Solved Using 7 full as an upgrade

Suppose I can get a really good deal on a full copy of win7. I'd like to upgrade my Vista PC. Can I use the full Win7 disk to upgrade or would I have to wipe the drive and install fresh? I know that's usually the best way to go anyway, but frankly I'll be upgrading my whole computer soon and I don't feel like wiping the drive and re installing everything right now, so I'd rather just upgrade. Thanks.

Welcome
If you buy a cheaper upgrade version rather then the full version, you still can do the much better clean install. What you want to do will save time upfront, but you will bring problems along with the new operating system.
If you do an upgrade, you will be back in the near future with problems, do a full clean install, it will be like a new car rather than the old one that you have just detailed.
This is how a clean install is done with an upgrade version
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html?filter[2]=General Tips
You can just chose upgrade when the screen comes up to do it your way.
If you do a clean install, download Windows Easy Transfer, you can transfer everything except programs. Yes, your settings, desktop, favorites, can be transferred.
Always back up just in case, however.

Well it's a lot cheaper for me to buy the full version, like I said it's a really good deal. With the amount of effort that would go into reinstalling hundreds of programs I'd almost rather not upgrade at all and just stick to Vista.

Buy the cheaper upgrade version, not the full version. You can do what you want and its cheaper.

I told you the full version is a lot cheaper than the upgrade. Like $60 cheaper.

This is what you want my friend, but do it with the much cheaper upgrade version and not the full version.
Upgrade, will save your stuff
Upgrade Install with Windows 7 - Windows 7 Forums

I will look at the link, but there is no cheaper upgrade version.

Well, I dont understand how the full version is cheaper, but if it is is cheaper, of course go with that.
I dont know where you are getting the full version, but please be careful. Be sure that you go to a reputable company and not a place they may sell a used key number.

LOL Finally the answer to your question, yes a full version can do an upgrade and you can save all of your stuff.

Thank you. And there are lots of legit ways to get a proper copy for cheap. Suppose a friend had an extra one that he never installed.

If you have a situation that enables you to get a cheap copy of Seven, Im happy for you.
You may be interested in this too:
Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions
Question 5 answers your specific question the rest may be interesting or helpful.
I wish you luck with Seven. I have Seven and it is awesome.

OK so that finally answers it clear as day, you can upgrade with the full version. Unfortunately I did read that I can only upgrade my Vista Ultimate to 7 Ultimate. 7 Ultimate kind of seems like a waste so I was planning to just do 7 Pro. Oh well.