Windows 7: 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.

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.

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.

hmm...will try that Kipper.
Thanks...

Here are a few activation options including a MS phone link at the end of the page: Activate Windows 7 Online

Thanks WHS...Happy T Day!

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.

You are welcome.