Can I buy Windows 7 'upgrade' and still do clean install?

Chris K · 14 Jun 2010

I currently have Vista Premium installed but I want a clean (format) install of Windows 7

Can I buy Windows 7 'upgrade' and still do clean install?

Tews · 14 Jun 2010

Yes, you can .... Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

1Bowtie · 14 Jun 2010

Hi Chris K Welcome to SevenForums

Short answer YES no problem

gregrocker · 14 Jun 2010

When you boot the Win7 DVD, it will scan the HD to see Vista and pass a flag to allow Upgrade Version key, even if you then go on to use Custom>Drive Tools (which you should) to Delete all, create new partition(s) as you wish, then format before installing Win7 to first partition.

After you get it set up and running as you want, then save a Win7 Backup Image externally so you never have to reinstall again - just reimage the HD (or replacement) using DVD or Repair CD in 15 minutes.

richc46 · 14 Jun 2010

Welcome

You have been given very good advice, several times above. May I just give you our tutorial in the event that you may have questions.
Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version[2]=General Tips

NTFS · 14 Jun 2010

You could save cash and buy an OEM version, but it will be locked to your motherboard, unless you call Microsoft and ask nicely to activate it on another PC.

Chris K · 15 Jun 2010

gregrocker said:

When you boot the Win7 DVD, it will scan the HD to see Vista and pass a flag to allow Upgrade Version key, even if you then go on to use Custom>Drive Tools (which you should) to Delete all, create new partition(s) as you wish, then format before installing Win7 to first partition.

After you get it set up and running as you want, then save a Win7 Backup Image externally so you never have to reinstall again - just reimage the HD (or replacement) using DVD or Repair CD in 15 minutes.

Thats great thanks

Chris K · 15 Jun 2010

NTFS said:

You could save cash and buy an OEM version, but it will be locked to your motherboard, unless you call Microsoft and ask nicely to activate it on another PC.

Any idea where i can buy cheapest OEM Windows 7 Premium?

Jonathan_King · 15 Jun 2010

Chris K said:

NTFS said:

You could save cash and buy an OEM version, but it will be locked to your motherboard, unless you call Microsoft and ask nicely to activate it on another PC.

Any idea where i can buy cheapest OEM Windows 7 Premium?

Newegg.com is a good place to start.

There is no reason to buy the OEM for you though. It is more expensive, and an Upgrade license will work just as well.

gregrocker · 15 Jun 2010

Jonathan_King said:

Chris K said:

NTFS said:

You could save cash and buy an OEM version, but it will be locked to your motherboard, unless you call Microsoft and ask nicely to activate it on another PC.

Any idea where i can buy cheapest OEM Windows 7 Premium?

Newegg.com is a good place to start.

There is no reason to buy the OEM for you though. It is more expensive, and an Upgrade license will work just as well.

You also want the flexibility to migrate your Win7 upgrade to any other machine in the future if need be, which you can't do with OEM that becomes locked to the hardware and is intended for System Builders.