need help x64 vista hp to x64 W7 pro WITHOUT "clean install"

I recently got a student edition of W7pro and was so excited to say good by to vista, after the custom "clean install" i was surprised to learn that my original back up disks with all of my apps would not be recognized nor the separate partition. I contacted HP and they said they "only stand behind the windows upgrade" and were unable to help me. there has to be a way to do this. is there?

to paraphrase:
I want to upgrade from x64 vista to x64 W7 (I don't care what version)
I already paid for the OS so i don't want to pay again
any help would be greatly appreciated.

quick note, I searched 5 pages deep in the forum for a similar issue and didn't find one, if there is already a work around for this please don't hesitate to point me in the right direction. Thank you

Why would you pay again for the same OS? You own it for life to move to any computer or reinstall as often as you like with the Product Key you received. It does not expire or decide it doesn't like you.

What back-up disk is this you are trying to use? If it's the Apps and Drivers for your HP model then they are also available on the HP SUpport Downloads webpage for your model. Reimporting the bloatware and useless HP apps that have better versions built into Win7 can defeat the purpose of a clean install. The Win7 installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates.

I would boot the Win7 installation DVD, use the Custom install Drive Options to delete all partitions and reinstall adapting these tips to get a perfect install: Reinstalling Windows 7