Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Thanks, Brink! I appreciate the quick and clear response - and so will the OP!

Thanks for clearing up tons of conflicting information listed anywhere and everywhere on the Internet. I've backed up all my files and transferred them to another computer. I have easy access to all my software and drivers that will need to be installed and updated. I've completed reformatting the hard drive and installation of 7 and am working on the Windows Updates now. I've not activated yet, but the Key was accepted in step 13 with no problem. My laptop was one of the last Vistas to roll out the door, so I got a great deal on a flying machine. Since it was at the end of the run for Vista before the release of 7, I was sent the Vista to 7 upgrade disk along with the upgrade assistant DVD. When I received the upgrade after the release of 7 I did the install of 7 over Vista. I was not pleased doing it at the time, but figured I didn't want to shoot myself in the foot and piss anyone off at big brother. So, every since October/November 2009 I've been using 7 installed over Vista. I only had to deal with Vista for a month or so before the upgrade. I hated knowing all the Vista trash was floating around on my machine. Everything has been running great with 7 over Vista, but I've been dying to do an honest to goodness clean install. I've been too afraid to give it a go...until today. Thanks for giving me the courage to make a run at a fresh machine. I'm just about finished with all the windows updates. Wish me luck as I try an activate. I'll post back with an update. Brink, you rock!

Wow Brink, your response was quick. I'm done with all the updates and driver type stuff...I think. Just finished resetting the WIE and am going to do one last check for updates and driver issues. My WIE was only 3.4 (Gaming Graphics) with a 4.1 as the next lowest for Graphics. Just cheap graphics and display software and hardware stuff I guess??? Any suggestions? I'm sure I can tweak it later after the install goes through. Then, for the big activation moment. Anything I should keep in mind before I try an activate online? Should I install all my third party software before I activate or what until it's activated? Thanks so much for your dedication and help! This forum is the best thing on the web for 7 users. Like I said back in August when I first found the site and became a member, this is a wonderful resource. Wish I had known about this as soon as I got the 7 upgrade disk!

I had no problems activating. Now what's killing me is getting all my settings back the way the were. Thanks again for a wonderful resource!