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Pastimes : Computer Learning -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Elroy who wrote (80213)	11/29/2012 7:43:53 AM
From: PMS Witch	2 Recommendations Respond to of 110653

If your computer came with Windows 7 already installed, your Product Key is the same for 32-Bit or 64-Bit. If you install from your 64-Bit Windows 7 DVD, you'll have a 64-Bit system. Since the Product Key is the same, it will Activate normally. You can download Windows 7 DVD .ISO files from Microsoft and burn the disk(s) you need. Win 7 64-Bit Win7 32-Bit Note: These are "plain vanilla" Windows 7 DVDs. They do not contain the OEM Certificates you'll need for Activation. Please refer to the P.S. and P.P.S. parts of Message 28569781 where I deal with Windows installation and OEM Activation. Cheers, PW. P.S. Since Windows 7 became available on October 2009, a 5 year old laptop probably didn't have Win 7 from the factory. In that case, you'll need a program to extract your activation data from your old Win 7 system before you install a replacement. softpedia.com joshcellsoftwares.com

To: Elroy who wrote (80213)

11/29/2012 7:44:07 AM

From: alvik

1 Recommendation Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 110653

I have a 5 year old laptop.
I have the registration code for the laptop's existing Windows 7 - it's 32 bit

Did you mean XP or Vista on the laptop ? Or did you put 7 on it at some point ?

Desktop operating systems
Date of general availability
Retail software end of sales *
End of sales for PCs with Windows preinstalled

Windows XP	December 31, 2001	June 30, 2008	October 22, 2010
Windows Vista	January 30, 2007	October 22, 2010	October 22, 2011
Windows 7	October 22, 2009	To be determined	To be determined

You can install Windows using the same disk or flash drive on multiple machines as long as you purchase a valid license for each one from MS. For instance, the new Windows 8 can be downloaded to a flash drive. If you purchase 5 licenses you can use the same flash drive for the install on 5 different machines. You validate each machine with it's own unique product key.

If you're not a lawyer, the subject of Windows licensing can be overwhelmingly confusing.
zdnet.com

32 bit vs 64 bit

windows.microsoft.com

techsupportalert.com

Many of your questions lead to more questions. It's helpful if you mention the brand, model and specs etc.

If I owned a 5 year old laptop that booted slow:

I wouldn't spend money on a new operating system.

Use Revo Uninstaller to remove unnecessary software.
Use CCleaner to clean system and minimize startup programs.
Set a restore point.

Use CCleaner to clean the registry ( make a backup of the registry when it asks )
Some may say don't do this, I've done it dozens of times without problems.

Run malwarebytes or similar.

If it has XP, you lost the disks but want to install a fresh copy of XP you need to get a copy of XP and download the appropriate laptop drivers. Once installed , validate windows using the License key that came with the laptop. It should be on a sticker, often on the bottom of the case.

Another option, since you have a couple of new machines now, you could use the old laptop to learn a bit about Ubuntu or Linux. Install one and dual boot with windows.

It would probably boot and run fast since it requires few resources.

ubuntu.com

linuxmint.com