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Starting October 15, the Windows 7 operating system will be available for students to purchase for $7 through the Office of Information Technology's (OIT) UTools Web site.
Depending on their current operating system and computer specifications, customers may experience some difficulties in upgrading to Windows 7. OIT's software licensing team and technical support staff have put together a FAQ sheet that lists things customers should consider before they purchase the new software.
If you have purchased a computer through your College's Laptop program (i.e. Carlson School of Management or the Law School), be sure to check with your College's Technical Support staff to see if Windows 7 is supported through your College.
Check to see if your computer meets the minimum system requirements to install Windows 7.
For the full list of requirements, please see the Windows 7 System Requirements Web site.
There are two versions of Windows 7 being distributed to students: 32-bit and 64-bit. Which one is right for you?
In-place upgrade: Run install from inside Windows Vista OS
Clean install: Install by booting from DVD no data is saved
In-place upgrade: Not available from XP
Clean install: Run setup from inside Windows XP
Clean install: Run by Booting from Windows 7 DVD
Clean install: Run by Booting from Windows 7 DVD
IMPORTANT for clean installs: The product key will not be valid after installing. There is a work around for this. You will need to run Windows 7 setup a second time from the Windows 7 DVD. After installing the second time the product key will be valid.
| Upgrade from: | Bit | Upgrade to 32-bit | Upgrade to 64-bit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows XP | N/A | Custom Install | Custom Install |
| Windows Vista Home Basic | 32-bit 64-bit | In-Place Upgrade Custom Install | Custom Install In-Place Upgrade |
| Windows Vista Home Premium | 32-bit 64-bit | In-Place Upgrade Custom Install | Custom Install In-Place Upgrade |
| Windows Vista Business | 32-bit 64-bit | In-Place Upgrade Custom Install | Custom Install In-Place Upgrade |
| Windows Vista Ultimate | 32-bit 64-bit | In-Place Upgrade Custom Install | Custom Install In-Place Upgrade |
In-Place upgrade: Windows 7 can be installed over an existing Windows Vista. Data and software will be retained.
Custom install: Windows 7 will be installed as a new OS, data will need to be backed up and software installed.
One note regarding Symantec Endpoint. While Symantec Endpoint does work with Windows 7, it cannot communicate a meaningful message to Windows. The message will show up in Endpoint. This is not something you need to be concerned about.
If you are current student and you are ready to place your order, go to Microsoft Campus Agreement Program for Students and click on the Microsoft student online order form link after you have read through the terms and conditions.
This program is for students only. If you are faculty or staff, Windows 7 will be available beginning October 22nd, 2009. For more information go see the Microsoft Academic Select Program for Faculty and Staff.