Upgrade allows clean install?

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  1. Posts : 29
    Windows 7 Ultimate
       #1

    Upgrade allows clean install?


    Hey! If I missed this, sorry ahead of time.

    Can you fresh install with an Upgrade version of Windows 7? I want to save some money by buying the Upgrade. However, if I have to install my old OS first then upgrade, that isn't really a clean install. I'm wondering if you simply have to prove you have an older Windows version so that you can upgrade, or if it literally has to be on the PC for it to work.

    Second, does anyone know if the Upgrade trick works with Win 7? As in, you install the Upgrade without entering a key, then "upgrade" your upgrade?

    Thanks!
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  2. Posts : 1,161
    Windows 8.1 PRO
       #2

    Yes

    ..Don't know..
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  3. Posts : 2,606
    Windows 7 Pro X64 SP1
       #3

    As far as I know, Microsoft hasn't published the details of the use of an upgrade license yet.

    However, it appears that the upgrade version will permit a "custom" install. That's not identical to installing on a blank partition, but the end result is essentially the same. (The existing files are moved into windows.old.)

    Some have claimed that there must be an *activated* qualifying OS in place, which would eliminate the double-install method that was possible under Vista. I hope that's wrong, if only because every OS installer I've owned since Windows 95 has been an upgrade version, but we may not know until 22 October.
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  4. Posts : 29
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks. I knew there was the upgrade that typically makes the "windows.old" folder. Which of course, requires that you have an OS installed already.

    I sure hope they can just let you enter an XP or Vista key and upgrade. That would be nice. I doubt it will happen that way though.

    I'm guessing if you do the Windows.old upgrade, then you can't repartition or anything like that because it retains the Windows.old folder. If that happens, it must not allow repartitioning? I'm not planning to repartition, I just use one partition for my installs. I've never noticed a speed increase, or any kind of increase in anything really, when partitioning drives. I do use two drives however, one to store data like mp3s, pictures, and videos so that I don't have to copy them back and forth if I format and reload the OS. I know folks use partitions like this too. I just prefer two physically separate drives, it feels safer, ha!
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  5. Posts : 98
    Win 7 32 bit , Win xp Sp3
       #5

    As mentioned above, MS has released few details as to how EXACTLY they will validate 'Update Media'.

    Things have changed from Vista installer that would allow a few work arounds. The win7 installer has to see and be installed from within an ACTIVATED operating system. If you do this, select 'Custom Install' and then you can partition and format.

    Now what is up in the air and not yet confirmed is how EXACTLY can a re install of Win 7 be done ( hard drive failure etc, etc )

    It looks like the original OS must be installed, activated and then Win7 installed from within and activated. Both activations will have to be done over the phone.

    And we think of MS as a 'smart' company. That's a joke.
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  6. Posts : 795
    windows 7 RTM x64
       #6

    The cleanest way to get a clean install, is to install once without using your serial, then once your in the "new" install of windows, start an "upgrade" and this time enter your serial. It is a documented way of installing (as seen on MS's own site). This way you dont end up with any old OS files or other garbage.
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  7. Posts : 29
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I found this link that has helpful information. Looks like they are forcing the pre-installed old OS first. :\

    @ccatlett1984 - it looks like they are removing that method too.

    "Rules" for Windows 7 Upgrades Verified - HotHardware

    @Nosmo - I think MS is a smart company, I think they are just overly paranoid about people stealing the OS. They'll do it anyway, regardless of the protection or methods they put in place to prevent it. People who are going to buy the OS will buy it, those who are not going to, won't.
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  8. Posts : 384
    Windows7
       #8

    My current understanding is:

    (1) You can technically fresh install with the upgrade disks. In fact, they'll require it for those coming from Windows 2000 and XP.

    (2) Last indication is you do need a prior genuine (activated) Windows install for the upgrade disks to go in. This should really only be a pain if you're ever transitioning to a new blank drive. You can use the disks with the (activated) Release Candidate, and once you get them in the first time, they should work on top of themselves if you ever have to fresh install in the future.

    (3) The upgrade trick of just installing the upgrade disks then upgrading them on top of themselves won't work. They require an activated install.

    And for what it's worth, I'd expect their customer service / activation phone lines could get pretty busy the next couple of years. You'll probably have a lot of people start transitioning to SSD drives, but to get things reinstalled they'll need to (1) reactivate their prior install on different hardware and then (2) reactivate their upgrade install on different hardware. A lot of customers might not be very happy with the way the upgrades become a major pain.
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  9. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #9

    Xplaced said:
    Hey! If I missed this, sorry ahead of time.

    Can you fresh install with an Upgrade version of Windows 7? I want to save some money by buying the Upgrade. However, if I have to install my old OS first then upgrade, that isn't really a clean install. I'm wondering if you simply have to prove you have an older Windows version so that you can upgrade, or if it literally has to be on the PC for it to work.

    Second, does anyone know if the Upgrade trick works with Win 7? As in, you install the Upgrade without entering a key, then "upgrade" your upgrade?

    Thanks!
    Hello Xplaced,

    It's basically also going to be the same method used below for Vista.

    Clean Install From Upgrade Vista - Vista Forums

    Hope this helps,
    Shawn
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  10. Posts : 98
    Win 7 32 bit , Win xp Sp3
       #10

    Brink said:
    Hello Xplaced,

    It's basically also going to be the same method used below for Vista.

    Clean Install From Upgrade Vista - Vista Forums

    Hope this helps,
    Shawn
    With the greatest respect, I do not think this work around will get the job done.
    The reason is that the 'New' Win 7 installer is now looking for an ACTIVATED previous OS. This was not the case with the Vista installer.

    I sincerely hope I am wrong.
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