Windows 7 - Doing a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Unless you wipe the HD first, when you boot from the DVD it will see the OS to allow use of Upgrade version key upfront during install. If not, leave the key blank until after install then do the quick registry workaround given, activate at Computer>Properties>scroll down.

Adapt these steps to get a Perfect Reinstall.

Thanks! So no need for the double install, but do I still proceed with Manual activation?

I never uncheck auto-activation unless there's a need to wait the full 30 days to activate. You should know in a day or two if this is the install you want.

Hello. I need some clarification. When I bought my pc, it came installed with Win Vista Home 32 Bit. I have since then upgraded to Win 7 Home 32 Bit using upgrade discs provided by the Mfg. Will I be able to do a clean install of Win 7 as well even though I have a vista COA?

Yes, as long as you saved the Product Key for your Windows 7 Upgrade version.

When you boot the DVD to clean reinstall, it will see an OS on the HD and allow use of Upgrade version key during install. If there is no OS on the HD then you'd leave the key blank during install and afterwards do the quick registry workaround given in this tutorial to activate Upgrade version on new or wiped HD: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

I apologize if this question has already been answered, but I am guessing it hasn't:

Currently, I have the OEM license (different from the retail license on the sticker on my comp) active, but the ability to change it to the retail license on the sticker. I haven't tried because I didn't know if it was necessary/safe/possible, but would doing this assuming it works, have any effect positive or negative on the upgrade clean install process?

Thanks in advance!

P.S. Do you have the words "Boot From CD" assigned to some sort of hot key or shortcut for this forum? I am just trying to understand how you have the patience to literally say the same thing for approximately 33 pages?

The license on the COA sticker affixed to computer would be Factory OEM if you have a computer which came with preinstalled Windows 7. The Product Key on sticker is used to clean reinstall it - otherwise running the Recovery partition or Disks will auto-activate using factory mass activation method. To clean reinstall Factory OEM with the Product Key on COA sticker follow these steps: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 - Windows 7 Forums .

A retail license is Full Version, Upgrade version or Builder's OEM which come with COA sticker in package. Is this what you have now? You can change a retail install of the same version to Factory OEM using the COA sticker Product Key, or vice versa. Just let us know which exactly you want to do as it isn't yet clear.

Well I'm not quite sure really. I just really want to make sure that my upgrade from Vista x32 to 7 x64 goes as smooth as possibly, and I am leaning towards going with your method here, of purchasing just the upgrade license. Let me illustrate what I mean about the differences without actually posting a product key here.

When I go to system information, the system key reads: XXXXX-OEM-etc... (it's visually segmented differently than the sticker on my tower)
The sticker on my tower reads: XXXXX-XXXXX-etc... (no "OEM")

I have the option to change the key in system information. What is the difference between the two keys, as they are obviously different keys...but do the function the same? Are they connected to one another? Should I activate the sticker key before attempting to upgrade or at any point in time?

That isn't the key in System Information, it is the Product ID. The OEM means it is factory preinstalled.

No key is used or in any way referenced during upgrade except the one which comes with the Upgrade. You don't even need to have the qualifying OS installed to use Upgrade version as you can get a superior clean install even on a blank or new HD using a popular workaround given out by MS. Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Otherwise the Upgrade installer when booted sees an OS and allows use of Upgrade version key during clean install. Clean Install Windows 7

Or you can do the In Place Upgrade from Vista: A simple guide to a successful in-place upgrade - Windows 7 Forums

I tried a "100% clean Install" with my Upgrade DVD and it said my key was NOT Valid...Go Figure......luckily I had an Image to fall back on.