Upgrade Install / Validation Question

Currently on two different machines one x86, one x64, the current setup is dual boot with Vista & RC 7100 on both. Vista was installed first and is at the beginning of the physical disk on the first partition on each. What I would like to know is, for either system, when I do a clean install from upgrade media, will the setup program overwrite my qualifying install of Vista on the first partition by default, or can I select a different partition for the install choosing to tripple boot if I desire?

I've been searching the forums and cannot seem to nail this one down.

Thanks for help.

RBI*

I think you will be able to do a clean install. But according to the license agreement you're not supposed to use Vista anymore. You're supposed to buy the full version of 7 if you want to continue using Vista in a dual boot situation or otherwise.

Thanks Sup3rsprt & Barman58. I knew in the back of my head that the ULA barred the continued use of an OS after an upgrade, but I suppose I wasn't applying the right logic to it. And you're right, whatever the specifices of the process are once the product is actually in hand and in use is whatever it is. I was really thinking more in terms of system management. I didn't articulate that aspect very well did I? What I was more interested in was stuff like... How should I plan for the install; Should I be thinking about re-partitioning; What will I have to do after the install to make my post-upgrade system emulate my current RC set-up, etc. I'll formulate a clearer set of questions and re-post. I would like to say thanks again though, I really appreciate font of knowledge that is the Se7en Forums. Cheers ! RBI

i have a free upgrade hp disc and asistant dvd want to install on another hp laptop that it was not intended for
but is compatible system requirement wise. assistant dvd says of course can not validate what if i skip that step an go right to upgrade disc itself i am willing to do clean install if necessary

You can try but most Upgrade Kits have the Win7 DVD product key locked to the Vista OEM it is upgrading in the manufacturer's S/N account for that machine.

The DVD should be bootable so you can try a formatted clean install, but don't expect it to be any more than an installer; doubtful it will activate with that key.

I received a Win7 DVD through the Upgrade Option program for a Computer I bought back in 2009. My problem is my Mobo is inadequate to the tasks I've set for it (a lack of sufficient SATA slots is an issue) and I want to upgrade the mobo. Am I barred from using the Win78DVD to do a clean install on the machine when a different mobo is put in? Is it required to deactivate the current Windows installation before I swap out the mobo and do a clean install of Windows 7? Is there a workaround? I remember the big secret about that upgrade disc was the choice to do a clean install not just an upgrade install. The product keys for the original Vista install and all the other numbers on the sticker on the side of the machine are different from that on the sticker for the Win7 DVD box.

There still remains some question about exactly what the Win7 Upgrade kit version is. This is due in large part to MS requiring manufacturers to provide a clean copy Installation DVD with separate Product Key so users could get a clean install as easy as in-place Upgrade. It seems to be OEM which ties to the mobo upon first install, but others have claimed it is full or upgrade version.

If you change the mobo you can try reinstalling, or before the mobo change run SysPrep on Win7 to adjust to new hardware. If it activates then it's full or Upgrade version, if not it is OEM which on the possibility it is indeed retail builder's OEM you can plead with phone activation based on mobo failure as MS has been reported to allow lately. However it should be emphasized this would be an exception since under the EULA a copy lives and dies with the mobo first installed upon.

I ran on my PC not completely genuine version of Win7.
Some time ago I got upgrade DVD of Win7 Ultimate and successfully installed It as clean (according to this topic). There was no problem or additional question form Billy boy side. But in couple of days after this installation one of my RAID1 HDD deceased and after all tricks I realized that there's necessity of re-installation on my horizon.
I did exactly the same sentence of actions like at previous time, but at the end of installation, after trying of entering of product key I received message, that my product key is wrong.
I called to CS of MS and informed them about the problem. The response was, of course, you shouldn't install it clean, you must upgrade it from genuine MS system, XP and up. After short and productive conversation we shared the opinion, that it's possible to install it clean, but I have to provide them at least S/N of the system I could install legally. I did. The number past MS validation, they tried to do smth. (then I supposed they reactivated my own S/N for Win7, now I am sure they did not) and after this we together attempted to perform the registration with pass key, like at phone registration option. It did not work. I received message that the product I tried to install clean to be only upgrade.
OK, there's nothing to do. I installed XP Pro, I spent two hours to find floppy drive and to installl It, c'z XP cannot recognize USB or DVD during RAID drivers loading at installation and so weiter....
Finally, I ran my upgrade DVD within XP and guess what? I got warning from Billy boy, that there's not valid Win32 application !!!!!

WHAT THE F@CK ?!?!?!

Is this a retail Upgrade disk you bought in a store?

You may still have bad code in the boot sector unless you wipe the HD with Diskpart Clean Command.

Then boot the disk and follow the steps to Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version, including the workaround given for activating Upgrade version on a clean or wiped HD.