Clean Install Windows Key ?

Mike99 · 22 Jul 2016

I'm thinking about doing a clean Win7 install onto an SSD. The PC came with Win7 64 bit Home. I updated to Win7 64 bit Ultimate using another Key. I didn't re-install anything, the Ultimate Key just unlocked the Ultimate version that was already "hidden" within Windows.

If I do a clean install should I use the original Restore discs I created when the PC was new & use the original Key, & then upgrade to Ultimate? Or should I just install from the Ultimate disc?

Using the Restore discs would be a clean install along with all the proper drivers, but would also load some bloatware. Using the Ultimate disk would be a really clean install, and no drivers.

The concern is what will Microsoft be looking for as my authentic copy of Window? Will using 2 Keys cause a problem at this point or will skipping the original Key cause a problem? Or does it really matter?

ThrashZone · 23 Jul 2016

Hi,
I'd use the ultimate disk personally
Desktops have very few issues getting drivers from the installer/ updates you might get your amd chipset driver/ vga from the manufactures website ahead of time and Ethernet... so at least you have them.
Only have a wired mouse and key board connected at installation

https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/...ows-7-and-8-1/

There are also these update to download in advance so you can skip most of the updating later
Newest clean install from M$ catalog,
1) Manually install KB3020369
32 bit
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/down....aspx?id=46827
64 bit
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/down....aspx?id=46817
2) Manually install KB3125574 you must use ie11 to download this update from the catalog
On the top right use the search for KB3125574
Microsoft Update Catalog
3) Manually install the newest update client included in this July rollup
July update rollup KB3172605 to replace June's KB3161608
Manually check for updates and any missing should show up shortly.

Then you can just deal with ie11 updates if ie11 has issues installing from the updates,
Prerequisite updates for Internet Explorer 11
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2847882

Layback Bear · 23 Jul 2016

If you have a proper Windows 7 Ultimate DVD with the matching proper COA key, I would do a Clean Install on your new SSD. Remove all drives except the new SSD and your DVD player first.

I'm not sure Microsoft has Windows 7 upgrades any more except to W-10.

Windows 7 pretty much is driver complete so you shouldn't have much problems there. You might find a few drivers that need update in Device Manager after the install and Windows Updates are completed.

Take a good read through this tutorial by Brink.

Clean Install Windows 7

AddRAM · 23 Jul 2016

Did you use a windows Anytime Upgrade key, or did you use a normal activation key that came with the Windows Ultimate install DVD ?

Windows Anytime Upgrade has been dead for quite sometime.

And what version of Home do you have a key for ?

Home Basic or Home Premium ?

Mike99 · 23 Jul 2016

The PC came with Windows 7 Home Premium & the COA sticker has a product key listed.

It's been several years since I did the upgrade to Ultimate & am not sure of the differences in the Keys. What is the Anytime Upgrade & if it's been dead for sometime does that mean the upgrade will not work, or that you just cannot buy it anymore?

Wandering one · 23 Jul 2016

The upgrade will work fine. Install the original Home Premium first and activate. Then go to 'all programs' and click on 'upgrade' Follow the instructions and enter your upgrade key. Takes only a couple of minutes. I have the same from Home to Pro.
Art.