Windows 7 - Question about the upgrade

Hi guys. I can get a good deal on the Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade through my university. I can get it for 65 bucks, which is a steal in my book.

I have an MSI Wind netbook which I want to upgrade. It came shipped with XP and I have been running the Windows 7 RC since it's been out. I want to put a new big hard drive in it, and put Windows 7 on there.

Problem is, the installer now won't see a previous version. Does the upgrade-clean install over itself trick still work in this upgrade version? Or do I have to install XP again, format again and install 7 over that one? Some people have told me an upgrade version can do a clean install regardless if there's any previous Windows version on your computer.

I'm personally not sure if an Upgrade disc does Clean installs as well, still waiting on the verdict, but i dont advise doing a upgrade, backup your important files, and do a clean install, will make it alot easier in the end.

Hi dickstar
the final answer is we dont know. there are stories in the iwld that say yes its the same as vista. There are also reports of a "double install" method works. Only a few more hours and we will know.

Stay tuned


Ken

Damn, I already ordered it. Oh well, we'll see...

I was just thinking of this trick:

• Make a C and a D partition.
• Install XP on D
• Do the upgrade clean install on C
• Delete partition D

It sounds like a swell plan to me if I can't do a clean install on the same partition.


I'll get it tomorrow in the mail. I'll let you guys know if it worked or not

thing is, if it's an upgrade, Windows 7 will install OVER WinXP, and be in the D drive. (i think :S)

The upgrade version can do a clean install, actual it is the only way to install from XP, but it must see the activated XP first. You need to start the install DVD from the activated XP OS. MS has said that the upgrade can be done from an activated Win7RC, but haven't seen it confirmed. Either way, make a good backup image, test it, this will keep you from doing a double re-install, install XP/RC then install the Upgrade Windows 7 Ult, if you need to re-install.
gregrocker has confirmed that the method you described works. He has done it.

Let us know how it goes.

How to install Upgrade to formatted first partition