Was going to make the jump to Windows 7... HELP

[Keeper]

OK, I was finally going to make the jump. Did research, etc etc.... Have a processor that can handle DX10, a new video card... Skyrim glory.
Went to Micro Center. WOW, the kid talked me out of it.
LETS BE CLEAR..... My PC, 90% gaming.
I was buying the OEM version. 64 bit. That "codes" to your MOBO and is a one time only install? Odds are soon (6 to 12 months) I will upgrade from my present Proc and MOBO, so that version is out. I aint dropping 200 on the "Regular version". Like I said, I drop that coin, I add a few bucks get a PS 3....SO I looked at the upgrade version.
My question is, WHAT is the April 2012 scoop?
Every article I read is LATE 2010 at best. Here is what I found.
50% of the articles or Blogs say with a call to Microsoft I can reactivate the key ONE TIME after a lengthy discussion.
50% say you cant.
90% say you can do a "full fresh install" with the upgrade version on a wiped formated hard drive. I have valid XP discs, but didnt want to over-right and have OLD XP files as my base. My FEAR is over the last 2 years, (Again, latest article I found was late 2010) Microsoft has "fixed" that bug and I wont be able to do that.

I could use some 2012 input.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Kenmitch]

As far as I know you should still be able to do a full install with the upgrade disc. I wouldn't see why it would be an issue at all.

There is no way to go from xp 32bit to win7 64bit so I see no reason why it would be disabled.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Yes, full install from upgrade version on a fresh HD is possible.

As for being able to re-activate, or move to a new set of hardware - should be no problem to re-activate either the OEM or Retail versions, on the same exact set of hardware. (Should not require calling, since the hardware hash is the same.)

If you want to re-activate on changed hardware, that requires a Retail license copy (either Full or Upgrade), and will require a call to Microsoft's activation hotline.

I have moved Family Pack (3-pack of Windows 7 Home Premium Retail upgrade) licenses between machines before. It requires calling in and speaking to a human, since the automated system will automatically disqualify you when you tell it (honestly, since it's a 3-license pack) that the OS is installed on THREE computers. It says you have to buy a new copy of windows, because you are exceeding the license agreement. Which is pure BS, it's a 3-license pack. But MS apparently has no clear way of differentiating between a Family Pack license, and a regular Home Premium license key, other than the internet activation service has a limit of 3 activations, rather than 1.

 

[SimMike2]

The upgrade version is more flexible than the OEM because it isn't tied to one machine. To do a clean install, do the double install trick. Install it first to a bare hard drive and don't enter the CD key during the first install. Just be sure to install the version you bought. After the install, and the computer is fully updated via the internet, which might take multiple reboots, put the upgrade disk back in and reinstall, this time entering the CD key.

 

[Keeper]

The upgrade version is more flexible than the OEM because it isn't tied to one machine. To do a clean install, do the double install trick. Install it first to a bare hard drive and don't enter the CD key during the first install. Just be sure to install the version you bought. After the install, and the computer is fully updated via the internet, which might take multiple reboots, put the upgrade disk back in and reinstall, this time entering the CD key.

AWESOME...Thank you all . Off to Microcenter