Windows 7 for HTPC

[apresutt]

Hey guys, I have an .edu email adress I can use to get windows 7 home premium upgrade. My question is this though: I do not have a copy of any windows to put on my HTPC before trying to install 7 upgrade, can I still install it? Or does it require an install on the computer already?

Thanks!

 

[apresutt]

Oh, and one more question: is Home Premium good enough for a HTPC? will the WMC be as full featured as ultimate would be?

Thanks again!

 

[Adam]

Any version of W7 that comes with media center will work fine.

However, if its the upgrade your getting and you DONT have windows already (like a vista cd-rom or some other program to trick it), then you won't be able to install it.

But again, there are tricks out there to fool W7 so it thinks you are really upgrading it. Google it and you'll be able to find it try something like "installing windows 7 upgrade without windows" or something to that nature.

 

[apresutt]

Any idea if I can use windows XP? I have plenty of legit licenses for windows XP.

 

[apresutt]

Sorry, One more question:

32 or 64 bit for a new HTPC?

 

[aliaskary77]

im using win 7 professional x64 on my htpc. works great. you can use the upgrade disc. if going to 64 bit, just have to select custom and do a fresh install. there are only a few situations that you can actually do an in place upgrade (keeping all data intact). I would suggest backing up data and doing a clean install anyways.

if your cpu and motherboard can make use of 64 bit, might as well.

what else do i use:
- windows 7 codecs by shark. no brainer setup.
- xbmc for nice library catalogueing etc
- bsplayer for viewing. (others will recommend vlc or media player classic, im happy with bsplayer.

 

[Cobalt35]

im using win 7 professional x64 on my htpc. works great. you can use the upgrade disc. if going to 64 bit, just have to select custom and do a fresh install. there are only a few situations that you can actually do an in place upgrade (keeping all data intact). I would suggest backing up data and doing a clean install anyways.

if your cpu and motherboard can make use of 64 bit, might as well.

what else do i use:
- windows 7 codecs by shark. no brainer setup.
- xbmc for nice library catalogueing etc
- bsplayer for viewing. (others will recommend vlc or media player classic, im happy with bsplayer.

Speaking of xbmc... a new version was released on Dec 24 (as linked form the H front page) http://xbmc.org/team-xbmc/2009/12/24/xbmc-9-11-camelot/

 

[Dangman]

Any idea if I can use windows XP? I have plenty of legit licenses for windows XP.

Since Windows 7 is only $30 for you, I'd pick up Windows 7. The MC app is better than most other media center type apps IMO and has greater codec support right off the bat.

32 or 64 bit for a new HTPC?

64bit if buying a new key, 32bit will work fine.

 

[450]

Since Windows 7 is only $30 for you, I'd pick up Windows 7. The MC app is better than most other media center type apps IMO and has greater codec support right off the bat.

I think his question was if he could use his XP licence to upgrade to Windows 7. The answer to that is yes. You'll have to do a clean install though (preferable anyway).

 

[Adam]

It depends on what you plan to do... if you plan to use it as an HTPC then 32 bit is fine. Memory/ram arnt as important either, go with something you can afford. I mean my 2nd HTPC is an atom chip and works fine, little slow in the menus, but playback is flawless.

Now if your like me and plan on re-encoding things, POSSIBLY gaming (although i don't game), then 64 bit definitly, so even if you dont use the memory now, you can install it later.

Downside is...welll none really. Some programs are not 100% supported, but i've had every single program run.