Member Avatar for python01

Hi all,
I am looking to upgrade my pc from windows vista to windows 7, but am wondering if I will lose my cs3 master collection. I can find the product key, but I have no idea where the original installation disk is.
Is there any possibility that I will lose these programs after the update?
All help is greatly appreciated

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Short answer: an in-place upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 can keep installed programs and settings, but only when the Vista edition, language and the CPU architecture (32‑bit vs 64‑bit) match a supported upgrade path. Given the presence of legacy software (Adobe CS3), the safest approach is to prepare and protect the current system first. ()

Practical checklist (order matters):

  • Verify the current Vista edition and Service Pack level and confirm the matching Windows 7 SKU that allows an in-place upgrade. Cross‑architecture (x86 -> x64) and unsupported edition/language jumps force a clean install. ()
  • Run a compatibility check (Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor or equivalent) and confirm vendor drivers are available for the target OS before buying media. (learn.microsoft.com)
  • Create a full disk image and recovery media (system image) so the entire working system including installed programs can be restored if anything breaks. Store that image off the machine (external drive). (support.microsoft.com)
  • Collect license details and installers: keep product keys, license emails, and any serials in a safe place. If original CS3 media is missing, rely on the disk image rather than expecting easy reactivation. Adobe has retired activation for older CS products (CS2/CS3/CS4), so deactivation/activation may not work; preserving a working image is critical. ()

If an in-place path is not available (or a move to 64‑bit is required), a clean install is necessary and desktop applications will need reinstalling or restoring from an image. As noted, buying the correct upgrade SKU is common practice, but OEM discs and some upgrade media have different behavior—confirm the exact media type before proceeding. (learn.microsoft.com)

Recommended minimal sequence: make a system image, confirm supported upgrade path and drivers, secure licenses, obtain the correct Windows 7 upgrade media, run the upgrade, then test critical apps (CS3) while keeping the image available for rollback.

Member Avatar for caperjack

all things are possible when it comes to computers ,but any upgrade i have every done all programs on the computer always worked ,after ,make sure you buy the win7 upgrade and not the full version ,good luck

Edited by caperjack because: n/a
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