Windows 7 Build 7600 to Windows 7 via upgrade

I've been searching on the forms for a bit now, and am not sure if I have the answer that I'm looking for, so I wanted to post this question to everyone out there.

I am currently running build 7600 of Windows 7, I did a clean install without formatting the drive over windows vista premium 64bit and then removed the windows.old folder via the directions found on this board. My question is, that when I download my copy of Windows 7 off of digitalriver (I'm a college student) what is it I need to do in order to have a clean install? I've heard numerous reports that say I wouldn't have to install anything because build 7600 is the final version, and all I would need to do is enter the product key given on my upgrade version.

Any help would be much appreciated.

The edition of windows I am running is Windows 7 enterprise and my upgrade disc is for premium. I've read on other sites about people who are in the same boat and they all say that all I need to do is put in my personal windows activation key and that everything will be fine, I don't need to re-install anything.

sphericalpuma said:

The edition of windows I am running is Windows 7 enterprise and my upgrade disc is for premium. I've read on other sites about people who are in the same boat and they all say that all I need to do is put in my personal windows activation key and that everything will be fine, I don't need to re-install anything.

Nope. If you had an enterprize key that would work but keys are version specific (pro>pro, ultimate>ultimate) since you are running a "higher" version than your key, the key will not work.

You will have to upgrade from "an approved path" xP Pro, vista,

ken

So if the workaround doesn't work, what does it mean to install from an approved path?

I have the vista sp1 cd that came with my dell system, would I have to format my drive, install vista, then pop in the upgrade disc in order to do a clean install of 7?

I just want to do whatever is easiest and won't cause me a lot of hassle. I would hate to have to go through all these steps but whatever works I'll have to do.

So to refresh my question:

I'm running windows 7 enterprise RTM. I have a download of windows 7 home premium upgrade available to me on the 22nd. I want to know what it is I have to do to get my release version of windows 7 up and running as hassle-free as possible.

sphericalpuma said:

So if the workaround doesn't work, what does it mean to install from an approved path?

I have the vista sp1 cd that came with my dell system, would I have to format my drive, install vista, then pop in the upgrade disc in order to do a clean install of 7?

Yup, the upgrade clean install needs to see an activated qualifying version. Here's my post in the "Still confused about "Upgrade" installation process" thread on what Microsoft told me:
STILL confused about "Upgrade" installation process.

sphericalpuma said:

I just want to do whatever is easiest and won't cause me a lot of hassle. I would hate to have to go through all these steps but whatever works I'll have to do.

So to refresh my question:

I'm running windows 7 enterprise RTM. I have a download of windows 7 home premium upgrade available to me on the 22nd. I want to know what it is I have to do to get my release version of windows 7 up and running as hassle-free as possible.

If you had home premium now it would be really easy. we aren't sure about one point yet. We know the keys are version specific but dont know if a pro key will unlock "lower" versions. I suspect not.
What that means to you is yes you can edit the file as the schaft suggested and that will take care of the minimum version problem. But No you still cant go from enterprise to premium without a clean install using a premium Key.

Is the enterprise you have now full or trial? Trial times out in 90 days.

Hmmm. MS announces that any activated OS detected will allow upgrade to proceed.

MS has a 90 day trial Enterprise which it activates.

Oh, well. They've already said they will allow activated RC to be used for upgrade clean install option.

I'm waiting to see if this works: Downgrade: Change Windows 7 Ultimate to Premium or Professional