Doing a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

[zrtom]

Do all that you said to do +....

1) Don't insert the product key on install
2) Make the registry change Paul Thurrott documented
3)Re-Arm the install (yes...I said Re-Arm)
4)Input your key and activate

Of course this needs alot more info but this is the general process. THIS WAS ALSO VERIFIED OVER THE PHONE FROM MS WHEN I CALLED THEM TODAY

You meant Re-Arm and reboot under #3) didn't you? (since you don't have to install again)

 

[Zidane24]

Do all that you said to do +....

1) Don't insert the product key on install
2) Make the registry change Paul Thurrott documented
3)Re-Arm the install (yes...I said Re-Arm)
4)Input your key and activate

Of course this needs alot more info but this is the general process. THIS WAS ALSO VERIFIED OVER THE PHONE FROM MS WHEN I CALLED THEM TODAY

You meant Re-Arm and reboot under #3) didn't you? (since you don't have to install again)

err...yes

 

[SilverGator]

Will formatting with the Clean Install option get rid of both of these "partitions?" Is there a way I can do that? If not, what do I do with that other partition once I format the main partition? Just use it for my own back-up?
When you run Windows Setup and get to the partitioner part just choose each partition and click delete (if this is what you desire). After that you, in essence, formatted the drive. Just continue by double clicking the un-allocated space

I guess I need to do it in order to understand it, but I was under the impression that...

When you get to that screen, you can choose one drive, format it, and then it will install Windows 7 on it. Are you saying I can delete the second partition before I do any of this? Then when it goes back to the screen, it will combine both into one, I would format that, and then it would all work?

Do you guys utilize partitions? If so, why? Should I just keep this tiny partition, wipe it clean and utilize it for something else?

Thanks again for the advice.

Yes, using Advanced Tools on the Custom install from boot, you can delete any or all partitions, which will combine their unallocated space, then Create one or more new partitions as you please, which you format and then install to the first partition since it is faster and contains the boot sector.

On a dual boot, as long as you install Win7 last, you can put it in any partition separate from the other OS and it will configure the boot menu for you.

Be sure to back up any data on a deleted partition first.

Normally I delete them all and format one big partition, which can later be shrunk and partitioned using WIn7's excellent Disk Management utility.

Exactly what I wanted to know. My second partition is titled "RECOVERY D:" and has 10 GB. The main one is 173 GB (250 GB drive). OK, that's good. So there is no good reason for me to have a partition then? (I have a 500GB back-up external HD as well, FYI.)

 

[gregrocker]

I guess I need to do it in order to understand it, but I was under the impression that...

When you get to that screen, you can choose one drive, format it, and then it will install Windows 7 on it. Are you saying I can delete the second partition before I do any of this? Then when it goes back to the screen, it will combine both into one, I would format that, and then it would all work?

Do you guys utilize partitions? If so, why? Should I just keep this tiny partition, wipe it clean and utilize it for something else?

Thanks again for the advice.

Yes, using Advanced Tools on the Custom install from boot, you can delete any or all partitions, which will combine their unallocated space, then Create one or more new partitions as you please, which you format and then install to the first partition since it is faster and contains the boot sector.

On a dual boot, as long as you install Win7 last, you can put it in any partition separate from the other OS and it will configure the boot menu for you.

Be sure to back up any data on a deleted partition first.

Normally I delete them all and format one big partition, which can later be shrunk and partitioned using WIn7's excellent Disk Management utility.

Exactly what I wanted to know. My second partition is titled "RECOVERY D:" and has 10 GB. The main one is 173 GB (250 GB drive). OK, that's good. So there is no good reason for me to have a partition then? (I have a 500GB back-up external HD as well, FYI.)

That recovery partition will be disabled (if it is factory installed) when you install Win7 so you can delete it, but you might want to make your recovery disk set if you haven't yet since those disks are generated from that partition. You would only need them if you wanted to restore the computer to factory condition so you can sell it, but want to migrate your WIndows 7 to your next computer.

THen delete them both after booting from the installer, create one big partition (that's what it's called even if it's one) and format it.

 

[Darryl Licht]

Here is a petition to Digital River which I hope to get more signers on
Digital River Should Provide New Windows 7 Installer Petition

There is an old saying in Rome... Caveat Emptor!

You should have done your research before you pre-ordered! A 32 bit OS has never been an upgrade path to a 64 bit... and for you to cry foul is amazing given MS documentation of the upgrade scenarios.

I agree that the current DL in an .exe format is not going to work for probably 30-50% of "students" who qualified for the Digital River/MS offering. However, we all chose to save the $13 USD and avoid ordering the DVD... so again that roman saying comes into play!

But there is a great WORKING remedy to this .exe issue here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/30470-make-bootable-iso-student-d-l.html

It works and creates a perfect bootable DVD! I know, I've used it... many thanks SIW2!

 

[HammerHead]

Whew

Does MS sell a hard disk with Win 7 installed?



:roflmao:

 

[mastman]

Similar query to SilverGator's, but I am a few steps further down the road. Have a fully-licensed XP machine. Decided to also install a new larger hard drive. Disconnected XP drive while I installed Build 7600 on the new one. Tried to activate when I got the MS email today for the upgrade I bought during the half-price special in June. Of course MS says no go 'cause it's a clean install. Doh, I should have know better.

Do you see a work around, or do i need to backtrack quite a bit? Sorry in advance if this should have been in a separate post.

BTW i read the entire "clean install" link above and saw nothing that would help.

mastman

You have to start the Upgrade disk from the qualifying activated OS in order to install Win7 Upgrade disk via clean install to the separate HDD. Then you can dual boot, or change the boot order in the BIOS, mark Win7 install HDD active and run startup repair to get rid of the dual boot.

Glad I subscribed to this thread. Just used the Paul Thurrott trick, and I am now properly activated without having to go through any other troubles. I was even doing this over Remote Desktop to my work PC! - mm

 

[zrtom]

I guess I need to do it in order to understand it, but I was under the impression that...

When you get to that screen, you can choose one drive, format it, and then it will install Windows 7 on it. Are you saying I can delete the second partition before I do any of this? Then when it goes back to the screen, it will combine both into one, I would format that, and then it would all work?

Do you guys utilize partitions? If so, why? Should I just keep this tiny partition, wipe it clean and utilize it for something else?

Thanks again for the advice.

Yes, using Advanced Tools on the Custom install from boot, you can delete any or all partitions, which will combine their unallocated space, then Create one or more new partitions as you please, which you format and then install to the first partition since it is faster and contains the boot sector.

On a dual boot, as long as you install Win7 last, you can put it in any partition separate from the other OS and it will configure the boot menu for you.

Be sure to back up any data on a deleted partition first.

Normally I delete them all and format one big partition, which can later be shrunk and partitioned using WIn7's excellent Disk Management utility.

Exactly what I wanted to know. My second partition is titled "RECOVERY D:" and has 10 GB. The main one is 173 GB (250 GB drive). OK, that's good. So there is no good reason for me to have a partition then? (I have a 500GB back-up external HD as well, FYI.)

Gator,
You should fill in your system specs.
If your system is a Dell, installing Windows 7 does not disable your recovery partition. And Dells do not have a "create recovery disk set" process. The recovery is all contained in the D:\RECOVERY\Dell\Factory.wim file which is run through the F8 Windows Recovery enviroment by the files in the D:\RECOVERY\Tools folder. Again, that is if your system is a Dell.

Additionally, early reports indicate the mere existence of the D:\RECOVERY partition (which contains a Windows Preinstallation Environment besides the Factory.wim file and the Tools folder) obviates the need for tweaks or hacks to get an upgrade version of Windows 7 to clean install and activate on the first try.
Tom

 

[Darryl Licht]

Glad I subscribed to this thread. Just used the Paul Thurrott trick, and I am now properly activated without having to go through any other troubles. I was even doing this over Remote Desktop to my work PC! - mm

Yes, that and the nice workaround posted here http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...udent-d-l.html
on making the student upgrade download into a bootable DVD from those nasty setup1.box, setup2.box, and Win7-P-Retail-en-us-x86.exe or x64 executables!

As I've stated previously, it works! I burned following instructions there and it booted right to setup... then I opted out of installation as it's not my copy!

I will be trying Paul's trick Tuesday when I install it on a student's laptop!

Also, for anyone who hasnt tried it yet, Windows 7 EZ Transfer (migwiz.exe) is just that! I used it when I upgraded my personal lappy to Win7 Ultimate, and it performed quickly and accurately! You just need an external drive or similar large storage device to hold your old files, settings, etc! My data amounted to 23GB.

HINT for XP and other upgraders: Use the MIGWIZ.EXEW file found on your Win7 DVD not the one in XP! It's found in the Support\migwiz folder on your install DVD and it is faster and much more detailed than XP's migwiz!

 

[Zidane24]

Glad I subscribed to this thread. Just used the Paul Thurrott trick, and I am now properly activated without having to go through any other troubles. I was even doing this over Remote Desktop to my work PC! - mm

Yes, that and the nice workaround posted here http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...udent-d-l.html
on making the student upgrade download into a bootable DVD from those nasty setup1.box, setup2.box, and Win7-P-Retail-en-us-x86.exe or x64 executables!

As I've stated previously, it works! I burned following instructions there and it booted right to setup... then I opted out of installation as it's not my copy!

I will be trying Paul's trick Tuesday when I install it on a student's laptop!

Also, for anyone who hasnt tried it yet, Windows 7 EZ Transfer (migwiz.exe) is just that! I used it when I upgraded my personal lappy to Win7 Ultimate, and it performed quickly and accurately! You just need an external drive or similar large storage device to hold your old files, settings, etc! My data amounted to 23GB.

HINT for XP and other upgraders: Use the MIGWIZ.EXEW file found on your Win7 DVD not the one in XP! It's found in the Support\migwiz folder on your install DVD and it is faster and much more detailed than XP's migwiz!

Glad you are enjoying Windows 7...

Going to quote myself here: Windows 7...yeah it's just that easy

 

[gregrocker]

Upgrade disks will allow you to:

From the XP/Vista/RC desktop:

1) do an in-place Upgrade (reinstalls all of your programs, files and settings),
2) do a Custom overwrite of the XP/Vista/RC which places all of your files in windows.old and replaces everything else
3) do a Custom install to a another partition or HDD. Another HDD will then be dual-boot unless you unplug the XP/Vista drive, switch cables or change it to boot in BIOS, mark it active, and run Startup repair.

From boot:

1) do a formatted clean install using Custom>Advanced tools which can delete existing partitions, then create new partitions to format and install.

Many running Upgrade from Boot report their key being accepted upfront, others have had their key rejected upfront but continued install and were able to activate from Computer>Properties activation link afterward. A few have also then had to do an Upgrade over the new installation from the desktop (aka "Repair Install") which allowed them to put in the key upfront or afterward. If all fails there is a registry fix here being given by MS Tech Support.

Make no mistake, being able to do Clean Installs to formatted metal from Upgrade media is a huge benefit and effectively makes Upgrades the same as Full Retail. But to be covered, hang onto your XP/Vista disk for the life of your 7Upgrade disk, and use the great new Win7 Backup Imaging to save a copy of your installation so reinstalls are a thing of the past and your HDD can be reimaged in 15 minutes.

 

[Darryl Licht]

Make no mistake, being able to do Clean Installs to formatted metal from Upgrade media is a huge benefit and effectively makes Upgrades the same as Full Retail. But to be extra careful, hang onto your XP/Vista disk for the life of your 7Upgrade, and use the great new Win7 Backup Imaging to save a copy of your installation so reinstalls are a thing of the past.

This brings up a few interesting questions... I'm thinking outloud! LOL!

1. Would it be better to copy the contents of the install DVD to a folder or a drive partition?
2. -OR-
3. Or would there be any advantage to storing the .iso in a folder or partition? <-- you can always use one of many tools to extract the files later...???

Maybe I'm answering this myself, but it might not make a difference. What are your thoughts ppl?

Also, for some interesting web content on the topic of clean installs w/upgrade dvd (pre launch) there was a lot of confusion and madness at first... even between experts like Paul Thurrot and Harold Wong (a MS employee and blogger)... Wong was Wrong...LOL
Harold Wong's Blog Site : Rebuttal to “Windows Weekly with Paul Thurrott - Weekly 121: Wong Was Wrong”
and here
The TWiT Netcast Network with Leo Laporte

LOL!

 

[gregrocker]

What did Leo say about this? I missed him today.

I always back up all my ISO's for easy unzipping, or reimaging. That way I never have to reorder disks for anything.

 

[Howard Kaikow]

Hello SilverGator, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Yes, you can do a clean install (format) with your upgrade Windows 7 and activate it.

So, you are confirming that with the upgrade media and no operating system on the hard drive whatsoever, you can simply install this clean and then input the upgrade key when you have finished and it will activate.

From your tutorial, i see no proof being gathered whatsoever that you ever had a previous copy of a Microsoft based operating system.

Hi Parks,

Yes, that's what I am confirming.

I created a new unallocated 40GB partition, then proceded to do a clean install of the Upgrade Windows 7 Home Premium. After installing, I manually activated it without a problem and got the Genuine Software logo.

What is a "new unallocated 40GB partition"?
Does that mean that one creates a partition in Vista, but does not assign a drive letter?

Or does that mean you have just left a chunk of 40GB unallocated?

My intention is to:

1. Shrink my Vista partition from 285GB to 80GB, running Acronis Disk Director in Vista.

2. Using Acronis Disk Director in Vista, create 2 partitions G and H. H would be for non-OS files. G would be for Win 7.

3. The questions are:

a. Do I need to install Win 7 in G by booting the Win 7 upgrade media?
b. May I install Win 7 to G, while booted to Vista?

The goals are:

1, Have Vista on C, Win 7 on G, whether I am booted to Vista or Win 7.
2. Not modify anything on C, except for Win 7 putting its loader files on C.

 

[Darryl Licht]

What did Leo say about this? I missed him today.

I always back up all my ISO's for easy unzipping, or reimaging. That way I never have to reorder disks for anything.

It wasnt today, was a 5 or 6 weeks ago.

 

[Darryl Licht]

So, you are confirming that with the upgrade media and no operating system on the hard drive whatsoever, you can simply install this clean and then input the upgrade key when you have finished and it will activate.

From your tutorial, i see no proof being gathered whatsoever that you ever had a previous copy of a Microsoft based operating system.

Hi Parks,

Yes, that's what I am confirming.

I created a new unallocated 40GB partition, then proceded to do a clean install of the Upgrade Windows 7 Home Premium. After installing, I manually activated it without a problem and got the Genuine Software logo.

What is a "new unallocated 40GB partition"?
Does that mean that one creates a partition in Vista, but does not assign a drive letter?

Or does that mean you have just left a chunk of 40GB unallocated?

My intention is to:

1. Shrink my Vista partition from 285GB to 80GB, running Acronis Disk Director in Vista.

2. Using Acronis Disk Director in Vista, create 2 partitions G and H. H would be for non-OS files. G would be for Win 7.

3. The questions are:

a. Do I need to install Win 7 in G by booting the Win 7 upgrade media?
b. May I install Win 7 to G, while booted to Vista?

The goals are:

1, Have Vista on C, Win 7 on G, whether I am booted to Vista or Win 7.
2. Not modify anything on C, except for Win 7 putting its loader files on C.

I cant answer all your queries, but an unallocated partition is just space that been set aside for creating your final partition. Partitioning a HDD is a multi step process. You still in some cases have to choose the type of file structure, FAT32, NTFS, etc. and then format.

If you need info on using Disk Management which is built into Windows... http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2674-partition-volume-create-new.htmlhttp://www.theeldergeek.com/hard_drives_06.htm

Personally I like GParted for my partitioning duties... but Ive used Windows utilities also!

 

[Darryl Licht]

What did Leo say about this? I missed him today.

I always back up all my ISO's for easy unzipping, or reimaging. That way I never have to reorder disks for anything.

It wasnt today, was a 5 or 6 weeks ago.

If you want to listen to just the section of the show I linked to above, it starts at 17:24 in... remember that this was 5-6 weeks ago and alot has been learned since!

 

[VxThrasherxV]

what im wanting to do when i get windows 7 is
completely get rid of vista and just keep 7
will "custom install" keep all my files on my hard drive?
i dont remember what i did with the beta but it kept all of my documents where they were and i dont wanna go get it if its gonna reformat my computer

Just curious from the pervious post

 

[richc46]

If you want to keep your files, do an in place upgrade. A custom or clean install will erase everything in the partion that you chose for the installation

 

[gregrocker]

A custom install run from Vista/XP will save your files in windows.old folder if it is an overwrite of the Vista/XP partition, however it will not save your files to windows.old if you install to another partition or HDD, you can copy them over via explorer after install.

Always back up your files anyway, and remember to create and save an image of your finished install with Windows7 great new Backup Imaging so that reinstalls are a thing of the past.