Windows 7: Question about Windows 7 Upgrade Purchase / Install

I have a few questions, first some background information. I'm building a new computer and I currently have a valid copy of XP. I'm wanting to put Windows 7 on my new PC though and I'm trying to buy Windows 7 Pro x64 (an upgrade, not OEM or full copy) online (I'm a student so I get a discount). I'm hoping to be able to just purchase the upgraded version and then do a "clean install" with the upgrade since I dont have Vista.

1. When I purchase the upgrade downloadable online (from the Microsoft Store), will it give me an ISO that I can burn?

2. If it is an ISO that I can burn, after I get it installed and go to put the license key in, do I put in my XP key or do I need a Win 7 key?

3. If the answer to the question above is Windows 7, does it give you a license key when you purchase the upgrade online?

4. If that answer is no, then how do I obtain my license key if I'm buying the downloadable version online and trying to do a "clean" install with the upgrade?

1. Yes, you should be given an .iso file or a link to a tool to create the .iso file.

2. No, typically the upgrades now require the previous OS to be installed. However, in our tutorials section, you'll find instructions on doing a clean install with the upgrade version.

3. You will be given a key, probably through e-mail after your purchase.

1. Microsoft Store Online

2. It is an ISO and you will need a Windows 7 product key.

3. When you purchase the upgrade Microsoft will e-mail you a product key for Windows 7.

Clean Install : Factory COA Activation Key

So basically, I can purchase the x64 Pro Upgrade from the Microsoft store. They will then give me the ISO to burn and e-mail me a product key. I can then follow the tutorials to do a clean install that are mentioned on this site, and everything should work out great!?

Yes, that's exactly it...in that order!

Also, just in case you happen to loose your key, you can always retrieve it and redownload Windows 7 from the store.
Just log into your account you used to purchase it.

If it doesn't, you know where to come for help!

Seriously, you should have no problems at all, but whatever you do, don't lose the product key. First thing I always do is print off the e-mail that is used to send the product key and file it.

As mentioned though, you can always retrieve it from the Microsoft Store via your account there.

Burn the ISO to DVD or write to flash stick using this tool: Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool

Boot the DVD or flash stick by setting it first to boot in BIOS setup, or using the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key given on first screen, e.g Asus is F8.

Choose Custom Install, then Drive Options to delete all partitions, create new ones as you wish, then format before installing Windows 7 to the first partition after the 100mb System Reserved partition which will be created. Illustrated steps here: Clean Install Windows 7

When you boot the DVD/stick it will scan the HD to see the previous OS, allowing use of the Upgrade version key up front during install. Only if the HD is wiped or new does it require leaving the key blank up front and doing the quick registry workaround given here: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version.

Installed and activated without any problems what-so-ever. Thanks for all the tips and guide references, they were a huge help (especially the guides which are very well written imo).

Well done and you're very welcome.

Brink and his team do a great job with the tutorials, which help us to help you.