HP to Offer Free Windows 7 Upgrades to Notebook Customers

HP will offer free upgrades to Microsoft Windows 7 to anyone who purchases an HP notebook between now and October 22. HP customers who register for the program will receive a free upgrade copy of Windows 7 and an upgrade utility disc shortly after it’s released this fall.

The upgrade process will be relatively easy and HP will provide all necessary software to complete the process at home.

This is great news for everyone shopping for a notebook computer heading back to school. However, dozens of new notebook models are expected to launch in October and November. If you can hold off on buying a new PC for a few more months, you’ll have more choice and be able to score a better deal.

Here’s the full press release from HP:

HP Offers Customers Free Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 7

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 25, 2009 – HP today announced it will offer
the Microsoft Windows® 7 operating system on consumer
and business PCs beginning Oct. 22.

To meet customers’ computing needs while protecting their investments,
the company is participating in the Windows Upgrade
Option Program to help customers transition easily to Windows 7. The
program will enable customers who purchase qualifying HP PCs to enjoy
the benefits of a new Windows-based PC immediately and receive a
free(1) upgrade to Windows 7 when it becomes
available in October.

Customers who purchase an HP PC starting today may be eligible for the
upgrade program. HP customers can visit www.hp.com/go/windows7upgrade

to check for upgrade eligibility, register and get answers about
their PCs and current operating systems. Following general
availability of Windows 7 on Oct. 22, qualifying customers will
receive the Windows 7 upgrade and an upgrade utility disk(2)
with a step-by-step guide for installation at their convenience.(3)

Throughout the development of Windows 7, HP has had an unprecedented
level of collaboration with Microsoft to improve the
user experience. HP has made a significant investment in hardware and
software testing to ensure broad compatibility and a satisfying
technology experience across its commercial and consumer PC
portfolios.

“HP has helped guide Microsoft through the development of Windows 7,
collaborating and offering unique insight and counsel
on emerging technologies,” said Carlos Montalvo, vice president,
Experience Marketing, Personal Systems Group, HP. “Because of this
early collaboration, HP has engineered truly innovative PCs – from our
thin and light notebooks and high-performance desktops
to our acclaimed TouchSmart PCs – providing advanced performance,
compelling user experiences and more functionality overall.”

For more than two years, HP’s collaboration with Microsoft has
consisted of sharing industry best practices and technology for
mobility, touch innovation and printing, and working
to ensure a good customer experience when upgrading to Windows 7.

“We are thrilled with the level of collaboration between HP and
Microsoft throughout the development of Windows 7,” said
Nick Parker, general manager, Worldwide Sales for HP, Microsoft.
“Through the Windows Upgrade Option program, we can help our joint
customers get new PCs now and get ready to experience the innovation
and simplification that Windows 7 delivers.”

To help simplify the Windows 7 upgrade process, the HP Upgrade
Assistant will identify and preinstall most necessary drivers.(2)
The HP Support website will continue to be updated with drivers,
allowing customers to easily update their PCs without the burden of
researching and downloading drivers for graphic cards and attached
peripheral hardware.

HP PCs with Windows Vista® on the market today meet the hardware
requirements(4) to run the Windows 7 operating
system. Customers can continue to purchase new PCs from HP with the
confidence that they will run the Windows 7 operating system when it
becomes available later this year.

Customers can join the conversation about the upcoming launch of
Windows 7 on the HP Consumer Support Forum or HP Business
Support Forum for businesses. More information about HP’s Windows
Upgrade Option Program is available at
www.hp.com/go/windows7 .