Q: What are the key dates for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP?
A: You’ll need to keep these dates in mind:
June 26, 2009 to
January 31, 2010 |
Eligibility period for purchasing your Windows Vista PC to qualify for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP. |
| June 26, 2009 |
First day to order your Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit from HP |
| February 15, 2010 |
Last day to order your Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit from HP |
| March 1, 2010 |
Last day to submit Proof of Purchase to the Fulfillment Vendor.
Any required paperwork (e.g. a copy of your sales receipt, packing slip, or sales slip ) must be submitted and postmarked no later than March 1, 2010. |
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Q: What is in the Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit from HP?
A: The basic HP Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit will include:
- Microsoft Windows® 7 Operating System Upgrade Media DVD and Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
- Upgrade installation instructions
- HP Upgrade Media DVD (drivers and applications for select HP Models only)
Note: When you receive your Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit from HP, you should install the HP Upgrade Media DVD first, or follow the Upgrade installation instructions included, in order to properly perform the Windows® 7 Upgrade.
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Q: How do I order the Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit?
A: To order a Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit online, please visit the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP. Find your country then click on the Order Button. After placing your order, you will be required to submit a proof of purchase of your PC to the Fulfillment Vendor postmarked no later than March 1, 2010.
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Q: How do I submit my Proof of Purchase?
A: After you have placed your order for Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit online, you will be provided with instructions on how to submit your proof of purchase information via on-line upload, e-mail, FAX, or postal mail. To ensure that your Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit order is matched correctly with your Proof of Purchase, please include your Order Number on any requested forms with your Proof of Purchase submission. You must submit your Proof of Purchase to the Fulfillment Vendor on or before March 1, 2010.
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Q: What information is required to order the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Kit from HP?
A: From your eligible PC, you will need to provide:
- PC model number
- product number
- serial number
- proof of purchase (sales receipt, packing slip, or sales slip)
- version of Windows Vista operating system that was factory installed by HP (i.e., 32-bit Windows Vista Home Premium)
- Retailer/Reseller name
- Shipping Information
- E-mail address (to contact you with information about your order)
- Billing information (for shipping and handling)
Some models may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows® 7 software and take full advantage of Windows® 7 functionality. See Microsoft 
for details.
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Q: Where can I find my PC model number and serial number?
A: To find this information, you can use HP’s “How do I find my product name/number?” tool. Click on the HP product you are inquiring about and this tool will guide you through the process of locating this information.
If you have an HP Notebook, you can find this information on the Service Tag.
Figure 1: Sample Service Tag (fastened at bottom of the notebook, on the shipping box, or printed material you received when you purchased the computer)
1 = Model Number (below the bar codes)
2 = Product Number (p/n)
3 = Product Name (Product)
4 = Serial Number (s/n)
Also, the Fulfillment Vendor may be able to automatically detect this information from your PC if you are using it to place your Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit order.
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Q: Is there a cost for an upgrade kit through the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP?
A: There is no cost for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit from HP, however, there may be a charge to cover shipping, handling, and other fees.
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Q: How many PCs can I order upgrades for?
A: You may order only one Upgrade Kit for each PC purchased within the eligibility period (June 26, 2009 – January 31, 2010). However, if you are a PC administrator and you are ordering on behalf of your company, you can order a maximum of 25 Windows® 7 Upgrade Kits for 25 eligible PCs purchased during the eligibility period. Please note that each PC must have a different serial numbers. For more than 25 eligible PCs, please visit the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program website.
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Q: How can I check the shipping status of my Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit?
A: You can check the status of your order at any time by visiting Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP, choose the country from which you ordered your Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit, and choose the “Order Status” button.
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Q: When will I receive my HP Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit?
A: Windows® 7 Upgrade Kits will start shipping to eligible users shortly after Microsoft makes Windows® 7 available to the public.
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Q: What if I lost the sales receipt or sales slip for my PC?
A: Your sales receipt or sales slip is your proof of purchase, and lets HP validate that your PC was purchased during the Eligibility Period for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP. If you have lost or accidentally discarded your receipt, please contact the retailer or reseller where you purchased your PC to get a replacement receipt.
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Q: Who do I contact with questions about my order or if I experience difficulty placing my order for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit?
A: HP has contracted with a third party company to fulfill the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP. Please direct all queries related to your order to the Fulfillment Vendor who will have your order information.
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Q: If my system is eligible for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP, does that mean my PC is compatible with Windows® 7 and ready to install the Windows® 7 Upgrade?
A: The current hardware requirements to install Windows® 7 are:
- 1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1 GB of RAM (32-bit)/ 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB available disk space (32-bit)/ 20GB (64-bit)
- Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (to enable the Aero theme)
- DVD-R/W Drive
You may need to order additional memory or a DVD drive to install the software. Product functionality and graphics may vary based on your system configuration. Some features may require advanced or additional hardware; visit Microsoft .
Please note these specifications could change. Some product features of Windows® 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of "touch," may require advanced or additional hardware.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: Are there additional requirements I need to know about to use certain features of Windows® 7?
A: Some features in earlier Windows® versions are not included in Windows® 7. Download Windows Live™ Essentials to get similar programs including Windows Live™ Mail, Photo Gallery, Messenger and Movie Maker, for free at download.live.com.
Additional Requirements 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
- Touch functionality requires specific hardware
- Sharing printers and documents requires a network and PCs with Windows
- 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
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: Is Windows® 7 compatible with my peripherals such as a printer, camera, or non-HP software?
A: Information about HP Windows® 7 compatible drivers will be available close to the public availability of Windows® 7. For HP devices, please consult HP Support and Drivers. For non-HP devices, please consult the Microsoft Software and Hardware Compatibility Center .
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Q: How do I know if my PC is eligible for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP?
A: Please check the Eligible Models page to see if the model of your PC is listed. If it is listed, it must also meet the following criteria:
- PC was purchased between June 26, 2009 and January 31, 2010
- PC was factory installed with
You must also have proof of purchase – either a sales receipt, packing slip, or sales slip.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: Can I install a different language version of Windows® 7 than is on my Windows Vista PC?
A: The language version of Windows® 7 must be identical to the Vista language version that was factory installed on your PC prior to the upgrade. Otherwise, the Windows® 7 Upgrade Media may not install and activate properly. For example, if your PC came with multiple languages and you chose French as your language during setup, then you will also have to choose French during the Windows® 7 upgrade process. Instructions will be provided in your Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit from HP.
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Q: What if I want to upgrade to a version of Windows® 7 not offered on the Fulfillment Site?
A: Please contact your local retailer, online retailer, or Microsoft to purchase a copy of Windows® 7 after it is publicly available by Microsoft. Also, please check the HP Support and Drivers.
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Q: My system is currently running Windows XP. I purchased it with the Vista Business Edition Custom Downgrade to XP Professional pre-installed. Is it eligible for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP?
A: If your system meets all the other eligibility requirements of the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP, then it may be eligible for the Program. You will need to verify that your PC came with a Windows Vista Business Edition Certificate of Authenticity (COA). A clean installation of the Windows® 7 Upgrade Media will be required.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: Can I upgrade my HP Mini Note through the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP?
A: The HP Mini Note, as with all other systems, must meet all the eligibility requirements of the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP. If the HP Mini Note does not meet these requirements, then it is not eligible for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP. In this case, please contact Microsoft for more information on how to upgrade to Windows® 7 once it is publicly available.
If your HP business Mini Note was pre-installed with Windows® Vista Business or was downgraded to Windows® XP Pro and meets the other eligibility requirements, then it may be eligible for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: Why do PCs with Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Starter or Windows XP not qualify to be upgraded?
A: Microsoft’s guidelines state that Windows Vista® Home Basic, Windows Vista® Starter Edition, and Windows® XP (all editions) do not qualify for an upgrade to Windows® 7 under this Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP.
If your system was originally pre-installed with Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate & you downgraded to Windows XP, your system may be eligible for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP. However, a clean installation of the Windows® 7 Upgrade Media will be required.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: I purchased an HP PC, but I did not see a flyer for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP in the box. Do I still qualify?
A: To be eligible for the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP, your PC must meet all the eligibility requirements. If it does, then it is eligible for the program even though there was no flyer in the box.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: My PC does not have a DVD drive. How do I install the HP Windows® 7 Upgrade?
A: The Windows® 7 Upgrade is only available on DVD. A DVD drive is a requirement for installation of the Windows® 7 upgrade media but the DVD drive itself can be internal or external.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: What should I do to prepare my PC for the upgrade before I receive the Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit from HP?
A: Whenever you transition your PC to a new operating system, it is critical that you back up your data files. Your files may be lost if they are not backed up before performing the upgrade. You can back up via an external hard drive, onto a DVD, or onto CD disks. You may need to re-install some applications after you have transitioned your PC to Windows® 7.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: How do I perform the upgrade once I have a copy of the Windows® 7 Upgrade kit?
A: The Windows® 7 Upgrade kit includes an instruction sheet and a HP Upgrade Media DVD (select models only) that guides users through the upgrade process. More information will be made available online at the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP after Windows® 7 becomes publicly available.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: Where do I go for assistance if I have issues during the Windows® 7 Upgrade process?
A: If you received your Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit as part of the Windows® 7 Upgrade Program from HP and you encounter problems during the upgrade process, we recommend that you first consult the Windows® 7 Installation FAQ on the HP.com Support website. HP supports all eligible customers of the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program offered by HP who are under warranty.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: Once I upgrade to Windows® 7 and if I ever send my PC back to HP for repair, will it be restored to Windows® 7 or to Windows Vista?
A: HP canhelp you restore your unit to the original image that was factory installed on your PC, in this case back to Windows Vista. Once you get your PC back with Windows Vista, you will need to perform the upgrade again using your Windows® 7 Upgrade Kit.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: If I don’t like Windows® 7 after upgrading, can I un-install Windows® 7?
A: You can recover your PC to its factory installed operating system by following the standard PC Recovery process.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Q: Will HP support my PC after I have upgraded from Windows Vista to Windows® 7?
A: If your PC is still under the HP warranty period and your upgrade was obtained through the HP Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program from HP, then HP will support your PC. If you have purchased Windows® 7 from another source and are still within the HP warranty period, HP Support will do their best to troubleshoot the problem. If HP Support cannot resolve the issue, it will be necessary for you to restore the PC back to the factory installed version of the Windows operating system to continue troubleshooting hardware issues.
Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See Microsoft for details.
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Upon meeting the eligibility requirements, you may order your Windows 7 Upgrade Kit from HP.
