Windows 7: I Custom Installed instead of Upgrade Installed

I have an upgrade version of windows 7; I have upgraded it before from vista to 7 but my hard drive recently failed. luckily I had everything backed up so I just decided to buy a new hard drive and reinstall windows 7. Anyway I did a custom install instead of an upgrade install (which i should have done), now I cant put in my serial number because it says its invalid. Is there an easy fix for this or am i going to have to format and reinstall?

Notes:
I have the windows.old file on backup.
I have upgraded from vista home premium to windows 7 ultimate and am now reinstalling.
I have my windows image backup of windows 7.
I have my "certificates" backed up.

Hello ICzar13, welcome to Seven Forums!



Have a look at this tutorial at the link below and try one of the workarounds and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.


Do a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

i get this error code "0xC004F061" saying "The Software Licensing Service Determined that this specified product key can only be used for upgrading, not for clean installations." this is a new message i got after i put the windows.old folder in drive C:/

Another way some get this accomplished is to do an upgrade install over the first clean install, this time entering the upgrade key when prompted during the installation process, then when finished, in the Windows start menu at Control Panel, System activate online.

Do a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Did you try the registry edit given in the tutorial? It's easiest and should immediately allow you to activate at Computer>Properties.

thanks guys helping solve the problem.

Glad we could help and thanks for the update.