Please help. I just bought this imac 27 inch
Hello. I am a mac newbie and I just joined forum as well. So, please go easy on me.
Anyway, I bought myself an imac 27 inch with i5 processor. I am trying to install window 7 as well. I like both operating systems. I have read most of articles on how to install window 7 and it looks very helpful. However, none of these articles talk about what version of window 7 I need? I am not talking about premium, professional and ultimate. I am asking about whether I need full version or upgrade version of window 7. This is so confusing for me because some people say they can get away with window 7 upgrade, but some say nope! you need full version. I know I want to install 64 bit because of my processor chip, but I am not sure about upgrade or full version. Please help me.
Anyway, I bought myself an imac 27 inch with i5 processor. I am trying to install window 7 as well. I like both operating systems. I have read most of articles on how to install window 7 and it looks very helpful. However, none of these articles talk about what version of window 7 I need? I am not talking about premium, professional and ultimate. I am asking about whether I need full version or upgrade version of window 7. This is so confusing for me because some people say they can get away with window 7 upgrade, but some say nope! you need full version. I know I want to install 64 bit because of my processor chip, but I am not sure about upgrade or full version. Please help me.
Comments
If you don't already have a version of Windows that you need to upgrade, then you need a FULL version to install.
Just how many hours ago DID you fall off the turnip truck???
If you already have a Windows OS installed... then you want to UPGRADE.
If you don't already have a version of Windows that you need to upgrade, then you need a FULL version to install.
Just how many hours ago DID you fall off the turnip truck???
Ok... I have not installed window yet, but I actually own a copy of window XP. I guess I can install this first, and then I can install window 7 upgrade. Thanks for the response.
You need the full version. You cannot re-use a disk on another machine, so if you have installed this version of XP on another machine it will only work for a month.
So get the Window 7 full retail version and I am good to go?
So get the Window 7 full retail version and I am good to go?
Having a hard time with English?... would it be clearer in a different language??
Having a hard time with English?... would it be clearer in a different language??
Wow, I just decided to peruse the forums and saw these couple posts here. A couple of the most arrogant and misleading posts I've seen in a while. If you knew what you were talking about, it may make it a little better, but nope. Ignorant and arrogant.
The OP could use an upgrade disk if they have a copy of XP, and they also would not need to have it installed on the machine first. So if they had an existing box copy of XP that is unused, they wouldn't first need to install it to the iMac, as it would be a complete waste of a half hour or so. And buying a full version of 7 would be a waste of money, because technically they are upgrading. What you fail to understand is there are no direct upgrade paths from XP to 7, and the 7 disk would wipe out the XP install and do a fresh install anyway. Therefore useless to install the XP first.
You should try not to be so rude to people, and remember that the more you learn the less you know.
Save yourself the trouble and buy the full install of Windows 7.
Someone else will have to confirm this, but I believe you have two choices. Buy a full retail version of Windows 7, or get a full install OEM version. What I am not positive of is the rumor that once you install an OEM copy of Windows to your iMac, it will tie itself to that motherboard, and you cannot install the OEM version anywhere else. Maybe that isn't an issue. OEM versions of Windows do not include support. They are intended for computer builders.
Rudeness is common here. Apple geeks don't always have patience with newbies. Especially Windows newbies. They care not (some anyway) that you just purchased a brand new Mac.
You can get some help from the Apple Community. Go here and scroll down the left side of the page until you get to Windows Compatible Technology:
http://discussions.apple.com/index.jspa
I installed an upgrade version of XP to a blank HD on a PC years ago. XP required there to be a previous OS in place....
Actually with XP you could have just copied the i386 folder over from the disk (not even all of the files, really.) With 7, you can install with the upgrade disk, and there are hacks to get it to work with the upgrade key.
Or, you can install it twice and your key will work. Such is the unending hassle of DRM. I hope Apple never institutes this with OS X. It sucks.
To the OP:
For future reference, use Google, not AppleInsider for your Windows needs. The limitless BS, flames, and misinformation you are going to get from people who bash Windows and don't even use it aren't worth your time.
The people at the Apple Discussions Forum are pretty friendly. Naturally, Apple is not going to support Windows beyond their BootCamp App. That doesn't automatically imply the Apple Discussion Forum won't.
I am not pleased with Windows on a Mac. I've used Windows 7 RC and Beta. Be it BootCamp, VirtualBox, Parallels, or Fusion, I am not pleased. If a person truly can't live without Windows, I suggest a barebones W7 box and monitor. A full retail copy of W7 will cost at least $200. Spend $400 ~ $500, and you have a full package. But that is just my humble opinion.
I don't do "hacks" or suggest them.
Which is why you like OS X, I assume.
The hacks I was referring to are simple registry key settings so it accepts your legitimate key, without the aggravation of installing XP first. If you install XP first, you don't need the hack.
Beta and RC versions weren't fully supported in Boot Camp, so perhaps that is why you weren't happy with 7 on your Mac. The drivers have been out for a while now, so Windows runs quite fast on my MacBook Pro. I use it for school, sparingly, but it works just fine. I also have VirtualBox installed with XP SP3 for those quick, need Windows moments.
To each his own, I guess. I started using OS X on Jaguar and Windows fans scoffed at me. I'm of the opinion that using both keeps you in the loop for whatever advances one has over the other. Not to mention you can stay in a technological conversation without looking completely uninformed. But such is the way of my agnostic geeksticism; I neither believe nor disbelieve in one supreme OS.
Perhaps you have the OEM answer. Do you know if it is true that an OEM copy of Windows will tie to a single motherboard? I would like to run Windows on my Mac using BootCamp. If for no other reason than the Microsoft games. Naturally, a few other things that just are not supported with the Mac.
I also have a tendency to mess things up, and the only fix method I know is to re-install the OS. I do that with my Mac but not all that often. A Windows key code will expire after time, even if you are using it on the same machine. Do you know if I can install an OEM of Windows and not worry about the key code running out?
I never call tech support. So I don't need that. If the OP is wanting to run Windows, an OEM product is a no-frills way of making the purchase. Would that be a good suggestion?
People complain over Vista. I help my Mom out with her Vista computer, and almost never have problems. I am personally interested in Vista Home Basic OEM.
I am going against my own comments to ask questions about Windows here. At the same time, it sounds like you (technohermit) could answer my questions and that of the OP.
Do you know if it is true that an OEM copy of Windows will tie to a single motherboard?
Kind of.
OEM is for system builders. All manufacturers use them, not retail copies, and questions about your computing experience for tech support would go through the manufacturer, not MS.
OEM is identical to Retail other than a few key things.
1) Support: No tech support from MS (other than a new key, see below.)
2)They do not allow "upgrading" of a motherboard. If you replace it with the identical version of the original motherboard, then it will still work. So, for example, you get a crappy logic board in your iMac and it dies. Apple replaces it, you'll be ok. If for some reason it didn't boot (given the aforementioned circumstances), you could simply call MS, explain your motherboard died, and they will give you a new key.
3) You cannot use them to upgrade an existing License.
In short, they are for system builders, not system upgraders. Also, OEM allows for all other hardware upgrades, just like Retail.
See here for the long story:
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...3-cc55cf7b9231
As for installing an OEM copy on an iMac, I would say it is perfectly fine. You would then be the system builder, so you don't get the benefits of tech support and such, and have to adhere to all of the other rules. System "refurbishers" are perfectly within the boundaries of the OEM license, so I don't see why an Apple branded computer couldn't use one either.
Now if you could just fix my Apple Mighty Mouse.
Windows 7 upgrade versions are only valid if you have a qualifying previous operating system installed (I.E Windows Xp or Windows Vista). If you do not have a valid license for either qualifying OS then you will need to purchase and install a FULL version of Windows 7.
Should you require additional assistance and guidance, Microsoft does have an official Windows 7 Support Forum located here http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...egory/w7itpro/ . It is supported by product specialists as well as engineers and support teams.
Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team