I'm just wondering when upgrading to Windows 7 if a previous version of Windows needs to be installed before installing, or if it asks for a valid serial? I'm just wondering because my laptop shipped with Vista but I installed a copy of Windows XP I wasn't using anymore on my PC. Yes, I realize that 7 isn't out yet, thank you. I'm assuming here that Windows XP and Vista upgrades probably work in the same fashion, none of which I have used. I've always had full packages.

Windows 7 Unsupported Upgrade Paths Upgrading from Win XP? First read the topic XP to Windows 7? Not so fast! in THIS article. i_Xp/VistaUser

If you are determined to go ahead with the upgrade regardless of what we suggest, feel free to download the new Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta at the link below and see what it will tell you. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/... i_Xp/VistaUser

Okay thanks, so no for XP, so it's useless to get the family pack.

It is not useless to get a family pack. Playing to the angels Les Paul (1915-2009)

I agree with jefro ... it's not a useless move. While you can transition to Windows 7 from XP, it's not officially recommended because a clean-install -- of Windows 7 -- is expected to run smoother & the machine is bound to be less vulnerable to performance & compatibility issues after the upgrade. Moreover, there's considerable rigmarole involved in the process. Windows 7 News!