Windows 7 freezes after upgrade install

Hi Liv - Congrats on the successful install. As stated in the beginning you need to use one of the workarounds to activate a clean install on a wiped HD.

If you're hesitant to mess with the registry, then use the method to run Win7 upgrade install over itself. This has absolutely no impact on performance but only refreshes all of the operating system files and resets activation while tricking the installer into accepting Upgrade version key since it is doing an Upgrade.

Millions of beta testers for both Vista and Win7 have used this method successfully to avoid having to reinstall XP or Vista.

Place your Win7 DVD in tray, run Install when it comes up on desktop, select Upgrade and allow it to run while connected to the internet. Do not boot the DVD this time! This is called a Repair Install which is run from desktop.

Greg

HI everyone!

I am writing this on my squeaky clean computer running a SUCCESSFULLY activated copy of clean installed UPGRADE version Windows 7.

Having been denied by MS U.K, I called the MS U.S support centre. They instantly understood the problem, took totally accountability and activated my product key. For anyone who has suffered similar problems to me, this is how the problem was resolved:
1) Called MS helpline, tried to resolve the problem with activation department, but was unsuccessful.
2) Transferred to the Customer support and gave a brief and truthful explaination of my situation. I was NOT given the same lecture that I recieved at MS U.K.
3) MS representative asked me to re-enter product key and give her the error code that popped up.
4) After analysing the problem, the representative asked me to type 'MSDT' in the search bar and click on the available entry.
5) I was then given a pass key over the phone in order to run the diagnostic tool, which I did.
6) Ran the diagnostic tool, which diagnosed two problems (they flashed up quickly, so I can't remember exactly) and then offered an option to 'Fix and Re-start'. I fixed and re-booted.
7) Activation successful message was displayed. They now have a case file for me in case something happens down the line.

What I have learned from this entire experience;

1) You absolutely CAN run an UPGRADE copy of windows 7 as an entity in it's own right. If 'support' customer service reps (Microsoft/Norton etc) tell you otherwise they are just being stubborn or mis-informed.
2)Windows 7 runs much more fluently and smoothly without a pre-installed version of windows dragging it down with unnecessary baggage. Right now, for the first time since I purchased my laptop 4 months ago, it is a pleasure to use. It's feels like I have a brand new system.
3)Deep cleaning my HD was very satisfying on many levels!
4)If you need to contact MS support, don't bother wasting your your time and money trying to deal with MS in the U.K (I live in London, U.K which is why I called them first). They straight up refused to help me activate, told me that I shouldn't get advice from forums such as Sevenforums (inferiority complexes I suppose) and told me it was IMPOSSIBLE to get an upgrade copy to work after a clean install. MS U.S customer support weren't in the least bit condesending, listened and had me activated in less than 15 minutes. Go MS U.S.A !!!!
5)Finally and most importantly, it is due to the members of this forum that I am where I am today. There was always someone available who could advice me exactly what to do, at every stage. They have more knowlege and patience then anyone I have ever dealt with in an official capacity. And as far as I can assume, they do it all in there own valuble time. To everyone who advised me along the way, I truly hope you get the thanks you rightly deserve.

I'm off now to play with my fabulous fully functioning hardware and software package!

Until I stumble again....

Thanks to everyone!

Liv

Glad it worked out for you, Liv. Just think how much you have learned.

The bottom line on the activation issue is that you own a qualifying license for Vista, so under the EULA you can use the Upgrade version. Period.

As we documented here repeatedly, MS Tech Support actually issued the registry workaround right after Win7 release in order to help millions of beta testers who had already deleted their XP or Vista. But we also suspected they might tighten up restrictions after a grace period of time, which appears the case.

I think you found a MS agent who was ready and willing to cooperate. If you compliment the person, I'd avoid specifics because they might be under orders not to issue the workaround any longer and we don't want such a "friendly" to get in trouble, just be thanked for helping an eager learner who just wiped her HD and clean reinstalled Win7 - an invaluable learning experience which will serve you for the rest of your life.

You mean the Geek Squad guys don't know everything? Say it ain't so. You guys sure earned your Rep on this one wow. Nice work Greg.

Glad to hear everything worked out for you Liv. Enjoy your almost new PC again.

Now that everything is installed and activated I'm just going to put one more bit of advice out there. Here's a helpful tutorial on imaging your hard drive. If and when you have any future problems with your Windows 7 install, you have a system image to fall back on.
Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup[2]=Backup%20Restore

Take care and have a nice day.

Reading back over this great thread, I realize we didn't get into some of the optimization hints that can assure Win7 will run quickly without hangs on a permanent basis. Here are some tips:

Install programs slowly over a period of time, so you can check performance after each install. Don't allow any programs to freeload on your startup unless you absolutely need them to start up with the computer and not when you click on them. Delete their listings promptly in (type in Start Search box) msconfig Startup tab. I only allow my AV (MS Sec Essentials or Avast) and gadgets + Stickynotes in mine.

Monitor the Performance-Diagnostics log at Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Performance Information and Tools\Advanced Tools for cued issues, Generate a System Health Report, and research repeat errors to improve performance. Start with Google, bring chronic ones here for help.

Clean and order your machine monthly with the free state-of-the-art tools used by the pro's: CCleaner "Run Cleaner" and Registry tab, the Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers.

When it is just as you like, save the Win7 Backup Image which Electro recommends so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD (or replacement) in 15 minutes from DVD.

You already have friends here and are part of our community, so bring any or all of your issues here as needed. Start in General for most attention unless the issue fits another forum better.

Hi again,

Some more great advice on optimization and back-up. I definitely won't be abusing my laptop in the way I unknowingly was before. I want to get the best out of system and learning along the way makes it all the more enticing. First thing that I have trashed is Norton. I'm going to have to use a free one for now (MS Ess), until I have researched the best one for me (I guess that is a topic for another forum). Something that runs quietly in the background but has a hardcore detection rating. I have to thank Norton for one thing though. If it hadn't allowed the plague to attack my computer, then I wouldn't have gone through this informative process.

Greg- don't worry, I would never rat on a friendly! I was just astonished at the different level of support I encountered. I thought MS U.S deserved a shout out for that

Liv