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#11
There is a tutorial on doing a clean install with an upgrade version of Win 7. Basically you either do not input the key or do not do the auto online activation, or both (I forget) during the install and then activate after the install is completed.
IIRC you enter the key but uncheck Auto activate. But check the tutorial for the correct procedure.
Here's the link.
Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version