📎 AI Summary:
The user is questioning whether they can legally upgrade their non-functional Windows 7 laptop to Windows 8 using a genuine upgrade key instead of purchasing a full version, given their situation with hardware and recovery options. Another user responds confirming that it is legal to do so and recommends performing a clean installation with the Windows 8 upgrade media to ensure a smooth setup. Overall, the discussion centers around the legality and practicality of using an upgrade license for a clean install.

culip

New Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2013
Messages
6
Thread Author #1
Hi,

I have a genuine product key of Windows 7 but don't have its copy (DVD/ISO image). In this case, is it possible and lawful to install Windows 8 from a genuine copy of "Windows 8 Upgrade"? I don't want to buy the full version since it's a bit more expensive.

Thanks,
Culip

P.S. So here's the whole story: I purchased my laptop "Panasonic Japan Let'snote J10" in Japan. The laptop doesn't have an optical drive but it has "Windows 7 Japanese" and a "Windows recovery program (partition)" stored in its hard drive. And neither Windows 7 nor the recovery program works--but oddly enough, scandisk doesn't detect any error in the hard drive. Linux in the same hard drive has been working perfectly, which implies that the hardware is healthy.
 

strollin

Honorable Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2013
Messages
284