Windows 7: Putting retail version on OEM computer

theog · 12 Oct 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by gregrocker

I thought you might have an Anytime key, which is not yet clear will work in all cases to clean reinstall the higher version since it would be a substantial loophole to save lots of money unless it is launched from a confirmed-lesser-version.

It has always been clear, NO you can not do a clean install with a anytime key.

Windows Anytime Upgrade - Upgrade your Windows 7 edition - Microsoft Windows

Quote:

Can I use Windows Anytime Upgrade to upgrade a previous version of Windows to Windows 7?

No. Windows Anytime Upgrade can't upgrade previous versions of Windows to Windows 7. Windows Anytime Upgrade is designed only to upgrade your computer from one edition of Windows 7 to another edition of Windows 7.

Note

To use Windows Anytime Upgrade, your computer must be running an activated copy of Windows 7.

gregrocker · 12 Oct 2011

It may have been clear to you but that doesn't mean that it is clearly established here and cannot be done.

Please cite where Users have failed using Anytime key to clean reinstall the higher version.

MS also says retail Upgrade version must have an activated copy of Windows installed but there is a workaround for those not wanting to install the qualifying version or installing to a cleaned or new HD. In addition the installer will accept Upgrade version key upfront if any version of Windows is detected on the drive.

Windows 7: Putting retail version on OEM computer

Putting retail version on OEM computer problems?