How to: get your free upgrade to Windows 7
Geoffrey Blain
Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: Technology
If you, like me, recently purchased a new computer that didn't happen to be branded with an Apple logo, you were more than likely told that you would be receiving a free upgrade to Windows 7 when the new operating system would be available in November.
And, if you, like me, have been a little confused as to how it is to get your upgrade, I have your answer and am now going to spit it back out in a step-by-step guide to get you on your way to becoming a Windows 7 user, or more importantly, replacing Windows Vista.
Go to the Microsoft homepage or type the phrase "Windows 7 upgrade" into Google and click the first result that isn't an ad. If you are on Microsoft's official Web site and you see a little blurb on how to get your upgrade, you're on the right site. Scroll down a little farther and change the country to Canada, assuming that you bought your PC here in the True North and Strong and Free. Finally, click the manufacturer of your computer.
This is where it gets a little more difficult. All the manufacturers have different Web sites so you're going to have to do a little searching on your own. Some make it very easy to find the link to your free upgrade, others, not to name names, Lenovo, are somewhat confusing. If it isn't immediately obvious where to click, look for the words "upgrade", "support" or "services". Hopefully you don't have too much trouble.
Once you've found where you're supposed to be, you're going to need to put in some information so Microsoft knows you actually qualify for a free upgrade and aren't just trying to nab a free operating system. Before you do anything, take the time to read the terms and conditions. Now the required information: your PC serial number is 22 characters long and begins with "LX" and will be on a sticker somewhere on your PC. The form may fill in some information automatically once you're done entering the PC serial number. If it does, just let it happen, if not, search the stickers on your computer for the remaining required information, or, if necessary, consult the computer's manual. The other information should be pretty standard.
Now that the hard part is over, just put in the address you want the upgrade sent to. You shouldn't have to enter any credit card information so if it asks you to, go back and make sure you've done everything correctly.
Now all that is left to do is sit back and wait for your upgrade to arrive in the mail.
Next tech section: how to actually install the upgrade.
And, if you, like me, have been a little confused as to how it is to get your upgrade, I have your answer and am now going to spit it back out in a step-by-step guide to get you on your way to becoming a Windows 7 user, or more importantly, replacing Windows Vista.
Go to the Microsoft homepage or type the phrase "Windows 7 upgrade" into Google and click the first result that isn't an ad. If you are on Microsoft's official Web site and you see a little blurb on how to get your upgrade, you're on the right site. Scroll down a little farther and change the country to Canada, assuming that you bought your PC here in the True North and Strong and Free. Finally, click the manufacturer of your computer.
This is where it gets a little more difficult. All the manufacturers have different Web sites so you're going to have to do a little searching on your own. Some make it very easy to find the link to your free upgrade, others, not to name names, Lenovo, are somewhat confusing. If it isn't immediately obvious where to click, look for the words "upgrade", "support" or "services". Hopefully you don't have too much trouble.
Once you've found where you're supposed to be, you're going to need to put in some information so Microsoft knows you actually qualify for a free upgrade and aren't just trying to nab a free operating system. Before you do anything, take the time to read the terms and conditions. Now the required information: your PC serial number is 22 characters long and begins with "LX" and will be on a sticker somewhere on your PC. The form may fill in some information automatically once you're done entering the PC serial number. If it does, just let it happen, if not, search the stickers on your computer for the remaining required information, or, if necessary, consult the computer's manual. The other information should be pretty standard.
Now that the hard part is over, just put in the address you want the upgrade sent to. You shouldn't have to enter any credit card information so if it asks you to, go back and make sure you've done everything correctly.
Now all that is left to do is sit back and wait for your upgrade to arrive in the mail.
Next tech section: how to actually install the upgrade.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
bob
posted 11/17/09 @ 2:39 PM EST
Any PC purchased after 6/26/2009.
Liz
posted 11/17/09 @ 4:26 PM EST
hmmm, I was under the impression it was an online upgrade?
leutrim
posted 11/18/09 @ 5:58 AM EST
windows 7 is the best best windoes when the windows publisher
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