further information on costs here.
Hardware requirements
HP says any of the eligible computers in their program should have the hardware capability to use Windows 7, but here are the specs anyway:
They also list the minimum hardware capability your system needs to be able to update to Windows 7 if you are eligible:
1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 GB RAM (32-bit) / 2GB RAM (64-bit)
16 GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
Direct X 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
They don't mention here that the upgrade is on an optical DVD, so you need a DVD reader to install it, but that is essential.
Additional Information from HP FAQ
The Windows 7 Option Program from HP includes the following:
A Genuine Windows 7 Upgrade Operating System DVD from Microsoft Upgrade installation instructions
Upgrade DVD from HP that includes drivers and updates (select models only)
Select models are not listed here.
They also mention that while the HP Windows 7 Upgrade Disk contains all the features of the operating system, Microsoft is providing some additional features not included in the update disks.
These are: Windows XP Mode (Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate editions only). This means the XP Mode is not available for the version of Windows Vista I purchased, Windows Vista Home Premium.
I find this rather disappointing.
To utilize this mode, your system also needs another 1GB of RAM, another 15GB disk space, and a Processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on. This download will be generally available after the release of Windows 7, along with other information about Windows Virtual PC.
They give a link to download Windows Live Essentials.
The Windows TouchPack (for touch enabled computer models): download to be available after the release of Windows 7. This also requires specific hardware. As of October 24, 2009, this download is not yet publicly available.
A useful note for eligible owners of refurbished HP computers
The FAQ also notes that while select refurbished models are included in the program, HP is sending out the upgrade material after the release of Windows 7 on October 22, 2009, and so refurbished PC owners may receive their kit after the 90 day warranty has expired on their refurbished computer. If they need HP support for upgrading at that point, they may need to pay for it.
I would be unhappy in that position.
I have not yet found information on how long it will take for them to send out upgrades after the Windows 7 release.
