This is a user to user forum, not Dell. Are you following the special installation instructions for the upgrade? (See below for the instructions.) It's long past the cutoff time for free upgrades or replacement upgrade disks. You might have to buy an upgrade disk to install win 7 if you can't figure out how to use Dell's.

I found these instructions: Install win 7 using the upgrade assistant disk.  You should have 2 installation disks to do the upgrade and you need to start with the upgrade assistant disk. That might be why you are getting errors. Tip-- use Internet Explorer when accessing Dell support links.

More specifically, that response doesn't address the situation I put forward; but thanks for trying

You didn't read what I said

You might try contacting Customer Service instead of Support. You don't need a warranty in force to contact them. Just don't answer any automated requests for service tag. You also can try filling out the replacement disk form HERE. That would be for your original vista disk, but you can request the upgrade disk in the write in section since it was sent with your computer.

I've managed to end-around and got to Tech, but the techie's headset would cut in and out and I lost him.  Checked the Backup Request - looks like that might work out.  Thanks for the tips.  Jeff