need help reinstalling win 7 home premium upgrade version please help!

I installed the upgrade version before over my win xp home but, can't remember how I did it. Right now, I managed to get win 7 32 bit on booting from cd not upgrade option, but now it rejects the product key I guess because it's for upgrade only? I had the 64 bit version on before which is what I really want on there now but, I don't get the option to boot from cd so can't do it. I also made a 32 bit universal disc and a 64 bit universal from the upgrade discs so I could install just, the home premium version only or, will that not work with the upgrade version key either? I have 2 pcs when the pc crashed, I took the drive out and put it in the working pc which has the same 64 bit upgrade disk on it except, I purchased a key to upgrade it to win 7 pro to format it then, put it back in the broken pc so I could start my install. I have a retail version of xp home which I installed but, was not allowed to upgrade from that OS. I did it before but, just can't remember how I did it. All help will deeply be appreciated Thanks!

richc46 said:

Welcome
If you have a valid product key, follow these instructions for the best results.
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
When asked for your product key number do not give it. Set up all your stuff the way you want it then activate with the key. If you do not know how that is done, just ask us.

The only key I have is the upgrade key I tried the way you said to activate online but it said it was an upgrade key only. thanks!

I guess I should have mentioned this is my home build system they both are. :)

I'll get on the other pc and try that it's a retail upgrade version so I guess it's considered legit?

I just thought, should I try to get the 64 bit version on first which is what I want before I call Microsoft?

I tried calling by phone but, the very long number they wanted they said it couldn't be done? should i have put the product key in when i installed the os? is there a way i can do it now?