Which edition of Windows 7 can I purchase?
This offer applies to the Windows 7 Professional edition – the best choice for students both for their work and entertainment needs.
My PC is running Windows XP or Windows Vista. Can I upgrade it to Windows 7?
If you're thinking about upgrading a PC from Windows XP to Windows 7, please download and run the free Windows Upgrade Advisor to see if your PC can run Windows 7 acceptably. PCs designed for Windows Vista should run Windows 7 very well, as will many PCs running Windows XP.
To install Windows 7 Professional, you'll need to do a custom installation. This is sometimes called a "clean install" because it erases the contents of your PC. To avoid losing anything, you'll need to make copies of all the files, photos, and other information you want to keep. You'll also need to have installation disks for all the programs you want to use and in some cases uninstall those programs before you upgrade. We suggest that you investigate what is required for each of the software applications you have licenced.
If you have an external hard drive, you can use it with the free Windows Easy Transfer program to help back up your files and information. This can easily be downloaded from Microsoft.com.
The installation of Windows 7 will take up to two hours. There is more information available from Microsoft.com and other websites on this. After Windows 7 is installed, you'll need to reinstall your programs and use Windows Easy Transfer to move your files and information back onto your PC.
How many copies of Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional can I order?
Eligible students are allowed to purchase one copy of or Windows 7 Professional from the online store.
What is the difference between what I can purchase from the online store versus in a retail store?
You can only take advantage of this special offer through the official promotion website. There is no difference between the Windows 7 software you will install from the online store versus in retail stores. However, if you need to perform a custom (clean) install on your PC, we recommend you purchase the back-up DVD.
How easy is it to upgrade my PC to Windows 7 Professional?
If you decide to install Windows 7 Professional on a PC running Windows XP or Vista you'll need to do a custom installation. This is sometimes called a "clean install" because it will erase your hard drive and set up your PC from scratch. To avoid losing anything, you'll need to make copies of all the files, photos, and other information you want to keep. You'll also need to have installation disks for all the programs you want to use. If you have an external hard drive, you can use it with the free Windows Easy Transfer program to help back up your files and information, then transfer them back to your PC after Windows 7 is installed.
Upgrading a PC with Windows XP to Windows 7 is a fairly involved process. If you're at all uncomfortable with it, please consider having the upgrade done by a local PC or electronics retailer.
After I did a clean (or custom) installation, my copy of Microsoft Office disappeared, what can I do?
If you purchased Microsoft Office as a download (e.g. from Microsoft Store of Office Online), you should visit the online store where you made your purchase to re-download and install.
If you purchased a box product, please contact Microsoft Customer Service to get a replacement disk or product key.
Do I get 32- or 64-bit software?
You can choose to download either 32- OR 64-bit software. Not sure which one to get? Click here to learn how to check what your computer is currently running.
If you accidentally downloaded or activated the incorrect version, you will need to contact Digital River
Will Windows 7 work on my PC?
Before you take advantage of this offer, please check the PC you want to upgrade. The Windows Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and editions of Windows 7 will run on your computer.
For quick reference, here are the Windows 7 System Requirements:
- 1GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1GB RAM (32-bit) / 2GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
These additional requirements are needed to use certain features:
- Internet Access (fees may apply)
- Depending on resolution video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
- For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required
- Windows Touch and Windows Tablet require specific hardware
- HomeGroup requires a network and PCs with Windows 7
- DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
- BitLocker requires TPM1.2; BitLocker To Go requires a USB Flash Drive
- Music and sound require audio output
- Windows XP Mode requires:
- Additional 1GB of RAM
- Additional 15GB of available disk space
- Processor capable of hardware virtualization, with Intel-VT or AMD-V turned on
Product functionality and graphics may vary based on your system configuration.
How do I do a custom installation?
If you purchased Microsoft Office as a download (e.g. from Microsoft Store of Office Online), you should visit the online store where you made your purchase to re-download and install.
To install Windows 7:
Run Windows Upgrade Advisor to see if there are any known issues that might affect the installation and whether you should install the 32- or 64-bit version of Windows 7.
Back up your existing files and settings by saving them to an external hard drive, CD, DVD, USB flash drive or other media. Use Windows Easy Transfer and an external hard drive to make this process easier. Windows Easy Transfer is included in Windows Vista, here's how to use it. If you're running Windows XP, you can download Windows Easy Transfer for free.
Locate the original installation disks for the programs currently on your computer.
Insert the Windows 7 DVD and follow the instructions for a custom installation by selecting the Custom (advanced) installation option.
Reinstall your programs and your backed up files and settings. If you used Windows Easy Transfer, launch Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 7 (in the Start menu, click All Programs>Accessories>System Tools) and follow the instructions. Please visit http://windows.microsoft.com/upgrade for more information.
What if I have a problem installing or activating my software?
If something goes wrong during activation or installation, you can reach tech support here:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/default.aspx
I've heard about other Windows 7 student offers, where can I find more information?
You can go to http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/software/windows-7.aspx
My school has a program called MSDNAA and I've heard I can get software there for no cost. Is that true?
Yes. MSDNAA is a global academic program designed specifically for academic labs, faculty, and students studying in areas of computer science, engineering, and information systems. If a department you are taking classes in is a part of this program, you could get Windows 7 at no cost. Go here to search for your school.
Are there any other deals for students that I should be aware of?
Microsoft offers special discounts for students through agreements with many colleges and universities. To be sure you are fully aware of what all is available to you, check with your technology administrator, campus book or computer store to learn about what might be available on your campus.
We'd also recommend that you check back often on this site, as it will have further offers when they are available.
