Windows 7 - How to install the Upgrade version to blank HDD

• Downloaded the Student offer. (Pro x64 in my case)
• made an iso following this guide: Make bootable iso from student d/l
• Boot from DVD
• Choose Custom install when prompted.
• Go to Options, format the hard drive.
• Skip the CD-KEY
• Choose to NOT download updates
• Let the OS install
• Once done, Go activate Windows with your CD KEY
• Wait 5 mins. Tadam, Congratulations, your copy is activated.

That was tested on VMWare, after numerous other trials. Going to do that live now!

Worked also for me booting from Upgrade disk and formatting before install, but I put my activation key in upfront.

Looks like they have shipped retail keys with the pre-ordered Upgrades. Thanks, MS

Ok...now i feel retarded.

Since i activated on a VM, it won't let me activate on live!!!!

Is there anyway to get around this or I'm should go bang my head on a wall right now?

EDIT:

IF it happens to you, use the phone automated system to activate. It will work!

Hi sephiros,
I ran into the same issue. I had to let it install with a blank key during setup, and then run the install a 2nd time (was able to do clean install 2nd time). I think setup scans somewhere on the PC for a partition with windows (activated or unactivated didn't seem to matter).

Take a look here if you're curious on what I tried:
Doing a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version