New SSD and Clean install issue


  1. dajogejr
    Posts : 140
    7 Pro 64 Bit
       New #1

    New SSD and Clean install issue


    Just got a new HDD for my girl's PC.
    It's about 3 years old. It was Vista, earlier this year I got her retail Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade (came with 32 and 64 bit DVDs).

    I took advantage of the 64GB 100 dollar SSD from Micro Center.
    Install went as smooth as can be.

    When I put the Product Key in, however, it errors out saying the DVD I have is for an update only, not a clean install.

    Anyone have the number I need to call at MS to fix this? Replacing a hard drive, or upgrading, should allow me to clean install Windows 7 on her PC.
    I bought it from Sam's club earlier this year, legit retail packaging...

    The original hard drive is disconnected but has 7 installed just fine, I was trying to give her a little speed with a cheap but fast SSD.
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  3. richc46
    Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       New #2

    Welcome
    If you use an upgrade DVD, it must be put on a hide drive that had a Qualifying OS
    Vista or XP
    You cannot put it on a new HD
    You must have a qualifyign OS on that driver first.
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  4. Kipper
    Posts : 409
    win7 Ult 64
       New #3

    I think now that the OS is installed that he can do another install over it and this time select upgrade instead of custom and after the upgrade install the OS should take the key. I think that's how I have done it in the past.
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  6. dajogejr
    Posts : 140
    7 Pro 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    hmm...will try that Kipper.
    Thanks...
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  7. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       New #5

    Here are a few activation options including a MS phone link at the end of the page: Activate Windows 7 Online
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  8. dajogejr
    Posts : 140
    7 Pro 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       New #6

    Thanks WHS...Happy T Day!
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  10. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #7

    If you install Upgrade version to a cleaned or new HD/SSD, you need to do one of the workarounds given here in order to activate it. The registry workaround is the easiest: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

    Under the EULA you must have a qualifying XP or Vista which you don't use again in order to use Upgrade version, although it does not have to be installed to qualify.
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  11. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       New #8

    dajogejr said:
    Thanks WHS...Happy T Day!
    You are welcome.
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