Can I install Windows 7 upgrade over a none activated Windows XP Pro?

I have a reinstall disk for Windows XP Pro but I lost the activation code. I plan to install Windows 7 with Bootcamp on my Macbook Pro and I though I could just get the upgrade version of Win7 instead of the install so I could just use an unactivated XP than upgrade to Win7. Will this work?

cory21072009-07-13T14:34:12Z

Favorite Answer

I think the XP has to be activated, but when you put in your 7 disk you have to do a clean install but you can still use a 7 upgrade disk.

You can buy a 7 upgrade disk to install from 2000, XP, or Vista, but you can only upgrade install from Vista. If you have 2000 or XP, you have to do a clean install from the upgrade disk, by choosing "Custom" at the install mode selection.

nookkin2009-07-10T14:28:35Z

Just install an unactivated copy of Windows 7 and then "upgrade" it with an upgrade version, then activate.

oregontimmy412009-07-10T14:30:27Z

when you got microsoft and research like I did, you cannot install windows 7 at all on an xp partition - you must first install windows vista of any kind to use the upgrade - I don't know why but that is the way microsoft is doing business

Anonymous2009-07-10T14:30:32Z

cannot understand what you are trying to do.

xp to windows 7 is always a clean install, you cannot just upgrade.

if you intend to use xp mode in windows 7, again clean install.

install windows 7 in bootcamp via macbook, i dont think it is possible... you just need to wait for apple to make a bootcamp that is windows 7 compatible.