For everyone concerned about buying the upgrade disk

[grouchpunk08]

Sorry, its stated before as "DOUBLE-INSTALL", but upgrading after installing is slow.. A short re-cap:

WHAT I WOULD DO IF my country had the 50$ offer:
1. Install Windows 7 without key.
2. Also uncheck activate online.
3. Once Windows 7 installed (30 day trial),BOOT IT then run the autorun from Windows 7 DVD...
4. Put your Upgrade key.
5. Select Clean Install (It will still work) [not upgrade].
6. WAIT.
7. Once all is done. ACTIVATE!

Thanks for the info. I added this as an optional alternative to section 2 of what Lordbob provided. and credited you with the information

 

[Snufffed]

Sorry, its stated before as "DOUBLE-INSTALL", but upgrading after installing is slow.. A short re-cap:

WHAT I WOULD DO IF my country had the 50$ offer:
1. Install Windows 7 without key.
2. Also uncheck activate online.
3. Once Windows 7 installed (30 day trial),BOOT IT then run the autorun from Windows 7 DVD...
4. Put your Upgrade key.
5. Select Clean Install (It will still work) [not upgrade].
6. WAIT.
7. Once all is done. ACTIVATE!

KEYs are selective. RETAIL keys will activate as CLEAN. UPGRADE KEYs only work as UPGRADE.

PS: If you do it wrong you can invalidate your KEY.

 

[grouchpunk08]

KEYs are selective. RETAIL keys will activate as CLEAN. UPGRADE KEYs only work as UPGRADE.

You can do a clean install with an upgrade disk, otherwise using upgrade disks with XP wouldn't work at all. His method is the clean install version of upgrading. thats how you can clean install while upgrading from vista, and the way MS tells you is the best way. MS says the recommended way of upgrading is clean install, even when using the upgrade key. The main thing is you have to launch setup inside of a running OS

 

[zigzag3143]

upgrade disk

You can do a clean install with an upgrade disk, otherwise using upgrade disks with XP wouldn't work at all

I dont think anyone really "knows for sure" whats what. there have been 125 different opinions in four days. MS can and has changed their minds a few times in the past.

So only time and bill gates can tell

Ken

 

[grouchpunk08]

I dont think anyone really "knows for sure" whats what. there have been 125 different opinions in four days. MS can and has changed their minds a few times in the past.

So only time and bill gates can tell

Ken

The comment that snuffy commented on would work, as its the same method as clean installing 7 from WITHIN windows vista, and the ONLY way of upgrading XP(other than the dual isntall of 7), which a MS rep told me would work, and is the recommended way of upgrading, also said by the MS rep. Which yeah, can change, but I don't think that aspect will change.

 

[dlcampbe]

It wouldn't matter how many times you used it. As long as you are installing 7 on the same machine, your upgrade key will work after using the vista disk. Also, if you already have 7 installed and wanna do a reinstall later, you could just reinstall from within windows 7 without having to use a vista disk. Using the vista disk is only necessary when installing the windows 7 on a blank harddrive with an upgrade disk, and you dont want the hassle of having to install win7 twice to get your upgrade key to work

I guess I really need to be more explicit, I want to use the Vista disk to do a clean install of Win 7 upgrade on a new HDD, then still use Vista on a different computer. Is it possible, if not legal, to run an activated copy of Vista on a computer other than the one with the Win 7 installed with the Vista disk?:huh:

 

[grouchpunk08]

I guess I really need to be more explicit, I want to use the Vista disk to do a clean install of Win 7 upgrade on a new HDD, then still use Vista on a different computer. Is it possible, if not legal, to run an activated copy of Vista on a computer other than the one with the Win 7 installed with the Vista disk?:huh:

It is probably possible, however I'm not sure if its legal. The easiest way to go about this, in my opinion, would be have vista already installed on the other computer, and use the disk only to do the upgrade on the new HDD. But yeah, not sure if thats completely legal. Im guessing its not.

 

[dlcampbe]

Thank you.

I suspect it is NOT legal, but I don't really want to run Vista anyway. I just bought a copy for testing purposes. I dual boot 7 with XP, but I only use XP rarely now.

 

[DJG]

I've kept my XP image as an upgrade safety net . I've only been using Win 7.

 

[Snufffed]

I don't think anyone really "knows for sure" whats what. there have been 125 different opinions in four days. MS can and has changed their minds a few times in the past.

So only time and bill gates can tell

Ken

Well I guess I will have to take my UPGRADE MANUAL and scan and paste how to as stated by MS. so people not SCREW your KEY or install up. doing wrong can invalidate your KEY.
The method is very simply and straight forward. It also is for the PEOPLE WHO do not want to HACK-Modify there ISO.
This METHOD IS DESCRIDE by MS for the people who have purchased a Computer where the MANUFACTURE was TOO CHEAP to actually send them a DVD. MS also gives a METHOD of how to MAKE YOUR OWN DISK, for those who want by using the RESTORE IMAGE included.
Folks this method is 100% legal. The upgrade method clean install has been available for more than just VISTA. It is nothing NEW. It is really old HAT tried and true. the prescribe method is posted all over the MS Site, If you have the ability-knowledge to ask and look.
Plus today, MS uses .VHD to allow "special testers" how to legally upgrade. This method is OLD HAT, only done differently today. Sample: in the Windows Whistler day, it was called SLIPSTREAM.

how to slip xp.
1. create a folder on your c: drive - c:\xpsp3
2. insert the windows xp with sp2 cd, copy all folders and files to c:\xpsp3
3. download and execute, windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu.exe /integrate:c:\xpsp3
4. the service pack 3 rtm has now been integrated into your windows xp with sp2 cd in c:\xpsp3.
5. you can either burn the contents of the folder c:\xpsp3 to an iso file for burning into cd
cdimage -lwxpsp3rtm -bc:\xpboot.bin -t12/27/2007;22:00:00 -g -h -j1 -o -oc -oi -yd -m c:\xpsp3 c:\wxpsp3rtm.iso
tools required (search google)
1. xpboot.bin
2. cdimage.exe (free from microsoft)
3. windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu.exe (from links below)

I do understand this method is much over the head of over 90% of the people. PS: There was also at least 3 different (HACK) programs to allow at least 60% of the other people to slip.

Very simple both methods. and today how to make a UPGRADE disk image from a .VHD is not a HACK, it is the recommended way stated via MS.
How to make upgrade image with .vhd - This method is idiot proof for about 75% of the people.

Convert VHD to ISO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Requirements:
- A VHD
- An ISO of any Windows 7100 build (If the VHD is x86, the ISO has to be x86 also. Same thing goes for x64.)
- GImageX
- UltraISO
Steps:
1. Start > Right-click on My Computer > Manage > Disk Management
2. Click on More Actions and select Attach VHD,
3. locate your VHD and enter
4. Open up GImageX
5. For source, select the drive which the VHD was mounted to
6. For destination, make the file name install.wim and choose where it should be placed
7. For SKU Flag, choose Ultimate
8. For the description information, just customize it however you like
9. Once done, click the Create button
10. Once the conversion is complete, open UltraISO
11. Open the ISO with UltraISO
12. Inside the ISO, there will be a sources folder, so just remove the install.wim file and drag the install.wim file that you made with GImageX into the sources folder. (In other words, you are just replacing the install.wim file that's on the ISO, with the one that you made.)
13. Finally, save it as an ISO
14. Burn the ISO using UltraISO or mount the ISO!

 

[Dzomlija]

So does this mean the upgrade is out? How can I got hold of it in South Africa. MS website only allows for shipping to the US.
Edit: Ignore my post, only refreshed the browser an hour later. Didn't see the answers were already there. Apologies....

OT:

Well hello! I've been on the Windows 7 forums for awhile now, and even longer in the Vista Forums.

You're the first member I've found also from South Africa. Do you have any friends that work in a computer shop? Technically, retailers should have access to either the retail or oem versions prior to October 22, to allow for building and marketing computers in time for the official release date.

Me, I work at just such a place, so I can likely get Windows 7 x64 Ultimate at least a month before everyone else here...

 

[bobgay]

A clarification is needed for senile old farts....I am running win 7 build 7232. I have my world on it. It was upgraded from vista ultimate. I ordered win7 professional upgrade. How do i upgrade my current os and keep all my files. I know this is a dumb question, but their must be a way to get around having to reinstall all my programs. What do i do? PM me if you feel the answer might be outside legal bounds
Many Thanks
Bob

 

[xan K]

I have Windows XP Home Premium 32bit in Spanish (it comes in a CD), I just pre-ordered Win7 Home Premium in English and plan to install the 64bit version. will everything go fine (doing a clean install, of course), despite the change of language?

 

[K3VL4R]

A clarification is needed for senile old farts....I am running win 7 build 7232. I have my world on it. It was upgraded from vista ultimate. I ordered win7 professional upgrade. How do i upgrade my current os and keep all my files. I know this is a dumb question, but their must be a way to get around having to reinstall all my programs. What do i do? PM me if you feel the answer might be outside legal bounds
Many Thanks
Bob

Someone called M$ about upgrading form Windows 7 RC and they said it is ok to do. They did state RC though so I am not sure what if any problems may come about from upgrading from another build. If you are more worried about keeping your apps then the installation itself then you will just have to try it out and see. Best bet is to back up your important data and be prepared to reinstall your apps if you have to.

I have Windows XP Home Premium 32bit in Spanish (it comes in a CD), I just pre-ordered Win7 Home Premium in English and plan to install the 64bit version. will everything go fine (doing a clean install, of course), despite the change of language?

• Running earlier versions?
• If you have Windows XP or Windows 2000, you can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade versions. But you must back up your files, clean install, and reinstall your applications.

Nothing listed there is language specific so you are good to go with the upgrade.

 

[Snufffed]

A clarification is needed for senile old farts....I am running win 7 build 7232. I have my world on it. It was upgraded from vista ultimate. I ordered win7 professional upgrade. How do i upgrade my current os and keep all my files. I know this is a dumb question, but their must be a way to get around having to reinstall all my programs. What do i do? PM me if you feel the answer might be outside legal bounds
Many Thanks
Bob

I have wondering the same thing. but as an old fart also, I think buy the lesser version. Clean install on a NEW or different HD, then try the transfer thing. from old computer to new computer.
I am not use to that SORT OF STUFF.

 

[K3VL4R]

@ grouchpunk08

The Windows 7 Help & How-to page has been added to M$ and contains a lot of good info if you want to add it to the OP to help out the SF community.

 

[grouchpunk08]

@ grouchpunk08

The Windows 7 Help & How-to page has been added to M$ and contains a lot of good info if you want to add it to the OP to help out the SF community.

Thanks I'll check it out

 

[DJG]

I have wondering the same thing. but as an old fart also, I think buy the lesser version. Clean install on a NEW or different HD, then try the transfer thing. from old computer to new computer.
I am not use to that SORT OF STUFF.

As yet another old fart (man this place is starting to stink a bit ) I'm in the process of checking what exactly Windows Easy Transfer (WET???!!!) does. My experiment will be from my current 7232 x64 to 7260 x86 (currently downloading).

Check out this thread ...

DJ

 

[grouchpunk08]

As yet another old fart (man this place is starting to stink a bit ) I'm in the process of checking what exactly Windows Easy Transfer (WET???!!!) does. My experiment will be from my current 7232 x64 to 7260 x86 (currently downloading).

Check out this thread ...

DJ

Thanks. that would be very useful information to have. Feel free to post your finding here once they are complete.

 

[DJG]

Well, the bad news is you can't use WET to transfer across x86-x64 systems, they need to be the same either x86 or x64.

The good news if you can use it is it lets you add pretty much any folder hierarchy to the transfer file it creates, which BTW seems to be pretty efficient in creating. It took about 9 minutes to create a 14GB transfer file in my environment.

If I can get a new x64 leak I'll actually perform the transfer - how about it SoLoR, anything like a 7265 in the horizon ?