HP Offers Customers Free Upgrade

News Release

HP Offers Customers Free Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 7

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, June 26, 2009 – HP today announced that it will offer the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system on consumer and business PCs from October 22. To meet customers’ computing needs while protecting their investment, the company is participating in the Windows Upgrade Option Programme to help customers transition easily to Windows 7. The programme will enable customers who purchase qualifying HP PCs to enjoy the benefits of a new Windows-based PC today and receive a free(1) upgrade to Windows 7 when it becomes available in October.

Customers who purchase an HP PC from June 26 may be eligible for the upgrade programme. HP customers can visit www.hp.com/go/windows7upgrade and select New Zealand to check for upgrade eligibility, register and get answers about their PCs and current operating systems. Following Windows 7 general availability on October 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)

“HP has helped guide Microsoft through the development of Windows 7, collaborating and offering unique insight and counsel on emerging technologies, specifically on HP’s leading touch technology and high performance thin and light notebook computing,” said Brent Kendrick, General Manager Personal Systems Group., HP New Zealand. “Because of this early collaboration, HP has engineered truly innovative PCs from our industry-leading notebooks and desktops to our acclaimed TouchSmart PCs, providing advanced performance, compelling user experiences and more functionality overall.”

“We are thrilled with the level of collaboration between HP and Microsoft throughout the development of Windows 7,” said Ben Green, Windows Business Group Manager, Microsoft New Zealand. “Through the Windows Upgrade Option Programme, we can help our joint customers get new PCs now and get ready to experience the innovation and simplification that Windows 7 delivers.”

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

To help simplify the Windows 7 upgrade process, the HP Upgrade Assistant will identify and pre-install 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. For more information on HP’s Windows Upgrade Option Programme, visit www.hp.com/go/windows7.

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