Windows 7: Clean install with Upgrade disk, Activation?

I have Vista activated on my PC, i would like to use the Win 7 upgrade disk to do a clean install.
From the tutorial section i have learnt how to do this. Im going to do the Custom install option so my data is saved to Windows.old folder.
However upon activation, can i just use the Serial which comes with the upgrade box?
Or must i now use a normal serial?

Just use your upgrade box serial.

You can even boot the DVD to get the cleanest possible install, Custom using Drive Tools to Delete all partitions, create New one(s) as you wish, then Format before install.

DVD will scan the HD upon bootup to see Vista, passing a flag to allow Upgrade version key.

Since you need to back up your files anyway on any install or Upgrade, you might as well boot the DVD to get the cleanest, formatted install.

ok, so this is what im going to do.
Backup files
Boot from Win 7 DVD
Custom install
Format Vista and create partitions
Install
Enter Upgrade key during installation

Please let me know if that will work 100%.

Thanks for the info guys.

If you have a Recovery Partition, I'd make my Recovery Disks off of it first. This way you have a path back to factory condition in case you ever want to sell that p.c. and migrate your Windows 7 to another.

Once you do this, you can delete all partitions using Custom>Drive Tools since Recovery partition will likely be disabled anyway from Windows 7 install.

There is no way to guarantee there will be no hitches with any install. There are a few things you can check first to minimize the possibilities though: Check that your BIOS version is latest, or update from computer manufacturer's SUpport Downloads webpage for your model. If necessary remove all but 2 gb of RAM for install. Try install with SATA controller set to AHCI in BIOS.

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