I think he can still do the upgrade. One way he can try the suggestion on this forum.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id...y-windows.html (Check out Best Answer).
Basically if you use assistive technologies on Window you can upgrade for free to Windows 10.
Or you can use a windows 7 key on Windows 10 using the method here or here.
AMD Phenom II X4 960T Zosma @ 4GHz | Thermalright Ultima 90 CPU cooler | GIGBABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P | Sapphire 6950 unlocked | 6Gb Gskill RAM | 1.5TB total HD | Dell U2412M IPS Monitor | Zalman 750W PSU | LENOVO SL500